Fuel pumps are known to fail in hot weather because the stress on their components increases and fuel properties change. Fuel pumps usually work at their best during 60°F to 100°F temperatures, however when temperature ups the line above this range, the probability of a pump failure is increased many folds. Research indicates that almost one-quarter of fuel pump failures across the nation happen in summer, as the U.S. temperature average crests 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the ambient temperature increases, fuel inside of the tank vaporizes a lot more easily, and this directly translates to vapor lock. Vapor lock is a failure to supply an adequate fuel flow (through the fuel lines) and run engines normally, caused by gasoline changing state from liquid to gas, away from the carburetor float bowl. According to auto expert Mike Jones, “Vapor lock can stop your fuel pump from providing the correct fuel pressure, resulting in stalling and a rough-running engine.” In some of the worst cases, this phenomenon can rob engines of around 10% to 15% of their efficiency.
In addition to that, fuel pumps work at high pressures, usually 40 – 60 psi. As well as the fuel: hot weather will heat the fuel and raise pressure in the lines. This can cause the fuel pump to overheat, may reduce its service life by 50%. High temperatures cause pumps to fail over time, prematurely failing around 30% of the vehicles surveyed in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.
Materials used in fuel pump construction can deteriorate more quickly under extreme heat as well. Fuel may slowly start to leak due to weakened rubber seals and gaskets, but the real issue is that this reduces the efficiency of your pump. One of the major automakers observed that 15% fuel pump replacements were the direct result of heat-related failures, which means durable components are built to hold up under higher temperature.
The real-world cases attest to the problem too. According to drivers who have reported the problem to NHTSA, multiple reports of fuel pump failures came during long drives in hot weather (percentages as high as 100 degrees and units based on miles operates) specifically in areas where temperatures exceeded 100°F. For example, one owner from Phoenix said his fuel pump failed after a two hour drive leading to engine stalling for which carry out repair costs burgeoned up.
It is particularly vital to monitor the fuel pump under high temperatures. Symptoms of a failing pump include whining noises emitting from the pump, erratic idle, and hard starting issues. As industry analyst Sarah Thompson states, “Getting to know how your car’s fuel system works can prevent you from issues and also potentially save you money in the long range.
In the end, harsh heat disorders have a crucial affect fuel pumps jobs. Hotter temperatures can cause vapor lock, overheat valves and degrade materials, all accelerating the degradation of a valve to? undertake.Diagnostic Scan Tool. Some risk factors that can be controlled with regular maintenance and remember to know Your Fuel Pump, in temperatures like these you will notice more how well your Fuel Pump is working or not, as the case may be.