Fuel economy drastically goes down due to disruption caused by the fuel pump that prohibits the regular flow of fuel to the engine. Usually, a fuel pump designed to move fuel in the appropriate amounts from the tank into the engine is intended to function within a given operating pressurized range typically inside the range of 40-60 psi. When the fuel pump is clogged because of debris, dirt, or other impurities, it cannot supply fuel with the pressure it needs. As a result of this imbalance, the combustion process is not efficient and causes the engine to consume more fuel than needed.
It is estimated that a clogged or failing fuel pump can reduce fuel economy by as high as 20-30%, depending on the severity of the condition. Besides, modern vehicles employ complex fuel injection systems, which require accurate fuel flow for optimal performance. Any disturbance, such as a partially clogged fuel pump, results in erratic fuel delivery and, consequently, increased fuel consumption. For instance, according to a report by ASE, those vehicles that develop blockages in their fuel systems run an average of 15 percent worse in fuel economy compared with models whose pumps are functional.
A clogged pump may also make the engine struggle whenever acceleration has to be attempted, or it may run erratically, further increasing fuel loss. Symptoms could also include engine misfires or stalling, all of which further worsen fuel inefficiency. With the inconsistent fuel delivery, the vehicle may need a little more fuel to maintain speed or power, especially when driving on higher speeds or under load. In such cases, this condition may make the vehicle consume more fuel for covering the same distance, hence affecting overall fuel efficiency.
The majority of the time, mechanics find out in practical fields that dirty fuel filters and contaminated fuel are the main causes of pump blockages. These issues can be prevented with regular maintenance of the fuel system, including replacement of fuel filters. Indeed, the suggestion is that fuel filters be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 miles to avoid blockage and keep the fuel pump functioning correctly.
In summary, the fuel pump directly shows the effect on the consumption and performance of a car’s fuel. A clogged Fuel Pump will reduce fuel economy, making the car consume a lot of fuel. Car owners who feel the effect of bad fuel economy, such as struggling to start the engine and miles per gallon dropping down visibly, should have their fuel pumps inspected and serviced.