That itself is a point where it cannot be denied that a fuel pump can fail due to age or wear and tear, which is common to find in vehicles that are on the road for lots of years or have massive usage distance. The average life expectation, however, of a fuel pump is around 100,000 to 150,000 miles, that too depends on the makeup, model, and riding condition. For instance, the older cars with a Fuel Pump that has exceeded this mileage limit are more likely to develop failure due to wear and tear on internal parts.
With the aging of the Fuel Pump, the motor driving it may also become weak; this can cause a drop in fuel pressure. The normal fuel pressure range in most vehicles is from 30-60 psi, but an aging pump might not be able to sustain this pressure. It can also cause the engine to misfire, stall, or hesitate upon acceleration. The problem is more evident when driving under heavy load, for example, during fast acceleration or towing. The engine cannot get enough fuel due to a malfunctioning Fuel Pump, leading to poor performance and low efficiency.
Another contributing factor that causes Fuel Pump failure by age is the degradation of the fuel filter. Its purpose is to prevent any sort of debris or contaminants from getting to the Fuel Pump and engine. Eventually, it will block and become clogged with all the dirt, rust, and sediment coming from the fuel tank, impeding the flow of fuel. This increased strain on the Fuel Pump can lead to overheating and eventual failure. Data from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, shows that almost 30% of all Fuel Pump failures on vehicles older than 10 years can be directly attributed to clogged or dirty fuel filters.
Besides internal wear, another common cause of damage to the Fuel Pump is contamination in the fuel. Other common contaminants, such as water, dirt, or other debris in the fuel, can result in overworking of the pump, increasing its chances of wear and failure. In such cases, water inside the fuel could cause internal rust or corrosion within the pump and impede its functionality even further. Generally speaking, even a small percentage-less than 1%-of water in fuel will significantly affect the performance of a Fuel Pump, especially over time.
The signs of a failing Fuel Pump are usually pretty subtle at first. Drivers may notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, engine hesitation, or difficulty starting the vehicle. As the problem worsens, more serious symptoms-like stalling or rough idling-may occur. Regular maintenance will help prevent such issues from arising. Replacement of the fuel filter every 30,000 to 40,000 miles will help extend the life of the Fuel Pump. In addition to that, clean fuel tank and good quality fuel would be some other ways to decrease the chances of early wear.
Conclusion: Though age has a great impact on the failure of a fuel pump, poor maintenance, impurities in the fuel, and early wear and tear are some other contributory factors. As Fuel Pumps get older, they do not work as well to provide the correct amount of fuel to the engine, leading to many different performance problems. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of components such as the fuel filter can go a long way in ensuring that the Fuel Pump lasts as long as possible.