A defective fuel pump can cause fuel to leak into the evaporative system, which can be a major source of problems with the vehicles emission control as well as their fuel economy. The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) was a part of your car that was created to catch fuel vapors from the fuel tank and contain them before they escaped into the atmosphere. Fuel escaping the EVAP system can create contamination in the system and cause poor performance. Automotive Engineering Insights states that fuel leaks from faulty pumps can cause evaporative emissions to increase by 30% or more, meaning in reality you’re exceeding environmental regulations.
In automotive terms, what this means is that when the fuel pump leaks into the EVAP system, this can result in vapor buildup and stronger-than-normal fuel smell, possibly setting off the “check engine” light. CarTech Solutions, an automotive repair shop, found that 12% of fuel pump-related jobs they dealt with stemmed from leaks into the EVAP system, which frequently resulted in failed emissions tests. As a struggling attempt to comply with pressure specifications, it can eventually lead to a high rate of fuel consumption as well.
One particular example was FleetAuto, a transportation company that started experiencing elevated fuel consumption rates and a constant fuel smell in their trucks. After diagnosing the problem, they discovered that several fuel pumps started leaking and letting fuel leak into the EVAP system. The company did have to replace the pumps, but they reduced their fuel costs by 10% and seen a marked improvement in the vehicle performance.
Fuel leakage into the EVAP system poses risks not only in terms of emissions but also in performance. As we’ve discussed previously, when the fuel supply isn’t consistent, the vehicle can experience misfires, inadequate acceleration, and engine stalling as a result of leaking fuel pumps. According to data from Engine Health Reports, this kind of malfunction results in a 15-20% decrease in engine efficiency as the erratic fuel flow forces the engine to compensate for the lack of fuel flow.
As Elon Musk once said, “The secret to sustainable energy is getting every part of the system to work.” A failing or malfunctioning fuel pump can have significant effects on both the fuel and emission systems, highlighting the importance of routine inspection and monitoring.
To learn more about how to avoid, and fix, fuel pump problems, go to Fuel Pump.