| In most modern cars, an automotive fuel pump is an | | | | pump can cause the engine to stall, if it starts at all. |
| essential part of the vehicle. In particular, non-gravity | | | | One of the basic things to remember in order to |
| feed engines cannot run without one. The pump can | | | | keep the fuel pump (as well as the car as a whole) in |
| greatly affect the performance of any non-gravity | | | | good shape is to never let the car run low or run out |
| feed internal combustion engine. This is why many | | | | of fuel. Aside from being a propellant, fuel also acts |
| car enthusiasts install electric auxiliary pumps. For the | | | | as a lubricant for the pump. Letting the car run |
| average car owner, however, the proper | | | | almost dry will also cause the pump to work without |
| maintenance will do the trick. | | | | lubrication, which could cause damage to it. |
| A closer look at history of the pump is best before | | | | Another major mistake for DIY mechanics is to 'test' |
| one finds out how it works and how to maintain it. | | | | the pump by forcing the lever up and down. Moving |
| Originally, engines relied on gravity to provide a | | | | the lever by more than 3/8 of an inch can stretch |
| positive pressure of fuel into the engine. However, | | | | the diaphragm and reduce its efficiency by up to |
| the flow was inconsistent and sometimes unreliable. | | | | 50%. |
| In the 1930's, the mechanical fuel pump first came on | | | | For active maintenance, make sure to polish the |
| the scene. | | | | surfaces on the pump lever that rides on the cam, as |
| The fuel pump was developed to provide safety, | | | | wear on the cam lobe will also reduce its efficiency. |
| efficiency and comfort to drivers. Today, however, it | | | | Beyond this, the best way to maintain the |
| is considered the weak point of many engines, and | | | | automotive fuel pump is to bring the car to a |
| many car enthusiasts opt to install an auxiliary electric | | | | mechanic regularly. |
| pump in addition to the mechanical one. A faulty | | | | |