The common occurrence of a fuel pump overheating tends to point to a symptom of other more serious problems. This is one reason; which is the low fuel situation while driving the car. The gas is used to cool the pump, and while you probably will never run out of fuel unless you ignore the yellow light in your car if ever you do then it may lead to your pump overheating as is is exposed air. General Motors recommends at least keeping a quarter tank of fuel in the vehicle to oblige the pump remain submerged and cool, and we alerted it. If you regularly drive on an empty tank the lifter can overheat as pumping fuel is a lubrication process and having no fuel causes unnecessary wear, especially for long distance drives and continuous operation stress.
Particulates in a clogged fuel filter can also cause damage and overheating of the fuel pump. After you have driven a while, the filter can become clogged with dirt from the fuel system and if it is not changed at the recommended service interval — normally somewhere around 20,000 to 40,000 miles depending on make and model — it can block fuel flow. The restriction causes the pump to have to work harder, and this in turn creates heat. According to Bosch, a key automotive-components manufacturer, a clogged fuel filter can drop fuel-pump efficiency by as much as 30 percent and rapidly heat up due to an extended-term operation.
Unfortunately, electrical gremlins such as bad wiring or a faulty fuel pump relay can overheat the fuel pump too. This can result in stress and overheating, especially if the relay or wiring is not providing reliable current to the pump every time. In 2018, Ford had recalled cars with isssues in fuel pump relays, where the pumps would get overheated because of irregular power supply to them during long drives.
Hey, lets not underestimate the driving conditions. In older cars where the pump has some miles on it, fuel pump overheating from high ambient temps just makes things worse. AAA estimates fuel pumps usually last about 100,000 to 150,000 miles but says extreme heat can cut that life span by as much as half. In places with continuous warm weather like the SW U.S., drivers who have problems of overheating are more common.
Fuel quality can also contribute to overheating in some cases. Cheaper fuel is usually full of impurities, that will block the filter and injectors sooner meaning the pump has to work harder, generating more heat. Analysis by Chevron found that adding specific treats to premium fuels can keep the fuel system up to 20 percent cleaner, potentially extending the life of fuel systems and lessening demand on the pump.
Finally, an overheating fuel pump could simply be a sign that the pump is at or near its lifespan. And aging components tend to be less efficient and more prone to failures. A pump that's already endured over 100,000 miles of service could be having difficulty keeping fuel pressure where it should be while also cooling itself and might easily become overwhelmed on long drives and overheat.
To learn more about fuel pumps, and ways in which to prevent overheating visit Fuel Pump.