Cleaning a Fuel Pump and improving its flow is a process that requires attention to several steps in relation to the functioning of a fuel system. The engine requires fuel at a proper pressure, which the fuel pump is supposed to avail. However, after certain periods, dirt, debris, or contaminants within the fuel can block the inner parts of this pump and the fuel filter, restricting flow and thus reducing performance. In a study conducted in 2020 by the Society of Automotive Engineers, more than 15% of all fuel pump failures are related to debris or contamination inside the pump system.
A very common method for cleaning a fuel pump involves the use of a fuel system cleaner. These cleaners will clean out the fuel system internally of the varnish-like buildups that set inside it. A cleaning agent is usually added to the fuel tank and drawn into the pump and injectors while the engine runs. This process can enhance flow by dissolving carbon deposits, rust, and other particles that may obstruct the fuel lines and the pump. A popular fuel system cleaner on the market, Sea Foam, has been reported by many mechanics to improve fuel flow by up to 25% when used regularly.
Before cleaning, it is critical to disconnect the vehicle’s battery and relieve the fuel pressure in the system to prevent accidents. Fuel systems can run at high pressures, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and requires proper safety precautions. When a fuel system has been depressurized, the fuel pump may need to be taken out of the vehicle in order to clean it properly. The inside can be contaminated with rust, dirt, or sediment, that a simple visual inspection could reveal. This is a clear indication that the pump needs cleaning.
There exists the need to clean the pump right; for this, a proper and special fuel pump cleaning kit is used. Most the Fuel Pump cleaning kits contain special brushes, solvents, and compressed air that are made to remove the debris on your pump. According to estimates of specialists from the Automotive Repair Industry, fuel pumps should be cleaned every 50,000-100,000 miles-keeping in mind dusty conditions it was used in or some low-quality fuel.