Determining whether the fuel pump pressure is too high requires a fuel pressure gauge, which is used to compare the pump’s output to that specified by the manufacturer. Most vehicles have a specified range that falls between 30 and 85 psi. Too much pressure upsets the air-fuel ratio and commonly causes engine problems such as poor performance, rough idling, and/or emissions.
Consequently, high fuel pressure pushes in an overly rich air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber, which is incompletely combusted. Symptoms include decreased fuel economy, black smoke emitting from the exhaust, and fouled spark plugs. The Society of Automotive Engineers has reported that in those engines where fuel pressure has surpassed recommended limits, fuel consumption increases by up to 20%, due to less than ideal combustion processes.
High pressure usually results from a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator. A fuel pressure regulator serves to regulate the pump’s output by returning excess fuel to the tank. When it fails, pressure builds up inside the fuel rail and manifests as hard starting, surging on acceleration, and other problems. In extreme cases of high pressure, fuel injectors may be damaged since they work within a certain constraint of pressure.
In 2019, Ford recalled 200,000 vehicles due to excessive pressure issues. Drivers complained of frequent stalling and rough performance brought about by damaged regulators that allowed pressure to increase uncontrollably. Ford’s investigation put emphasis on regular maintenance, which identifies failing components and removes them from the system before they have a systemic impact.
Precision is key in engine performance,” said Scotty Kilmer, an expert in automobiles. That being the case, appropriate fuel pressure maintains the proper combustion and longevity of the engine components. Diagnosis of high pressure can be done by hooking up a fuel pressure gauge to the service port on the fuel rail and looking at the readings while running the engine. Generally, a problem with excessive pressure points to issues with the regulator, fuel pump, or return line.
The repair of high-pressure problems often requires a price of an impacted regulator replacement, ranging from $150 to $400, or sometimes even fuel pump replacement costing from $400 up to $800. Negligence in high pressure means running the risk of needing costly repairs such as replacing damaged injectors, which cost upwards of $1,500.
For drivers experiencing symptoms of high fuel pressure, investing in reliable components is crucial. Durable and efficient replacements, such as those available at Fuel Pump, ensure consistent pressure control and restore proper engine performance. Regular monitoring and timely repairs help prevent costly damage and maintain the efficiency of the fuel system.