Have you ever thought about your fuel lift pump? Probably not. But these amazing devices make a big difference in your truck’s performance. Familiarizing yourself with your fuel pump and ways you can help it perform well ensures a longer life for your vehicle, greater efficiency, and a smoother ride. Here’s a complete guide to how fuel lift pumps work. Read on and talk to your mechanic about the current state of your fuel lift pump.

What Is a Fuel Lift Pump?

A fuel lift pump is a mechanical or electrical pump (though older trucks have mechanical ones while newer trucks have electrical models). It transports fuel from the tank to the engine. That’s a very simplistic answer, of course, but it gives the gist of what they do. Specifically, a fuel lift pump ensures a steady flow of fuel, enabling optimal performance. All right, but so what? Why is a fuel lift pump necessary?

Why You Need One

The fuel lift pump isn’t there for decoration, and its job is more vital than it might sound. It is critical in your truck’s fuel system to make sure that fuel gets to the engine. Fuel lift pumps deliver the fuel at a controlled pressure and flow rate, aiding your fuel injectors as they inject fuel into the engine, where it mixes with air and ignites, providing locomotion. When the fuel lift pump falters in delivering the fuel, your engine follows suit, potentially leading to engine failure. As such, and as part of a regular maintenance schedule, you should inspect, or have your mechanic inspect, your fuel lift pump to detect potential issues before they arise.

[Image A]

What Kind of Fuel Lift Pump Do You Have?

Check your owner’s manual or speak with your mechanic if you’re not already familiar with your fuel pump. Either will describe your fuel lift pump and its location under the hood. Once again, there are two types. Here’s how they work.

Mechanical Fuel Lift Pumps

As the name implies, mechanical fuel lift pumps are analog devices driven by your engine’s camshaft or driveshaft. They possess a diaphragm or plunger that moves up and down. This action causes suction, which pulls fuel from the tank then pushes it into the engine. It’s a simple yet elegant design that’s cost-effective and reliable. On the other hand, older mechanical fuel lift pumps have a limited pressure output and can wear out quickly. Older model trucks usually have mechanical fuel lift pumps located on the engine block near the front of the engine.

Electric Fuel Lift Pumps

These devices are more modern and use an electric motor to drive the pump system. The pump system employs a small turbine and gear system to keep the fuel flowing. The vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU), or on-board computer, monitors and controls the electrical fuel lift pumps. Unlike the mechanical fuel lift pumps, they may occupy space inside or outside the fuel tank. Big benefits for electric fuel lift pumps include more consistent fuel pressure, greater efficiency, and easier integration with modern vehicle electric systems. Conversely, electric fuel lift pumps cost more than mechanical ones, and when the electrical system fails, so does the pump.

Knowing Your Fuel Pump

Naturally, not all fuel pumps are exactly alike, but they do share several common parts. Here’s a short tour through a fuel pump’s interior and its main parts and their functions:

Pump Mechanism

The pump mechanism ensures the “heartbeat” that keeps the fuel flowing to your engine, whether it employs a diaphragm, plunger, turbine, or gear system. If this part fails, that fuel is going nowhere.

Inlet and Outlet Valves

Valves are vital to controlling and maintaining the pressure as the fuel goes to the engine. They are also integral to preventing backflow.

Motor (Electric Pumps Only)

One big difference between the two types of fuel lift pumps. A motor is necessary for electric fuel lift pumps to drive the mechanism, drawing its power from the vehicle’s electric system.

Pressure Regulator

Every fuel lift pump needs some kind of pressure regulator to ensure it delivers fuel to the engine at the right pressure level.

Filters

Like air and oil filters, fuel lift pump filters clear away debris and contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A clean engine is an efficient and happy engine.

[Image B]

How To Maintain Your Fuel Lift Pump

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your truck moving, working, and rolling down the highway. Take care of the regular stuff, such as periodic oil changes, air filter changes, tune-ups, and the like. As for specific fuel lift pump servicing, here are a few highly advisable suggestions:

Inspections

As mentioned, regularly check the fuel lift pump for potential wear and tear. Look for leaks and corrosion—anything that might expose the interior and lead to further damage to the device or engine in general.

Clean the Fuel Tank

Cleaning out the fuel tank doesn’t sound like a typical form of maintenance, but it will aid your fuel lift pump and, by extension, your vehicle when done correctly. Contaminants build up in the tank, clogging the pump and reducing efficiency. Talk to your mechanic about cleaning out the tank—they may recommend it.

Use Only Quality Fuel

Don’t skimp on fuel. Higher-quality fuel minimizes build-up in your engine by reducing the number of contaminants often present in diesel and gas. That means a less taxed and healthier fuel pump.

Replace the Filters

Clean filters mean clean fuel, which means a clean fuel lift pump, which aids the cycle overall. A clogged filter, on the other hand, reduces fuel flow, impedes performance, and places excessive strain on the pump itself.

Stay on top of common fuel lift pump issues by following the troubleshooting suggestions.

Noisy Pump

Noisy pumps can mean many things: air in the fuel lines, a failing motor, leaky fuel lines, a clogged filter, or something else. Whatever the case, a crabby fuel line pump will let you know it’s having problems.

Low Fuel Pressure

Low fuel pressure often signifies failing pumps, clogged filters, and pressure regulator issues. Have your mechanic use a fuel pressure gauge to diagnose the problem.

Stalling Engine

A stalled or stalling engine could indicate any number of difficulties under the hood, one being a lift pump failing to do its job and deliver fuel. Talk to your mechanic to see if the electrical connections are operational and the fuel lies are clear.

That was our complete guide to how fuel lift pumps work. Contact us for a consultation today if you have further questions about fuel lift pumps and Powerstroke diesel performance!