The temperature rise in the engine could be caused by a faulty Fuel Pump due to several factors that disturb the normal operation of the fuel system of the engine. The main function of the Fuel Pump is to transfer the fuel from the tank to the engine with appropriate pressure for efficient combustion. A failing or malfunctioning Fuel Pump will result in inadequate or intermittent fuel flow into the engine, which causes a lean run condition. Due to a lean fuel mixture, the amount of fuel is just not enough to cool the combustion process, hence allowing the temperatures in the engine to go up.
In a lean running engine, the mixture contains more air than the amount of fuel injected is more. This results in generating much heat during combustion compared to complete combustion. According to one experiment conducted by Motor Trend, the temperature rise has risen to 30 to 40°F in lean-running engines compared to properly-fueled engines. The temperature rise due to this can cause overheating, which in turn increases the load on the engine parts such as the pistons, cylinder heads, and turbochargers. In some cases, a malfunctioning Fuel Pump may affect the timing of the engine too, which, in turn, aggravates the temperature factor, and can lead to engine knock-a heat-related problem.
A report done by AutoWeek showed how a malfunctioning Fuel Pump made a Ford Mustang run hot, where within a very short period of time, the engine temperature was 15% higher once the fuel pump started malfunctioning. The fuel system was not able to supply the quantity of fuel that the engine required, and this made the engine run hotter than usual. This only subsided when the faulty pump was replaced, and the engine returned to its normal operation, with the temperature stabilized.
“Heat is the enemy of engine longevity,” says John Taylor, a mechanic at Precision Auto Service. “A Fuel Pump that can’t keep up with fuel demands leads to inefficient combustion, and that directly impacts engine temperatures.”
Not only does the cooling system rely on consistent performance from the fuel system, but it also relies on consistent engine load and performance for regulating temperature. A malfunctioning Fuel Pump puts additional strain on the engine, requiring the cooling system to work harder. This means the engine could be running hotter, even when the cooling system itself is in good condition.
This could also impact the long-term durability of the engine. The components that might be affected include seals, gaskets, and the engine block, which could show increased wear if the temperature exceeds the range specified by the manufacturer. According to General Motors, continuous overheating of the engine, because of problems in the fuel system, including a malfunctioning Fuel Pump, may result in a reduction in service life by up to 50%.
The function of the Fuel Pump is to ensure that the engine receives the proper amount of fuel at the correct pressure to avoid lean mixtures and overheating. A high-quality Fuel Pump, designed to meet particular vehicle needs, has the potential to maintain fuel pressure consistently so as not to allow excessively high temperatures of the engine. This becomes particularly critical for high-performance or turbocharged engines, whereby overheating or damage can easily be avoided with a strong Fuel Pump.
For a more reliable replacement or upgrade for your car to maintain good temperatures in the engine, a fuel pump is an essential component for healthy engine performance.