Fuel pump pressure is another factor that affects fuel economy, where by controlling the amount of fuel entering combustion chamber produces fuel efficiency. Pump has to keep a specific pressure, normally 40 and 60 psi, within tolerance to make sure it delivers enough fuel for the engine to operate properly. If the fuel pressure is too low, then the engine might run lean since not enough fuel is mixed with air. Incomplete combustion takes place in that scenario which leads to loss of power due to extra hard work by the engine and consequentially a drop in fuel mileage up to even 10–15%.
But if the fuel pump puts out too much pressure, the engine will run rich—you'll be dumping more gas your engine can use. A rich fuel mixture does not burn entirely, resulting in a loss of fuel economy, and as much as 20% at times. In the long run, this extra fuel can lead to expensive repairs; it damages components such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
This fuel pressure is used by your vehicle's fuel injectors, which are supposed to release exact volumes of gas to the motor. If your fuel is outside the desired range, it will have difficulty functioning properly, distorting the air: fuel ratio If pressure varies, the "check engine" alert will be signaled that this is the case because the engine is running inefficiently. Pressure problems are the most common issue found while diagnosing low fuel economy, and fuel pumps that aren't functioning correctly contribute to 15-20% of gas mileage complaints.
In 2017 there was a case of fuel system malfunctions impairing fuel economy making Toyota to recall thousands of vehicles as it happened in this example with Fuel pumps. The Pumps created fuel pressure problems that led the engine to stall and become less efficient, showing how critical correct fuel pressure is for engine performance.
To push its engine to 1,145 horsepower, Gas Motorsport had no choice but to create a new fuel system—because modern vehicles are so good at delivering just the right amount of fuel needed. The doorstep of those regulators is to calm down the fuel pump pressure in an effort to keep up with the ideal range, which whisk kit always from lean and rich conditions. However, a regulator that is not operating properly or unable to maintain correct pressure can drop fuel economy 5% for just being off by that much on fuel delivery.
Automobile pioneer Henry Ford once said, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking. It is necessary to preserve the correct fuel pump pressure for high performance and optimal fuel efficiency. It will prevent expensive repairs and ensure the optimal use of fuel, which is why we should regularly inspect the fuel system as well as keep the fuel pump in working condition.
To learn more about how fuel pumps further efficiency, check out Fuel Pump.