5 Signs That You Used a Wrong Fuel Pump
Some vehicle owners may buy non-OEM parts when they want to save some money during vehicle repairs. However, some of those aftermarket parts may create problems in your vehicle. This article discusses some of the problems that you may experience if you used a wrong aftermarket fuel pump in your diesel engine.
Loss of Power
Your diesel vehicle may not perform as expected when the wrong aftermarket fuel pump was installed. This is because the flow characteristics of that pump may not match the requirements of your engine under boost conditions (such as when you install a turbocharger). Less fuel flow through the pump will starve the engine and result in a reduction of power.
Shortened Pump Life
You may have used a wrong fuel pump if that pump fails long before its expected service life elapses. Such premature aging normally arises because the reduced flow of fuel means that the pump will run hot. Adequate fuel flow helps to protect the pump from overheating. Reduced flow therefore removes this source of cooling and the pump will overheat. Premature pump wear will then become inevitable.
Noise and Vibrations
Have you noticed that your vehicle is vibrating or making more noise than it used to? That noise and the vibrations may be the result of selecting the wrong aftermarket diesel pump. The pump may have interfered with other components within the engine bay during the installation process. For instance, the pump may touch nearby components (the fuel gauge unit, for example). This contact can cause vibrations as the vehicle moves.
Electrical Problems
Each system in a vehicle can affect other systems within that vehicle. For instance, the headlights and the wipers on your diesel vehicle may not perform well if you used a wrong aftermarket fuel pump. This is because the fuel pump may be putting such a large strain on the electrical supply of the vehicle that other components that require electricity will be unable to work well. This problem can only be rectified by replacing that pump with the one whose electrical needs are within the car manufacturer's specifications.
Engine Problems
Some aftermarket fuel pumps may be unable to remove contaminants from the fuel to the degree that is desirable for a given engine. Such contaminants may cause the engine to start developing defects because its components will be hampered by the contaminants that are getting through the filtration system. Elevated emissions, misfires and other problems can then start manifesting.
Take your vehicle to an experienced diesel services mechanic as soon as you notice any of the symptoms above after you replace the fuel pump. That professional will advise you on the best way to repair the vehicle so that its performance is restored.
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