Ultimate Fuel Pump Buying Guide

Every car (unless it's electric) has a fuel pump. It's an essential component of the fuel tank assembly unit.

Fuel pump failure isn't common. It's actually one of the most reliable car parts. That said, if your fuel pump does fail, your car absolutely can't run without it.

To help you understand fuel pumps and whether yours might need replacing, we've created a comprehensive guide that explores everything from how they work to how to choose the right replacement.

We'll cover:

• What is a fuel pump?
• How does a fuel pump work?
• Why does a fuel pump matter?
• How to tell if your fuel pump needs changing
• The types of fuel pumps available online
• The best fuel pump brands and options
• How to choose the right fuel pump
• Frequently asked questions about fuel pump parts

What is a Fuel Pump?

As the name implies, a fuel pump moves fuel at the proper pressure from the tank to the injector.

The fuel pump, which is driven by an electric motor, is located directly inside the fuel tank of the majority of contemporary cars. Mechanical fuel pumps are no longer common; they were only widely used when cars had carburetors. In essence, it funnels fuel into the engine by sucking it from the fuel tank.

A different mechanism injects the fuel into the intake manifold after it has reached the engine. Fuel may enter your car's combustion chamber directly, depending on its make and model.

The moving parts are always lubricated because it is situated right in the fuel tank. The risk of damage is also minimal from external factors such as dust and debris. The fuel tank is also far from the engine, so the pump is never really exposed to any extreme temperatures that could cause degradation.

The pump action itself is actually more complex. The part is specifically designed to pump fuel at the right pressure. That pressure means fuel can travel through the fuel lines and reach the engine, and that it achieves correct fuel atomization, essential for engine power and combustion.

The parts of an electric pump include:

• Chamber
• Inlet valve
• Diaphragm
• Solenoid
• Contacts
• Rod
• Return spring
• Exit valve

How Does a Fuel Pump Work?

As we said, fuel pumps create the necessary flow rate using pressure to push fuel through the fuel lines and into the engine. The electric motor design is far more efficient than the manual design.

To start the fuel transfer, the fuel pump literally draws the fuel out of the tank using the solenoid (an electromagnetic switch) to pull on the diaphragm and create a vacuum suction seal.

That solenoid then uses its electromagnetism to drag the diaphragm down and pull petrol into the chamber. Within the chamber is a set of contacts. The rod part forces them apart to break the electromagnetic force, and the solenoid relaxes the diaphragm and rod back up again as the return spring pushes it back up. The return springs also pull the rod from the contacts, so they close.

That constant contracting and relaxing cycle pumps fuel through the fuel lines at the correct flow rate. On the other end of the fuel lines at the engine, pressure regulators ensure that the engines receive the amount of fuel they need for continued combustion.

Why Does a Fuel Pump Matter?

It wouldn't be possible for the fuel to move through the fuel lines, and your engine wouldn't have fuel to burn for combustion.

And if your car somehow did start and your fuel pump failed after having been used, it would sputter to a stop.

As we can see by how it works with the fuel pump system, it's a continuous cycle between the fuel tank, fuel pump, and engine to maintain your car's motion. More than that, the fuel pump is also a crucial part of your car's performance.

A working but defective fuel pump may still send fuel to the engine, but not at the necessary flow rate, pressure, and quantity to operate. A high-end fuel pump will allow fuel to be used by the engine more efficiently and economically.

How to Tell if Your Fuel Pump Needs Changing

The signs that your fuel pump needs changing are usually obvious. More often than not, a fuel pump simply doesn't work rather than becoming faulty. If your fuel pump isn't working, you might notice:

• The engine will crank but not start.
• The engine splutters
• Your car stalls
• You lose power when you're accelerating, especially on an incline.
• You can hear a whining noise from the fuel tank.

If your car won't start and it's because of the fuel pump, it's likely a total pump failure. If your car does start but you can hear a whining noise or have trouble accelerating on an incline, it's typically a partial fault.

Either way, you can't take out the fuel pump and do a partial fix. They are slightly more expensive than other parts to replace. Your wiper blades or ABS sensor are cheaper.

That said, their lifespan is long enough that you shouldn't need to replace them as often as other parts. A high-quality fuel pump can last well over 150,000 kilometers. So if you do change it, it's not a part you would ever change more than once.

The Types of Fuel Pumps Available Online

Mechanical fuel pump

A mechanical fuel pump is the type of design you're less likely to see on modern vehicles. You'll only really see them on older models, but if you have an older car, it might be that there's a mechanical fuel pump inside your fuel tank. They only operate when the engine is on and use a cam, gears, a belt, and chains to pull the fuel out of the tank and drive it towards the engine.

Electrical fuel pump

We've already explained an electric fuel pump. They're now the most common type of fuel pump for cars and work far more efficiently than mechanical fuel pumps.

Location of the fuel pump

Most fuel pumps now sit in the fuel tank, but that isn't always the case.

On-chassis fuel pumps

Sometimes, cars have on-chassis fuel pumps attached to the car's chassis near the fuel tank instead of inside it. You'll only find this on petrol cars. On-chassis fuel pumps are more heavy-duty than other options and force fuel to the engine at a much higher pressure than standard in-tank mechanical fuel pumps.

And, because they sit exterior to the fuel tank, replacing them is a lot easier, and you don't need special tools. Like mechanical fuel pumps, on-chassis pumps are more common in older vehicle models.

In-tank fuel pump

In-tank fuel pumps are the most common, sitting just inside at the bottom of the fuel tank. Because of the electronic parts, the pressure it delivers is far greater than that of other models, pumping fuel at as high as 75 psi or more. They are more expensive, but they are far more efficient.

On the engine fuel pump

On-engine fuel pumps are the least common setup. They're fitted to petrol-powered engines, and you'll only really find them on old models with a carburetor or diesel cars using direct injection high-pressure fuel pumps. The system is more direct, but it's more susceptible to wear and tear from the heat of the engine.

High-pressure fuel pump

High-pressure fuel pump models are the best. They reduce starting problems that were common with older cars, and the standard polymer-encased armature reduces noise output.

Low-pressure fuel pump

Low-pressure fuel pumps aren't something bad. Fuel-injected systems are highly sensitive to fuel pressure and the quantity of fuel. And, for smaller engine sizes, they don't require the high pressure and increased fuel flow that high-pressure fuel pumps deliver—it would flood the engine.

If your car is fitted with a low-pressure fuel pump for whatever reason, you can change to a high-pressure model as long as it's compatible with your car.

The Best Fuel Pump Brands and Options

At Parts Avenue, we have the best fuel pump brands in our catalog. If you're looking to buy a fuel pump online, you want to find the most premium, affordable, original-equipment-level model on the market. That's why we display Agility fuel pumps.

Agility fuel pumps

Agility fuel pumps are precision-built, original equipment manufacturer-level parts with some of the most corrosion-resistant materials on the market. You're guaranteed to get a part that's easy to fit and functions more efficiently than most original equipment designs.

Although we would advise that you ask a mechanic to fit the fuel pump, unless you have experience, Agility fuel pumps are specifically designed for easy installation for do-it-yourselfers.

How to Choose the Right Fuel Pump

Fuel type

It's essential to select a fuel pump designed to handle your car's fuel type. Most cars have gasoline or diesel, and both of those have different chemical properties, such as flammability, volatility, and corrosiveness. Specific fuel pumps handle these chemical properties better. And if you have a performance car and use high-octane fuel, it's not as naturally lubricating as gasoline.

The result is increased wear and tear and decreased engine performance unless you pick the correct model for your car's fuel type.

Stainless steel or Zintec-coated steel fuel pumps are the best, especially for gasoline and high-octane fuel-powered cars.

Flow rate

The flow rate has a direct impact on how much fuel your engine receives. Higher-performance cars require more fuel and more fuel injection than a basic 1.0-liter engine. Flow rate doesn't necessarily matter as much in these smaller engines, as long as the flow rate and pressure are enough to deliver the fuel the engine asks for.

But for tuned or high-horsepower engines, the high-pressure, high-flow-rate engines are so much more efficient and better for engine performance.

Power source

The final consideration is whether you want a manual or electric fuel pump. Manual doesn't mean you have to put the fuel in yourself, but they are far less efficient and outdated than electric motors. That said, they are slightly cheaper and can be more compatible with older vehicles. It just depends on the car you have and the flow rate you're looking for.

Vehicle compatibility

Even after you've found a fuel pump that matches your fuel type, flow rate, and power type, you need to ensure the specific model and fit for your car. If you buy a fuel pump through Parts Avenue, you can use our Fitment Check tool to ensure the part you're looking for is compatible with the year, make, and model of your car.

We have plenty of fuel pumps online in our catalog, so you should find the one most suited to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Pump Parts

Can a fuel pump be repaired, or does it need to be replaced entirely?

You can't really repair a fuel pump. You can't really look for fuel pumps online and find individual parts—they come as an assembly unit. And if you were to ask for a fuel pump repair, they would likely just replace the entire unit for you.

Most modern electric fuel pumps are not designed to be repaired or rebuilt due to their integrated, non-serviceable internal components.

How much does it typically cost to replace a fuel pump?

The cost varies depending on the type of fuel pump you're interested in and the make and model of your car. If you want to buy fuel pumps at Parts Avenue, prices start from around $100.

Can I replace a fuel pump myself, or should it be done by a mechanic?

We wouldn't recommend changing in-tank fuel pumps unless you have experience and the correct tools to do so. With those pumps, you'd be handling flammable gasoline and intricate parts that must be assembled correctly. However, if you find the best fuel pump online, you only have to pay for the labor of a mechanic to fit it.

We have an extensive catalog full of the most premium fuel pumps online in Canada. If you need any help or advice on selecting the best fuel pump for your car, send us an email at support@partsavenue.ca.

Start your search today with Parts Avenue, the most-trusted car parts provider in Canada.