Testing your fuel pump without a gauge means going about diagnosing the problem with alternative methods. Note that these tests will not give you specific pressure readings, but they can confirm if the fuel pump is supplying fuel to the engine.
Key ON Engine Intact: Turn your ignition switch to the on position (engine off) and listen for the fuel pump to run near the gas tank. That sound usually lasts for about 2-3 seconds, which is the fuel pump priming the system. If you hear no sound, then the fuel pump itself(1) is not getting power or (2) is bad.
Verify the Fuel Pump Relay and Fuse: So, now it is time to check the fuel pump electrical parts. Find the fuse and relay box, which is generally located in the engine compartment, and inspect the fuse for failure on the fuel pump. The fuel pump operation may be halted by a blown fuse or bad relay. In some cases, the issue may be that a fuse has blown or a problem with the relay mode because it does not make connection correctly and there will not be continuity.
Run the Fuel Line Test: Instead of dropping cash on a fuel pump, you can also unhook one end of the pickup line from where it joins the engine and lower it into a can. Key on after you have the line disconnected. Once you switch on the fuel pump, it should begin to pumpfuel in container. Please be careful with this test as fuel could become potentially dangerous.
Crank Test with a Vacuum Gauge: If you do not have one yet of those nifty fuel pressure gauges, a vacuum gauge is still better than nothing. Mount the vacuum gauge on the intake manifold and crank the engine. A typical cranking vacuum reading would be below 17 inHg (inches of mercury) if any malfunction with the fuel pump. This decrease means that the engine is having a hard time to get the fuel it needs in order to create enough vacuum.
Engine performance check: Be an observer about how your engine is behaving. Known Symptoms: If you have sluggish acceleration, or your vehicle stalls on occasion, to a more severe issue such as difficulty starting. Although this can be due to a variety of reasons, these are good signs that the fuel pump is not delivering enough fuel.
In 2019, one repair shop told us that about a fifth of the vehicles it saw exhibiting poor acceleration were suffering from failing fuel pumps. This highlights the need for regular inspection and gearing up for immediate response to any failure signs.
Well, as the great Henry Ford once said; “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success. By means of maintaining, servicing and controlling small issues in your fuel system before they transform into larger one will save you time and money on the long run.
If you are tired of your old and damaged pump, then look no further than the Fuel Pump — high quality performance pumps that keep your car on top.