Contaminated fuel causes a slow build-up that inhibits fuel flow, which eventually leads to clogged fuel pumps. Over time, dirt and rust particles and sediment from the fuel tank enter the pump, clogging it up and causing it to lose efficiency. These systems use fuel filters that are made to catch some of these contaminants, but if not changed every 20,000 miles, studies have shown that they will become ineffective and let even more particles pass through to the fuel pump. These tiny blockages gradually accumulate, obstructing the pump and constricting fuel flow by 30% or more, causing engine loss and increased fuel use.
The second most frequent is clogging due to contamination of petrol in the water. In humid areas which experience sudden fluctuations in temperatures this can also result condensation within the fuel tank which can result in water entering the fuel system. Rust starts to form because of the water and it flakes off into the tank, contributing to clogging problems. Particles of rust, even as small as 10 microns, can have a considerable enough impact on pump components that they will lead to blockages and shorten the useful life of the pump by up to 15%.
Ethanol fuels E10 or E85 are more likely to clog. Ethanol is more hydrophilic than gasoline, so it attracts and absorbs water more readily than gasoline. Water droplets coalesce to form a sludge that can block the pump inlet as the sludge separates from the ethanol. US stats: automotive studies indicate ethanol fuels contribute to an almost 25% higher clogging rate, especially in older fuel systems not developed for the characteristics of ethanol.
Engine clogging can occur from both overuse of fuel additives, regardless of the type of additive being used if the usage is more, and dirty fuel itself. Some additives can chemically interact with impurities found in the vehicle’s fuel tank, resulting in a sludge that clogs the screen or filter up at the fuel pump. So with aftermarket additives this risk is even greater, simply because aftermarket additives are generally less polished and cleaner products than those from the major brands. Even a small accumulation of these residues can limit the flow of the fuel, leading to more effort by the pump and its consequent reduced efficiency.
When the deposits (sediment) enter the tank or fuel system over time, the progression of pendulum chamber, legally influencing the performance of the fuel pump itself. Older vehicles in particular can gather sediment in their fuel tanks over the course of years, a common situation if you often run with lower fuel levels. With fuel levels falling, it is more likely that muck from the bottom of the tank is being sucked up into the fuel line, leading to clogs. To reduce sediment-taking, mechanics suggest keeping no less than a quarter tank of fuel, as it can prevent almost 20% of clogs of the pump.
Routine maintenance such as changing fuel filters and using the best fuel decreases the chance of clogging. A Fuel Pump in good working condition has better performance and durability, ensuring steady fuel flow, preventing clogging, and saving the cost of undergoing pump replacement or repair.