A careful and methodical approach must be taken to clean a fuel pump to avoid damaging it. Disengaging the battery as a first step to prevent any electrical risk. This prevents spillage and contamination of the fuel tank, which must be drained once the fuel system has been de-energized. Fuel pumps generally work with a pressure range with it being typically at 40 to 60 psi, and cleaning needs to be in such a way that they maintain this optimum pressure after cleaning. Over time, sediment, dirt, and debris can build up in the fuel pump and cause a clog. Even as per the American Auto Association (AAA), a dirty fuel pump can reduce gas mileage by as much as 25%, thereby making it a crucial maintenance service.
To do that, you will need to either drop the fuel tank or access it via the fuel pump access panel and remove the pump. A fuel pressure gauge is another piece of equipment that can be used to determine if the pump is working effectively or if there is a significant decrease in pressure to access for cleaning. A fuel shop could replace a fuel pump if the fuel pressure is over 10% lower than the ideal range, for example.
After removing the fuel pump and it’s components, the most effective means of cleaning is to flush it with fuel pump cleaner or other mildly soapy solvent made for this purpose. Fuel-system-specific cleaning solutions like those from CRC or Liqui Moly—though relatively caustic—can aid in dissolving such buildup without harming the pump itself. And some solutions work in as little as 15 minutes to flush this sludge buildup out and restore the fuel pump to its optimal condition. This part is also replaced with a new fuel filter because we want to make sure no contaminants can get into the pump again.
“Preventative maintenance is the name of the game,” says Steve Walker, a mechanic with more than 15 years of experience. “Moreover, using premium fuel and applying periodic fuel system cleaning can greatly increase the lifespan of your pump and enhance engine performance.”
Another very good idea, is to change the fuel filter every 30000 miles. If you don’t know to maintain it properly over time or your gas is contaminated, contaminants can bypass the filter, and as a result, sediment can build up in the pump. The industry standard is to always keep the fuel system clean, thereby increasing the life of the fuel pump by as much as 40%. And it’s smart to keep the fuel tank at least one quarter full to prevent the sediment at the bottom from entering the pump.
Across the board, expect a price between $200 and $600 to clean or replace a fuel pump by make/model. If you’re cleaning the fuel pump, you can anticipate paying $50 to $150 for the cleaning supplies, plus labor if it gets done professionally.
Cleaning the Fuel Pump: Regular Cleaning of the Fuel Pump is an important step in ensuring that your Fuel Pump is functioning properly, and cleaning will help maintain a well-functioning Fuel System.