When not controlled properly, heat can affect the operation and life of a fuel pump. High-performance fuel pumps are generally designed to work at a temperature between 40°F and 180°F, so if the heat in your pipe-strip system is outside this range of temperatures it can cause overheating which may reduce efficiency or life expectancy. The fuel serves to cool the electric fuel pumps used, particularly in an in-tank configuration. Low fuel levels mean that there is less liquid to absorb and dissipate heat, so the pump overheats much more easily.
One of the problems associated with heat is vapor lock, where fuel within the pump boils and becomes a gas due to an overabundance of thermal energy. The principal issue with vaporized fuel is that it lacks the fluidity of liquid fuel, and this limits its ability to flow resulting in pressure drops which can lead to either hard starts or stalling. This is a problem that you see more on older vehicles or even high-performance applications where the fuel demands are much greater. A high-performance Walbro 255 LPH fuel pump, for example can accommodate the additional flow and heat on modified engines but still falls prey to inadequate cooling when vapor lock becomes an issue.
A 2021 study found that regions with higher average temperatures can experience an increase in fuel pump failure rates upward of 20%, especially those areas where external temps exceed the high-summer mark just north of 90°F, a number bolstered by environmental and engine heat-stressing factors. In addition, excessive heat over prolonged periods of time can lastly damage the seals and plastic elements within a gas pump which reduces fuel consumption further.
Reports of heat-related failures led to the 2019 recall of Toyota vehicles by a result directly caused in dozens or perhaps hundreds, you’ll forgive me if I am unable to be more specific given incomplete searchable data. Those problems resulted in false idling and failure to deliver power indicating how heat can hurt a fuel system.
Engine expert David Vizard sums it up this way: “Thermal management is critical for every part of an engine, and to overlook the effects heat has on a fuel pump will be costly.” This will keep the fuel tank full and ensure that your vehicle keeps running smoothly even with increased heat.
If you would like additional information on keeping your fuel pump going strong in warmer temperatures, click here to access Ferndale Fuel Pump.