About high fuel pressure:

The fuel pump

The fuel pump draws petrol from the fuel tank and sends it to the fuel injectors. Having the correct amount of fuel pump pressure is vital to proper engine operation and performance. This is because your engine requires a certain amount of fuel to mix with air in its combustion chamber.

Learn more about how the fuel pump works >

High fuel pressure can result in too much fuel passing through the fuel injectors and into your car’s engine. This can affect the balance of air and fuel, resulting in a rich air/fuel ratio and affecting your engine’s performance.

 

Causes of high fuel pump pressure:

  • Faulty fuel pressure regulator: The fuel pressure regulator is responsible for maintaining a consistent fuel pressure in the fuel system. If the regulator becomes faulty or malfunctions, it can cause excessive pressure in the fuel system, leading to high fuel pump pressure.
    Fuel pressure regulator replacement
  • Clogged fuel filter: A clogged or restricted fuel filter can obstruct the flow of fuel and cause increased pressure in the fuel system. When the fuel filter is unable to effectively filter out impurities and debris, it can lead to a buildup of pressure.
    Fuel filter replacement
  • Malfunctioning fuel pump: A malfunctioning fuel pump can deliver more fuel than necessary, resulting in high fuel pressure. This can occur due to a faulty pump mechanism, damaged check valves, or a worn-out fuel pump pressure regulator.
    Fuel pump replacement
  • Restricted fuel return line: In a fuel system with a return line, a restriction or blockage in the return line can prevent the proper flow of fuel back to the fuel tank. As a result, the fuel pressure can increase, leading to high fuel pump pressure.
  • Fuel pump relay or control module issues: Problems with the fuel pump relay or control module can cause the fuel pump to operate continuously or at a higher voltage, resulting in increased fuel pump pressure.

 

Symptoms of high fuel pressure:

High fuel pressure causes too much fuel to enter your engine. This results in your car displaying common symptoms associated with a rich fuel mixture. These include:

  • Hard starting or difficult engine cranking: Excessive fuel pressure can make it challenging for the engine to start, resulting in prolonged cranking or difficulty initiating the engine.
  • Rich running condition: High fuel pressure can lead to an excessively rich fuel-air mixture. As a result, you may notice black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, a strong smell of unburned fuel, or decreased fuel economy.
  • Rough idling or stalling: The increased fuel pressure can disrupt the engine’s idle stability, causing it to run rough or even stall at idle. You may experience engine hesitation or irregular idle speed.
  • Engine misfires: High fuel pressure can cause fuel to be injected in excessive amounts or at improper times, leading to engine misfires. This can result in a noticeable loss of power, rough engine operation, or a vibrating sensation.
  • Check Engine Light (CEL): A malfunctioning fuel pressure system can trigger the Check Engine Light on the vehicle’s dashboard. The onboard diagnostics system may detect fuel pressure-related issues and generate a fault code for further diagnosis.
  • Failed WOF for emissions: An overly rich fuel mixture caused by high fuel pressure can result in increased emissions. If your vehicle fails a Warrant of Fitness due to high levels of hydrocarbons (HC) in the exhaust gases, it may indicate a problem with fuel pressure.

 

High Fuel Pressure Inspection Service in Hamilton

Is the fuel pressure in your car too high? If so, we can help!

At Grimmer Motors, our talented, qualified mechanics can examine your fuel system, measuring the fuel pressure and determining the cause of your car’s high fuel pressure. From there, we can fix the problem by providing quality services and replacements.

Some of the related services we offer include:

For fast, reliable, effective solutions to high fuel pressure, contact Grimmer Motors today!

 

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