Ford Explorer Fuel Pumps
The fuel pump in your Ford Explorer is an essential part in powering your engine. When and if it is not working properly, your fuel economy, gas mileage, and engine power can suffer. There are many types of these parts available for your Ford Explorer.
What is a fuel pump?A fuel pump is a specific part in your vehicle that mechanically or electrically pumps the fuel (usually gasoline or diesel) from your cars fuel tank and pushes it to drive the engine. Without this part, your engine receives no fuel for its power. Though they can be made for both fuel-injected and carburetor vehicles, most contemporary cars are fuel-injected.
If this part is not working to its optimal performance, it can not only reduce your fuel economy on and off the highway but also cause engine start failure. The location of the fuel pump is dependent on which type of car you have. Fuel-injected options are located on the interior of the fuel tank and are typically electric powered. Carburetor pumps are mechanically powered and are typically found on the exterior of the tank.
What is the difference between mechanical and electric pumps?Mechanical pumps are driven by camshafts or distributor shafts. They take fuel from the tank and move it into the float chamber of the carburetor. These do not have a specified pressure, so they consume more fuel and decrease your MPGs. Electric fuel pumps create less resistance and have lower fuel consumption, giving you better MPGs. They supply fuel to your Ford Explorers injector at a specific pressure that is required for injection. Older Ford model vehicles feature mechanical models, and contemporary Ford vehicles use electric power.
How do you know it needs to be replaced?While there is no set recommended time to replace the fuel pump, there are a few things you can watch for in your Ford. The three main symptoms of a failing fuel pump in your Ford include the following:
- Loss of power: If your vehicles motor appears to be getting less powerful or it has difficulty starting, your fuel pump may need to be replaced.
- Check engine light: A failing pump can trigger a trouble code within your Explorers diagnostics system and turn the check engine light on.
- There are leaks or noises: Leaks and noises may be possible if your fuel pump is malfunctioning.
Fuel pumps can be sold as complete sets or kits for replacing the complete fuel pump, or they can be bought as individual parts. The specific item youll need for your Ford Explorer depends on exactly whats wrong with your existing system. Always be sure to search for any replacements by the year and trim level of your Explorer to ensure getting correctly fitting items.