If you have the vehicular knowledge necessary to pick and choose between individual parts, you’ll know the importance of the fuel lift pump. Often located within the fuel tank, different diesel fuel pumps provide different outcomes in terms of efficiency and power. There are a number of fuel pump manufacturers out there, so the journey to the perfect one may end up being more difficult than you expected. If you’re trying to find the right diesel fuel lift pump for your vehicle, consider the following three factors.
- Horsepower: Your engine’s horsepower (hp) determines how much fuel flow is required to support it. As horsepower increases, so too does the volume of fuel needed to support that power. Focusing on the 10hp per gallon (or 2.64hp per liter) can help you estimate the volume to power ratio in your vehicle. However, you can only actually know your gallon per horsepower ratio if you take into account the fuel pressure required for your engine.
- Fuel Pressure: Different engines require different fuel pressures. Fuel pressure has a large effect on how much flow a pump can produce, so it’s vital that you know what your engine’s maximum pressure is. Fuel pumps flow at their highest volume when there is no pressure (known as free flow), but as the pressure increases, the flow decreases. Every pump has a different flow volume at a given pressure, so taking a look at a flow chart of the pump you decide to buy can make the process a lot easier.
- Voltage: Fuel pumps have different flow rates at different voltages. When the voltage increases, the speed of the pump will also increase, which then increases its flow at any given pressure. Most cars produce around 13.5 volts when running. However, if yours does not produce 13.5 volts, you can examine the flow ratings of a pump at 12 volts instead to be safe.
A single tank of fuel can power a diesel engine between 400 and 800 miles; to get the most out of your tank, you must have a fuel pump that is optimized for your vehicle. If you’re able to take into account the three factors described above, you should have no problem sorting through all the fuel pump manufacturers and getting the most bang for your diesel-dollar.