When your car needs to be fueled, the mechanical fuel pump is responsible for providing a steady flow of gas. However, the pump can fail due to several reasons. For example, if it stops working when you are accelerating from a stop, it will decrease your car’s power and cause it to stall. This is because the pump is not supplying enough fuel to your car’s engine.
The mechanical pump works with a diaphragm to produce alternate pressure and vacuum. The movement of the diaphragm is produced by the electrical motor in the pump. The solenoid winding energizes a magnetic flux that pulls an armature to which the diaphragm is attached. The diaphragm then causes the suction to create the flow of fuel.
The diaphragm in a mechanical fuel pump is made of rubber. When the pump is in operation, it expands and contracts, sucking in fuel. The diaphragm has inlet and outlet check valves. When the lever is not in use, the spring will push the diaphragm back. This process occurs several times per minute.
Despite their high reliability, mechanical fuel pumps are not foolproof and will fail at some point. Typical problems with mechanical fuel pumps include leakage of fuel into the crankcase, vapor lock, and a faulty diaphragm spring.