Quality tests is performed on fuel pumps to offer value performance in numerous conditions. The tests usually examine factors like pressure, flow rate, durability, and electrical efficiency. Most of the fuel pads in fuel-injected systems need to keep the fuel in the 40-70 PSI range for stable and continuous fuel injection, and the quality test needs to pass the pressure test because the fuel pump not only needs to be able to maintain stability at this pressure point but also maintain pressure without fluctuation. Though a sign that the pump wouldn’t be able to deliver fuel consistently under real world conditions, the drop in pressure during the testing – risk of what we’d risk finding ourself with a lean, sputtering motor.
Flow rate testing is another key component of quality control because it ensures that the pump can provide enough volume to satisfy engine requirements. Higher horsepower cars will even need pumps in the 250 liters per hour (LPH) range or greater under heavy acceleration or RPM. To prevent misfires or loss of power due to fuel starvation, flow rate accuracy is tested to ensure the pump meets these requirements.
For instance, most fuel pumps go through durability testing where they are operating under extreme conditions including rapid temperature cycles and high load operation for extended time span. Pumps will generally be tested from −20°F to 200°F to replicate various driving conditions. For example, testing has demonstrated that pumps running under severe service conditions and for which qualification tests were not conducted may fail as much as 30% sooner than those with proven resistance to wear [2]. Durability tests determine how long the pump survives thousands of cycles to gauge how long it will last for vehicles with high mileage where the pumps could last more than 100,000 miles.
The pump is tested electrically, ensuring that it runs efficiently over the entire 12-14 range in which the pump will be operating, as steady voltage is critical to ensure steady fuel delivery. Low voltage operation and voltage fluctuation stability are also performed so that the pumps can work well even if the voltage of the vehicle’s electrical system is slightly unstable. Indeed, as fuel pump guru Ed China writes, “constant power is the key to constant fuel delivery, meaning that electrical reliability tests are an important part of the quality control process.”
A high-quality Fuel Pump that undergoes the rigorous quality tests ensures long-lasting performance, stable fuel pressure, and efficient fuel delivery essential for optimal engine operation and fuel efficiency.