Indeed, a faulty Fuel Pump could cause the engine to shake. Whenever the fuel pump cannot sufficiently deliver consistent flow to the engine, thus leading to unstable fuel mix in the combustion process, this can cause the fuel motor to misfire along with unequal distribution of power; all this can further make the engine vibrate when it’s at idle mode or moving at slow speeds. A healthy fuel pump will constantly hold the pressure of any given automobile around 30-80 PSI. As the Fuel Pump starts failing, it may fluctuate within and out of these pressure ranges, leading to an uneven running of the engine and therefore vibrations.
For instance, a study conducted by Consumer Reports in 2021 showed that approximately 25% of the vibration complaints from drivers were related to fuel delivery problems, especially those touching on the Fuel Pump. In some instances, this vibration could be worsened by a clogged fuel filter or an electrical problem with the relay of the Fuel Pump, since the pump is struggling to maintain appropriate fuel pressure.
Also, a failing Fuel Pump can have problems supplying the required volume of fuel. This can affect engine performance, causing stalling or hesitation during acceleration, which often results in vibrations. In a study conducted by Automotive Repair Monthly in 2020, 15% of stalling cases were attributed to poor fuel delivery, with the pump being the primary culprit.
In severe cases, if the pump is overly damaged, there is a complete disruption in the supply of fuel that can result in rough idle and increased engine vibrations, particularly when the car stays idling for an extended period. As Scotty Kilmer, a well-known automotive expert, says, “When the Fuel Pump is struggling, the engine struggles, and that’s when you feel the vibrations.”
One of the common tests to diagnose a bad Fuel Pump is to hook up a fuel pressure gauge onto the fuel rail. If the pressure reads lower than its recommended range, then this is a direct indication of the Fuel Pump not functioning well. Also, the regular maintenance-replacing the fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles-can help the Fuel Pump not be overly burdened.
These will prevent further major problems with the engine and may lower the risk of costly repairs. Whenever you feel engine vibration or the roughness of an idle, then maybe it is time to examine the Fuel Pump for any problem.