The mechanical fuel pump is responsible for supplying fuel to the injectors. The engine rotates the fuel pump through a square shape shaft at the bottom of the fuel pump. The fuel pump has intake and outlet holes.
From the intake it sucks in diesel and discharges it out through the outlet side.
The intake side is connected to the diesel tank, so from the diesel tank the fuel pump can suck the fuel.
However, before the outlet side gets to the injectors, there are fuel filters that filter the diesel to remove any dirt from it.
Your fuel pump can fail due to age, contaminated fuel, improper maintenance and improper installation.
How will you know when the Mechanical Fuel Pump of your Diesel Engine is Bad?
There are two ways to know:
1. If the fuel pump cannot pump fuel. This means the fuel pump is becoming weak and lacks the power to push diesel unless gravity force is used, which is by raising the diesel tank above the engine level.
2. Another way is to use one finger to block the outlet of the fuel pump and rotate the engine. If the pressure of the fuel pump cannot push diesel out despite you blocking it, it shows the fuel pump is bad.
Sometimes if the square shape of the shaft at the bottom of the fuel pump has worn, then the shape will be rolling free inside and will not be able to push.
So you need to check if the fuel pump shaft is still good.
You also need to check if the housing where the fuel pump enters is still good.
Even if the fuel pump is good, and the housing that rotates the fuel pump is worn, then the fuel pump will not get enough rotation to make it work.
SHOULD YOU REPAIR OR REPLACE your DETROIT MECHANICAL FUEL PUMP?
You can decided to repair or to replace the mechanical fuel pump of a Detroit.
If the problem is minor, you can repair it. For example, if the seal at the bottom side is leaking diesel, then you don’t have to replace the whole fuel pump. You can rather replace the seal at the bottom of the fuel pump.
Sometimes, the leakages can be as a result of a damaged gasket, but you can still go for a repair.
But if the fuel pump is not pumping or is weak, that means the components inside the fuel pump are bad, then you need to replace the fuel pump.
Although fuel pump kits are available at prodieselparts.com, sometimes it’s better to replace the whole fuel pump because of costs.
You also need to think of the labor unless you can fix it yourself.
So if the problem with the fuel pump is much, then you need to replace not repair
Where to Shop Components for your Detroit Diesel Fuel Pump?
ProDieselParts is the best store for all your Detroit Diesel engine fuel pump needs. Whether you’re working with Series 53, 149, 71, 92, 50, 60, or 8.2 engines, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of components. From repair kits to gaskets, seals, couplings, and complete fuel pumps, we have everything you need to keep your engine running smoothly.
Our website makes it easy to search the exact fuel pump your engine requires. Plus, we offer both left-hand and right-hand rotation options to suit different setups. Click here to know which rotation is your fuel pump.
For high quality, best prices, and amazing customer service, trust ProDieselParts to deliver the components you need for your Detroit Diesel engine.
