Some Fuel Pumps Won’t Survive!

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[@demontech06]

As a master mechanic, I need to point out a couple of things. While I do agree with the concept behind the video, there's important details being left out about modern fuel modules. Most modern vehicles are running a returnless style fuel system. Which means no fuel is being diverted back to the tank as excess. This style of system uses some sort of PWM controlled fuel pump, which eliminates the FPR to maintain fuel pressure at the factory specs. This eliminates the "overheating" of said fuel and fuel pump by running it at a lower available voltage when full voltage is not needed. The two fuel pumps towards the end of this video had anti-drainback valves, but they also had return ports that directed returned fuel to the pump module body and keeping fuel moving around the pump to help keep it cool. Now the trash in that tank demonstration is very possible. I've seen tanks that had more trash in there because people forgot to put their cap on or they lost theirs and just never replaced it. That much trash in the tank would clog up the pump sock and necessitate a complete tank removal and cleaning. That's really only after their check engine light comes on due to fuel supply issues that causes a drop in fuel pressure. That brings me to the next point, which is the pump sock. The sock is there to prevent large sediment and debris from entering the fuel pump on its way to the engine. Any sediment that got passed through the sock, would likely be caught by the main fuel filter itself. Regular maintenance intervals using FACTORY, not aftermarket parts will definitely alleviate possible future breakdowns. Running your tank down to E can cause harm, but really only if you keep it there for extended periods and never fill up. I've replaced a lot of pumps on cars due to thermal shock. The pumps were overheated from constantly running low on fuel and then filled up. Customers were then upset that their vehicle won't restart after a fill-up. You can't overheat the fuel, fuel pump and then throw cold fuel at it. It's going to lock it up because of the very tight tolerance inside the pump itself. I take very good care of all my vehicles and I have never replaced a single fuel pump. My work car has over 300k with the original pump and still gets driven around 130 miles a day for work. It even still has the original clutch! I run that car to E all of the time, and I have since it was new. It really wasn't a bad video, but the testing should be done as if the tank and pump are installed on a vehicle. Running a PWM or any pump on straight battery power, through a stand-alone mechanical regulator, then returning fuel back to a wide open hole in the tank doesn't illustrate a real world condition. Good fuel, good maintenance, and just some common sense will help to greatly mitigate fuel pump problems. Running your tank down to E is not detrimental to the life of the pump. Keeping it there all of the time is. Poor maintenance and bad habits is why a lot of cars get such publicity. There are bad cars that I believe are designed to fail without a doubt, but I have to respectfully disagree with the idea of running your car to E is going to kill your fuel pump. The designers and engineers would've had all of that in mind when that vehicle was designed. If someone has to stop for fuel every 150 miles or when their gauge hits half a tank, then it would get old fast. The manufacturers would get tired of replacing pumps under warranty if people weren't allowed to use the full capacity of their tanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hundred% agree with you there, buddy great explanation of course that’s why I said some vehicles don’t suffer from riding around on E and some do but your breakdown was excellent of how things work. to sum it all up don’t ride around on E It’s not good for the pump just like you said. you sound very educated on the matter what’s your background in the automotive industry?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I was going to make another video to clear up riding around on E every chance you have over a long time span is detrimental. I was already going to make that video just to clear things up.

[@alexmachado3622]

I love these longer videos. I’ve binged all the videos so far. I’m always looking forward to a new video. This channel will grow for sure, I appreciate your honesty and knowledge.

[@SammyKurts-ku2ht]

My 00 4Runner has 295k miles original fuel pump engine and transmission! I don’t let my tank go below quarter tank ..

[@jerameecarson6222]

Ok, so many things to say now that I've watched the "long version" of the video. I will respond with a video myself. I will recreate your experiment and I promise to keep the results real and honest. Most importantly, though, was your final statements about conforming to this world. I agree so completely and I loved watching how you interact with others at your shop, both co-workers and customers. Good stuff man. Keep this up. Your faith and your love shine in your work. I learned more from that than anything else. Thank you so much!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I appreciate you for coming to see the long form video and giving me a chance to show what I mean. 👨🏽‍🔧🩺

[@frankm161]

Great video! Humble indeed. Good vibes. Thanks.

[@flexxalamo4445]

That's a good demonstration about the fuel pump. It shows what can happen to a fuel pump if u let the gas tank down to E all the time. The fuel pump will fail before it's time.

[@Jimmyky77]

I finally found out why my 2001 Toyota Tundra 4.7 has been running rough, , , it was the Fuel pressure regulator (mounted on the fuel rail) it was stuck open. Replaced it with a new one and it's Running Smoothly again. Glad I didn't waste money on a new fuel Pump. TTYL Good People!👍🏻

[@renj6531]

3:45 nice homage to friday

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Great Scot, _Back to the Future_ is my jamz too 😂 The whole trilogy. In fact, it's been a few years since I've rewatched; I'm overdue.

[@mightyprophet4581]

Only time I run my tank close to E, is when I use Lucas Injector Cleaner in my tank thats the only time I recommend. outside of that avoid running tank to E

[@ozzmann3217]

Have you ever done a toolbox tour? Would you if you haven’t yet one of my favorite things on KZbin … I have a service truck so there is less of those vids out there but would love to see your setup

[@edgarmojica6145]

Great video Alex I just learned something new yes 😁👍

[@gregpepper9966]

"Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching." - Kirill Korshikov

[@JacksAutoDiagnostics]

The reason the electric fuel pump inside the tank doesn't burst into flames is because there is not enough oxygen. However, a used fuel pump on the bench with gasoline or something like you have rigged up there with an open fuel tank is extremely dangerous when using gasoline. Think about this. A brushed motor creates sparks! Have you ever seen someone who got burned over half their body trying to use gasoline to light a trash pile? The same thing could happen using a fuel pump out in the open air!

[@brenthann2623]

yup alex, back to the future is one of the best films ever.

[@imfloridano5448]

Use a thermal camera on it to show the before, during, and after of low fuel and fuel above the pump assembly so folks can understand what you are trying to convey better. Edit: Oops I spoke to soon about the thermal viewer testing. I placed my phone down and was listening to the video as I was exercising my bag folks 🤣😂. The thermal viewer is excellent for troubleshooting difficult electronic circuits many tymes when no consumer schematic is available to a DIY'er.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

You just reminded me to link that Thermo camera in the description 😏

[@jamalkingsworth3124]

Bro the AJ dude sounded like a super cool & free soul

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@jamalkingsworth3124 he Defintely is!!!! I can’t wait to visit his shop!

[@SammyKurts-ku2ht]

And that thermal scanner can be used on catalytic converters! To see if there doing there job or if there clogged up ..

[@DANNYN224]

Great video aj dude is too cool

[@Mike__P]

My parents grew up in the 50s and 60s and taught me to always fill up at 1/2 tank.

[@alexmachado3622]

I try to go by the shaq o’neil theory, fill up at half tank and it’s always half the price to fill up. 😂

[@JR-ku3ws]

Me to. To try to save my pump and incase I need to get somewhere I don’t have to stop to get gas. Just half price I like 😅

[@jackinbox3382]

Plus the shop should a note to change the room main seal before putting the transmission back on

[@JR-ku3ws]

If I ever move to Atlanta. Going to have to put in an application. Yall seem fun to work for. My cups not full and would like to open my own shop one day.

[@LOUISIANAMAN1984]

I never let my 2001 Ford Taurus get below a quarter of a tank ever I like the fill up at a half of a tank

[@Steven-mh7je]

Woooow that’s a nice Mustang 😂🤣😂🤣😂thanks guys🙏🏾🫶🏾✌🏾

[@RobertMckenzie-ew6ew]

i love this video because it was a lil bit of everything

[@curtisj2165]

Mrs Car Doctor runs her cars on empty, does that mean that she loves her mechanic? ❤ the lady tow truck driver

[@BillGates_Alex]

Alex you said the last guy you hired had a good resume but it didn't work out. Now you are hiring. Can you make a short describing some of the things you are looking for in an experience mech? What do you expect them to know?

[@autocompletellc9906]

Tool box tour! Tool box tour! Tool box tour!

[@StradEdits]

Alex doesnt leave the scan tool charging because the scan tool automatically charges from the cars battery 🤙

[@RobertMckenzie-ew6ew]

i dont agree on that transmission shop because why would you put a washer on that bolt mean while bell housing bolts dont use washers???

[@SammyKurts-ku2ht]

Oh yea finally a stand up shop !! You send them some money they gonna make it right trust me !! A read main seal job is easy $1k even at a mobile mechanic or Indy shop

[@ozzmann3217]

Never want to run fuel empty it does damage it won’t if it happens one or two times on accident you’ll prob be fine but don’t make a habit of it because everytime is bad for the pump

[@Cognacvsop1873]

Go to five below and get a cheap stand and wall mounted on there with a cheap stand

[@Cognacvsop1873]

Yeah, he was in the newspaper here in Houston

[@joehomanick]

It’s common sense!!!! What do y’all think cools the fuel pump 💯💯💯👀. Come on people . Tell ‘em Alex!

[@AJExoticaAtl]

A new video! Let’s gooo

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

Great choice 👏💯😺

[@OneMenWreckingCrew]

bro a spark way from burning everything down

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

😂🤣 I sure was lol that’s why this is @projectfarms job 🤣😂

[@jstuckey2790]

Now let me just say this I like this channel. I think it’s great that Alex try’s to educate his viewers on everything on there cars. But I can’t say how dangerous this was doing this gas tank experiment was. Just a suggestion from viewer . Could Alex use another type of liquid other than gasoline to show viewers how bad it is to run your car on low gas?

[@CutlassVibes]

Great video!

[@funwithfurryfriends9258]

I was driving a car that ran out of gas. I had to replace the fuel pump right after that.

[@gregpepper9966]

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death". - Albert Einstein

[@lobdsk]

What level is maintaining your fuel level? 1/2,1/4 ?

[@codyhernandez1738]

Great video as always what’s the name of that lunch spot you went to

[@davntelisha19]

He promoting Wawa coffee that red cup lol

[@jamieb9556]

If you listen, you can hear better that way.

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

Mr kaboom😂😂😂

[@fredbennett3549]

Like he said it's coming to shop cause it's a chevy 😂

[@R.mccrae18]

Looking for a tech c position not having good luck any tips?

[@AJExoticaAtl]

I have that jacket! Lol

[@tommyxiong4318]

How much is that jacket? Got the link to buy that jacket

[@God_is_good_]

God Bless✝️

[@G80Jerm]

link for infrared gun?

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

My Honda ready.

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

Fireball 😂

[@irajackson5661]

Slow today.ok ok so you didn't think about spending some time on the cut dog 🤔

[@Markking1678]

They don't like alcohol IMO.

[@Jaylikescar]

Yes its true! It can damage. you might get lucky but keep doing it and one day youll be wondering why yout car just cranks lol

[@glenbenton4855]

Incredibly based

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

😂boss lady

[@stevenf.5835]

Moe is my favorite

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

I’m like Alex give it about 6 months

[@carolchia1001]

I love the information content as much as the next guy, but this video was almost too stressful to watch…only reason I kept going was because this video wouldn’t be up if something catastrophic actually happened🙈

[@jackinbox3382]

No that's not right cause they left screws loose and they were leaking that's not good

[@eddieblount216]

Please wear gloves 🙏🏽 keep them hands protected .. i work on cars and i always wear gloves

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

Leaf people fall off

[@Cognacvsop1873]

3

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

If somebody reading bible should know what God make with anyone who be self in heaven

[@VinnyTheChin11]

Man that snap on is straight robbery when it comes to prices 😂 that’s 2010 news brotha they could get away with that shit then, no competition

[@Cognacvsop1873]

Yeah, he was in the newspaper here in Houston