Fuel pump filters perform the function of catching any contaminants and particles in the fuel while transferring it to the engine thus preventing them from entering combustion chamber. This is important because particles, sometimes as small as less than 10 microns large can clog fuel injectors and restrict the flow of fuel to result in combustion that is not clean-burning. This consists of a multi-layer design, which is able to trap up to 99% of all particles from the fuel — with this in place, you can expect that your fuel pump will last longer and that the engine performance will be optimal.
Between 30-60 psi, consistent fuel delivery is achieved using a specialized array of fuel pump filters — standard in the diesel setup used in a variety of fuel-injected engines. To ensure an uninterrupted flow, it is critical that fuel delivery remains consistent at a constant pressure of 60 psi (pounds per square inch), the equivalent of about 415 kPa (kilopascals)—a common operating pressure for many OEs—and up to as much as 255 liters per hour (LPH) flow rates found in high-performance engines. A clogged or noisy filter will make the pump work harder to maintain pressure, which can lead to reduced pump efficiency and even cause overheating or failure over time.
Fuel filters create a durable, anti-corrosive design, employing components made of stainless steel or other high-tech synthetic fibers woven into a sediment-combatting matrix instead of paper. For example, diesel fuel filters or performance applications might have stronger filter media to withstand a heavier flow rate and pressure. According to the mechanics, this action (recommended to be every 20-30 thousand miles) could prevent up to 20% of the risk for pump failure by changing filter sooner.
Take hard starts, rough idling and low fuel efficiency for example as having one can mean that the air-fuel ratio will get disturbed due to the restricted flow. The white paper indicates that “A clean fuel filter is critical for proper running performance of the engine” (published by seasoned automotive experts) offering evidence of the value of scheduled maintenance.
A good quality fuel pump filter can help to keep your fuel system in tip top condition, avoiding more expensive repairs and ultimately helping maintain your engine's overall efficiency. For further information about fuel pump elements and upkeep please visit Fuel Pump.