For adrenaline junkies with excellent taste for wheels, owning a 4-Wheeler or an All-Terrain Vehicle offers a more thrilling experience compared to what a standard sports car delivers. Some people will argue that. These are all-terrain, utility vehicles ideally used for sport, recreational or work. However, taking care of an ATV important in ensuring superior performance and durability. And one critical component that needs to be monitored and care for is the fuel system.
An ATV can’t move without wheels, that’s obviously a critical part among others, but having a vehicle with a compromised fuel system will only frustrate you more; your ATV will struggle to haul light cargo loads, and even climbing sloppy hills will be a problem.
ATVs fuel systems have the same fuel system principles on other automobiles. The system consists of a fuel tank, pump, filter and fuel injectors, which ensure the proper delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the injectors.
Signs That Your ATV Fuel Pump is Failing
Fuel system problems are common and come in many forms due to the different components involved. The issues can arise at any point within the system, whether it’s the ATV fuel pump, fuel filters or the injectors. ATV electric fuel pump, however, is associated with most engine problems insufficient fuel supply.
1. Loud Whine or Howl Sound
A damaged or old ATV electric fuel pump may produce a loud whining noise. If a pump is punctured, it significantly reduces its efficiency in delivering fuel from the tank to the injectors. Normal operating fuel pumps will often produce a low buzzing or humming noise, however if you hear a noticeably loud whine emanating from the fuel tank then that’s a sign of an issue within the pump. A loose or damaged hose is also another issue that can be signaled by a whining fuel pump. Consider ATV fuel pump replacement or repair.
2. Misfiring or Surging Engine
An ATV engine that misfires indicate there’s insufficient fuel supply within the system. This makes the vehicle to surge forward and idle erratically as if the gas peddle has been pressed then released. This happens when there irregular fuel volume or pressure being injected in the ATV electric fuel pump resulting in power surges.
Other system failures such as plug wires, spark plugs, injectors ignition coils, air filter, damaged piston, and cylinder walls can also cause engine surging.
3. Sputtering or Chugging Noise
Engine sputtering could be as a result of fuel, air and spark plugs. Impurities and residues in carburetor cause incomplete fuel combustion, which makes the engine work twice as hard to generate enough torque for the ATV. Check the spark plugs which is the main culprit for the sputtering engine.
4. Engine Cranks but Fails to Start
All of the mentioned ATV fuel system issues can cause the engine to fail to start even though it cranks. A bad fuel pump will affect the ignition process which is how an ATV gets powered. Consider inspecting the fuel system to check for issues such as worn spark plugs, fuel leak, damaged fuse and clogged or residue in the air filter.
5. Increased Engine Temperature
Generally, fuel combustion makes the engine hot, but when the temperature is noticeably high than normal, that’s an indicator of an issue with the fuel pump. ATVs are designed with a cooling system that helps regulate temperature. But with a faulty cooling system, lubricants become thin due to excess heat failing to form a protective film that reduces friction when metals come in contact. This, in turn, will cause the engine to stall or stop working altogether.
Conducting regular inspections on the fuel system can ensure you avoid serious engine problems. Replace your old ATV electric fuel pump if you notice any signs of damaged.
