How to Diagnose Fuel Pump Leaks in a Porsche
A leak in the fuel pump can drastically affect the way your car drives. With a Porsche, you expect your drive to be smooth and responsive, but this can all be compromised when there is a fuel leak. The fuel pump is responsible for transferring gasoline from the gas tank to your engine, so if there's a problem, your drive will be cut short.
With some vehicles there is a built in tell that there is an issue with your fuel pump. Some fuel pumps have a “weep hole” that leaks on purpose when there is an issue with the system in order to notify the driver of an issue. However, not all cars have this, and you must rely on more subtle signs of a problem.
Subtle Signs of a Fuel Pump Leak in a Porsche
Upon noticing any of the following symptoms of a fuel leak, you should take your Porsche into the shop at the earliest convenience. Failure to address the issues can reduce your car’s safety and performance ability.
1. The car is jerking before reaching top speed
This can indicate an issue with the fuel pump. This issue will be especially noticeable when attempting to accelerate on the highway.
2. A sudden loss of speed
If you notice that after accelerating to top speed that your car starts to slow itself down, it is likely that there is an issue with the fuel pump.
3. Engine turnover is delayed
When you start your car, you may notice that it takes your Porsche longer than usual to start. In more extreme cases your car may not even start at all. This kind of problem is indicative of a problem with the fuel pump.
4. Smoke coming from the engine
A fuel leak can cause your car to smoke and even catch fire if the issue is not addressed. It is likely that the leak is coming from your Porsche’s fuel pump if this is occurring.
If these issues are left unaddressed, the problem can grow to a point where your Porsche’s engine completely shuts down. A leaking fuel pump can also lead to more extensive internal issues that require additional and expensive repairs.
Self-diagnosing your Porsche can be successful in some cases, but there will always be a chance that you diagnose the problem incorrectly. There can be a great amount of danger when driving with a leaking fuel pump, so taking your car in for a professional diagnostic test is crucial if you are noticing any of the above signs.
How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Fuel Pump
Though it is unlikely that your fuel pump will last forever, there are ways to make sure that you do not accidently shorten its lifespan. One way is to make sure you keep your Porsche full of gas. By letting the gas tank run below half a tank, you are risking that gas at the bottom may float up and slowly damage the pump.
Keeping up with regular maintenance on your Porsche can improve the lifespan of many internal mechanisms, including the pump. Maintenance can help ensure great performance overall. General maintenance includes getting your oil regularly changed and regular tune-ups when taking your Porsche into the shop.
Where You Can Get Your Fuel Pump Repaired
Your Porsche may be an essential part of your day to day life, whether that be for commuting or pleasure, and that is why it is so important to trust who you leave your car with for repairs.
Import Motorworx is dedicated to keeping your car performing at a high standard and keeping you free of stress. Import Motorworx also offers a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty and specializes in Porsche repairs.
Import Motorworx has shops in both Lawndale and Culver City, CA. Though these are our shop's primary locations, we are dedicated to servicing the surrounding areas. If you own a Porsche in the Greater West Los Angeles and South Bay, CA areas, you can count on Import Motorworx to get your car back to peak condition.
Import Motorworx works hard to make your experience at our shop as pleasant as possible by providing gourmet coffee and WIFI in the lounge areas. Call us today for a convenient appointment.