Yes, your car’s fuel system can get clogged. In fact, the fuel filter can get clogged, the fuel hoses can get clogged, or the fuel injectors can get clogged. This is why it’s important to have the fuel system inspected and flushed every 30,000 miles. It’s also important to replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles. Below, we are going to list the signs that your car’s fuel system is clogged
Hard/No Starts
It’s no surprise that it can be difficult to start your automobile if the fuel system is clogged. Unfortunately, a clogged can mean that little to no fuel can make its way into the engine. If a little bit of fuel is in the engine, your vehicle may start after several cranks. If there is no fuel in the engine, your vehicle is not going to start at all.
Misfiring/Stalling
Let’s assume for the moment that you got the engine started. Consequently, you can hear it cutting out. This is a sign that the fuel system is unable to continue the supply of fuel into the engine. Any time the engine is fuel-starved, one or more of the cylinders will misfire. In severe cases, the engine will stall and you may be unable to get it started again.
Rough Idling
If you suspect that your fuel system is clogged, pay attention to your vehicle when it is idling. If the vehicle is jerking and you can hear the engine cutting out, the cylinder block is misfiring. Again, this could be an indication that there is not enough fuel in each cylinder. As an aside, it can also be an indication that you need to have your spark plugs replaced.
Whining Sounds
If, while you are driving or sitting at an idle you hear whining sounds coming from the fuel tank, your fuel pump is struggling to get the fuel into the engine. This can be a sign that there is a clog that is slowing down the flow of the fuel. Unfortunately, this will put unnecessary strain on the fuel pump motor and it will start to whine.
Faulty Fuel Pump
If you continue to drive your automobile without having the fuel system clog removed, the fuel pump will eventually die. Unfortunately, the motor will succumb to being overworked. As an aside, you may also have a fuel-delivery problem to the engine if the fuel pump is malfunctioning.
Call us today to set up a service visit if you suspect you have a clog in the fuel system, or if it has been over 30,000 miles since you have the fuel system inspected.
