Updated: June 29th, 2022 Published: January 12th, 2021
Whether you're looking to replace an aging fuel pump or simply interested in an upgrade, here are five top options.
If engine oil is the lifeline of your engine, then fuel is its source of food. In applications such as gas- or diesel-powered on-road vehicles, a fuel pump is tasked with delivering fuel in liquid form from a fuel tank to the engine, where it can be burned in combination with air as a source of energy, ultimately powering your vehicle.
Since the ’70s, most modern cars use an electric-style fuel pump located inside your vehicle’s fuel tank. When compared to mechanical fuel pumps of the past, these electric fuel pumps feature several key benefits. For starters, an electric fuel pump can be mounted almost anywhere (including outside of the fuel tank in racing applications); they’re also more reliable, and provide increased longevity.
Whether you’re looking to replace an aging fuel pump or simply interested in upgrading your existing electric fuel pump, there are plenty of options out there. However, it’s worth noting that electric fuel pumps are typically not universal, and each vehicle has its own specific needs, such as flow rate and pressure, so always be sure to double-check that you’re selecting the correct part for your make and model. To help you out, we’ve partnered with Advance Auto Parts to bring you this list of five top electric fuel pump brands.
Table of contents
- CARQUEST Electric Fuel Pump Kit
- Delphi Electric Fuel Pump
- Holley Mighty Mite Electric Fuel Pump
- Bosch Turbine Electric Fuel Pump
- Denso Original Equipment Quality Electric Fuel Pump
- What are the signs of a failing fuel pump?
- How do fuel pumps wear out or fail?
- Should I have my fuel pump rebuilt or replaced?
CARQUEST Electric Fuel Pump Kit
If you're in the market for a solid-performing and proven electric fuel pump, consider one from Advance Auto Parts' in-house brand, CARQUEST. This electric fuel pump is certainly one of the most competitive on our list thanks in part to the limited lifetime warranty that comes with it -- which is a huge benefit if you ever find yourself stuck with a failing fuel pump again.
CARQUEST fuel pumps are designed to meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, giving you peace of mind knowing that your new fuel pump is up-to-the-task of keeping your vehicle fueled no matter what you throw at it. CARQUEST also boasts that all of its fuel pumps are 100% performance tested, ensuring quiet operation, longer service life, and industry-leading performance and durability.
Product Features:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Meets or exceeds OEM specifications
- 100% performance tested
Delphi Electric Fuel Pump
Another big name in OEM replacement parts is Delphi, and the company's electric fuel pumps are built to OEM standards, and designed to operate in some of the harshest conditions to provide extreme durability. If you live in a hot climate, such as California or Arizona, or a cold one like Minnesota or Illinois, you might want to consider this offering.
Delphi's electric fuel pumps are designed to operate in extreme temperatures, provide quick engine starts, and avoid low-fuel hesitation in gasoline and alcohol-based fuel applications. Another aspect that sets this Delphi unit apart is its low-amperage drawing characteristics, which puts less load on your vehicle's electrical system. Lastly, this electric fuel pump is tested and validated to match your selected application and includes a limited lifetime warranty, making it a solid choice.
Product Features:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- High PSI fuel delivery
- Matched to correct vehicle application
Holley Mighty Mite Electric Fuel Pump
If you're a performance enthusiast, this electric fuel pump is for you. Holley Performance Products is a huge name in the world of aftermarket performance parts, and the company is widely known as one of the leading brands for fuel components like electric fuel pumps, carburetors, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) components and more. The Holley Mighty Mite electric fuel pump is specially designed for enthusiasts looking to maximize their vehicle's fuel consumption capabilities, offering a handful of great benefits for performance (and even stock) applications.
The Mighty Mite is ideal for vehicles making around 400 horsepower naturally aspirated, is compatible with all fuel types (gasoline, diesel, E85, etc.) and will also work with fuel additives. Holley's Mighty Mite electric fuel pump also boasts an easy installation process, a self-priming and regulating construction, and a quiet operation at just 65db.
Product Features:
- Great for performance applications
- Quiet operation
- Designed for long-lasting use
Bosch Turbine Electric Fuel Pump
You've probably noticed a trend here of choosing some of the "big players" in the OEM replacement parts business, and another one on our list is Bosch, a company often referred to as the "gold standard" in fuel components. Bosch's Turbine electric fuel pump certainly meets that criteria, as it features some of the leading advantages in fuel pump technology.
What makes Bosch's Turbine fuel pump different is its design; as a result, this electric fuel pump offers a near-silent operation which not only improves drivability, but also helps reduce wear, delivering a much longer service life. Bosch also integrated a non-return valve, which maintains system pressure long after your vehicle has been shut off, which in turn prevents hot-start problems. All in all, Bosch's Turbine electric fuel pump is a great option for replacing a worn, tired, or failed OEM fuel pump.
Product Features:
- High quality and efficient design
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions included
- One-year replacement warranty
Denso Original Equipment Quality Electric Fuel Pump
Denso is another manufacturer known for its high-quality OEM replacement parts, and they’re right up there with the other brands on our list. The company not only makes virtually any replacement part you can think of, they also offer just about any fuel component as well. Denso's electric fuel pumps feature an OEM-like construction and come backed by a one-year warranty.
In addition, Denso subjects all its electric fuel pumps to a rigorous testing and inspection process to ensure every electric fuel pump that leaves its facility meets the company's high standards, making them a reliable solution for any driver looking for an aftermarket replacement.
Product Features:
- OEM-quality construction
- Fitment for nearly every vehicle application
- One-year warranty
What are the signs of a failing fuel pump?
Fuel pumps can be quite finicky and sometimes hard to diagnose. We always recommend taking your vehicle to a professional repair shop to confirm a failing fuel pump through troubleshooting, but here are a few common symptoms of a fuel pump on its way out:
- Decreased fuel pressure
- Engine sputtering at high speeds
- Loss of power when your vehicle is under load
- Decreased fuel economy
- Trouble starting your vehicle due to lack of fuel pressure
Again, these are only some of the symptoms of a worn or failing fuel pump — your mileage may very (no pun intended).
How do fuel pumps wear out or fail?
Just like any other part on your car, over time your fuel pump will eventually wear out. Although OEM fuel pumps are typically designed to last the lifespan of the car, many factors come into play that can shorten the life of your vehicle’s fuel pump. The quality of fuel you fill up your car with, how often you fill up, and even how often you let your tank go down past 1/4 full all play a role in how long your factory fuel pump will last.
To help ensure fuel pump longevity, it’s recommended to not let your fuel tank fall below 1/4 full -- this is because fuel is used to help lubricate the fuel pump in the tank.
Should I have my fuel pump rebuilt or replaced?
We always tend to recommend replacing your worn or failed fuel pump over refurbishing it. This is because the guarantee for new parts is far superior to a refurbished unit. A new fuel pump is built with all-new components, which results in a much more reliable, much longer-lasting solution when compared to a rebuilt one. In addition, the cost of refurbishing a fuel pump typically isn't worth it when compared to the cost of a replacement unit.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
Main photo credit: Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock.com
