Engine Damage from Fuel Pump Leaks fixed by Mini Experts of Tolleson
Post on August 9, 2020 by ultimateauadmin
Fuel pumps are an integral part of your Mini’s operating system. The fuel pump’s purpose is to send gasoline from your gas tank to your engine fuel components.
European-designed Minis are known for their quality construction and loyal customer base. As with any other mechanical devices, they can be prone to mechanical failures, such as faulty or leaking fuel pumps. Once a fuel pump begins to leak, it will have a detrimental effect on your Mini’s engine. Let’s discuss the symptoms of faulty and leaking fuel pumps and how you can prevent damage to your Mini’s engine.
Typical Symptoms of a Fuel Pump Leak
Poor Gas Mileage
One symptom which will occur with a faulty fuel pump is getting fewer miles per gallon. A leaking or damaged fuel pump affects the pump’s efficiency and pressure. The leak will prevent a sufficient flow of gas to your engine. This lack of flow causes your engine to run inefficiently and burn more gasoline. You may also lodr gas into other engine areas, as we will discuss shortly.
Starting Issues
When you turn the key or push the start button on your Mini, you should expect the engine to fire almost immediately. If the engine turns over longer than in the past, you may be experiencing a fuel pump issue. Have your Mini checked by a professional technician if you begin to experience lag time in starting your car.
Decreased Acceleration
Your fuel pump is calibrated to give the right amount of fuel to your engine when idling or when the gas pedal is pressed. When your fuel pump is leaking, it changes the pressure, which will affect your car’s acceleration. This makes it sluggish and slow to get to your required speed.
Engine Stalling and Misfiring
A Mini’s fuel system is designed for your vehicle to run smooth and consistent. If your fuel pump is faulty or leaking, your engine may experience misfires and stall for no apparent reason. Engine stalls can be dangerous, as you don’t expect the loss of power. Misfires show themselves as a rough idle, which can be felt as vibrations and shaking inside your car.
Whining Sounds
When your fuel pump is damaged, you may hear whining sounds inside your vehicle that were not there before. These sounds are due to the pump trying to deliver fuel as designed, but any faulty components within the pump can manifest as noise. Almost always, unusual sounds are warning signs from your vehicle. Do not continue to operate your Mini with these warning sounds, as devastating mechanical damage could occur.
Engine Damage with a Fuel Pump Leak
Fuel pump leakage in Minis may result through a failed gasket membrane. This can allow gasoline to enter the engine oil. If this occurs, and if not corrected, it will eventually cause catastrophic damage to your Mini’s engine. Let’s take a look at the different ways to know if your Mini’s fuel pump is leaking into your oil.
Gasoline Smell
Your Mini’s fuel system is a sealed unit. If your fuel pump begins leaking into your engine, this will allow an odor of gasoline to be prevalent in and around your vehicle. If you smell gas, have your Mini certified shop complete inspection of your fuel system.
Also, a professional technician will know if your oil is contaminated with gasoline during regular routine maintenance checks. This is one reason you should never skip or try to do your own oil changes, as these technicians are trained to find issues such as leaking fuel pumps while servicing your car.
Engine Overheating
Gasoline leaking into your oil will cause your engine lubrication system to fill with a substance not designed as a lubricant. This causes overheating in your engine. Engine overheating is a major cause of engine damage.
Solving Your Leaking Fuel Pump Issues
If any of these signs of a faulty or leaking fuel pump occur in your Mini, bring it to us at Ultimate European Repair for quality servicing and repair.
Serving Tolleson, Goodyear, Buckeye, Avondale, Phoenix, and Peoria, AZ, we provide a superior service experience. We specialize in European models, including BMW, Mini, VW, Audi.
At Ultimate European Repair, we 
have raised the automotive repair industry’s standards by exceeding customer expectations. Call us today to have your Mini and other vehicles serviced or repaired.
Posted in MINI Repair