A considerable number of people in North America have snowmobiles owing to the icy conditions that engulf the region every year. Most people use them for transport during winter and recreational purposes. On average, a snowmobile owner drives the machine for 1,250 miles. However, there is a good number of snow scooter owners that drive them for more than 3,000 miles in one winter season alone.
Driving your snowmobile for hundreds or thousands of miles is not the problem. The main issue lies in whether you understand that you have to take care of your snowmobile so that you can use it next season. As the winter season approaches, you must check the fuel system of your snowmobile.
This article discusses some of the signs that your snowmobile fuel pump needs replacing.
1. Rising Temperature
On a neutral point of view, you would expect temperatures of your engine to rise as you drive many miles in heavy snow or ice. However, temperatures should not go beyond extreme levels. If you notice that temperatures are increasing beyond what you can handle, you need to check your fuel pump. Your temperature gauge should tell you when something is wrong with your fuel pump. Increasing temperature is a sign that your fuel pump is damaged and needs replacing.
2. Sputtering Engine
One of the best indications of failing snowmobile fuel pumps is continued engine sputtering. Driving your automobile at high speed is likely to reveal many weaknesses in your snow machine, and sputtering in the engine is one of them. However, a sputtering engine is caused by weaknesses in your fuel pump. All indicators show that your pump is struggling to maintain a constant flow of fuel to the engine. Replacement snowmobile fuel pumps can do the job and eliminate sputtering.
3. Loss of Power
Loss of power is a common problem for many snowmobiles when moving uphill or carrying heavy loads. If you put your snowmobile under stress by moving it uphill, there is a chance that you will experience loss of power. Your automobile will start showing weaknesses in its fuel system if it cannot supply sufficient fuel to the engine. You need to buy a replacement fuel pump so that you can supply enough fuel to the engine and avoid loss of power.
4. Excess Fuel Usage
If your snowmobile has been using fuel normally and all over sudden becomes a fuel hog, there is a problem with your fuel pump. Most snowmobile fuel pumps have a relief valve, which prevents excessive flow of fuel into the engine. If the relief valve is not working, there will be a lot of unnecessary fuel into the engine. In such circumstances, most of the pumps can be repaired.
5. Snowmobile Surging
You would expect your snowmobile to move at a constant speed unless you are pulling on the gas pedal. Sudden increase and decrease in snowmobile speed indicate that there is something wrong with the fuel system. Experienced fuel pump technicians indicate that your fuel pump could be having irregular resistance from within. You need to buy a replacement fuel pump before getting yourself into unseen accident.
6. Difficulty Starting
Is your snowmobile taking time before it starts? You could be having fuel pump problems. Fuel pumps are expected to run every time you start ignition. However, after serving for some time, they wear and tear, leading to decreased pressure. You don’t need multiple turns of the key to force your snowmobile to start. Have a comprehensive evaluation of your fuel system and replace where necessary.
If you have been using your snowmobile for many years, it is not uncommon to experience these weaknesses. Sometimes a repair process is the way to go in an attempt to minimize maintenance costs. However, in extreme circumstances, an experienced fuel tank technician may recommend that you replace your aging fuel pump for a more efficient and sturdy fuel pump.
