The Polaris brand is well known for producing high quality products such as the Polaris Range utility vehicle. Customers of the well-established brand are guaranteed of the reliability and durability in their Polaris Ranger UTV and ATV. The great craftsmanship and expertise in the Polaris Ranger products such as the Polaris Ranger fuel pump, is testimony the years of commitment to making exceptional products that suit the needs of the end consumer.
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What Is The Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump?
The Polaris Ranger fuel pump is used in the Polaris Ranger utility vehicle to filter fuel from the tank and then draw it to the pump core. The fuel is then divided into two ways. The first is to supply the car engine via the pump core outlet. Excess fuel is then pumped back to the tank. The Polaris ranger fuel pump is therefore used to deliver the right amount of fuel to the engine at roughly about 39-psi in order to ensure the engine functions as intended.
Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Problems
NB: The Polaris Ranger fuel pump is usually sold without any defects and any problems that may arise one the fuel pump, including those highlighted below in this article are usually caused by wear and tear arising on the Polaris Ranger Fuel pump while it is being used in the UTV or ATV.
1. Damaged Fuel Pump Motor
The electric motor is used in the Polaris Ranger fuel pump assembly to power a small impeller that generates pressure and pushes the fuel from the tank, through the lines and to the engine. Hence a damaged fuel pump motor will result in the engine not starting. Reasons for a damaged fuel pump motor can include;
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Burnt coil windings due to large currents or voltages going to the motor.
- Burnt motor due to operating in an empty tank with no fuel.
Troubleshooting Faulty Fuel Pump Motor
When one notices that the Polaris Ranger fuel pump is failing to pump fuel to the engine, the following can be done to try and address the issue;
- Checking the Polaris Ranger electrical wiring for faults such as short circuits and open circuits, and rewiring or replacing the faulty wiring.
- Check the continuity of the coil windings and if they are the defective, the entire fuel pump unit may need to be replaced.
- Ensure the fuel level is always topped off to ensure the motor is not pumping in an empty tank.
2. Pump Failure To Start
There several reasons that may cause the pump not to start or fail to operate at all, most of these reasons can be electrical and mechanical faults and they often include;
- Blown Fuel Pump Fuse.
- Blown pump relay.
- Clogged fuel filter.
Troubleshooting Pump Failure To Start
One may notice that the pump is no longer pulling fuel from the tank and delivering it to the engine, hence the engine is under performing. To solve this problem one can try out one of the following;
- Replacing the blown fuse with a newer one so as to restore proper function.
- Inspecting the pump relay and replacing it if it shows signs of being burnt.
- Regularly inspecting and cleaning the filter to remove any dirty or debris so as to allow proper fuel flow.
3. Engine Back Fires
In normal operation the engine should operate smoothly and produce a uniform sound, however problems can develop with the Polaris ranger Fuel pump causing the engine to back fire. These problems can include;
- Clogged fuel pick line screen and plugged vent tiles.
- Loose connection lines from the fuel pick up tube to the pump unit.
- Contaminants in the fuel.
Troubleshooting Engine Backfiring
When the Polaris Ranger starts back firing due to faults in the fuel delivery system, the following can be done to try and address the issue;
- Pulling the tank cap to inspect and clean the vent tiles. One should also clean the fuel pick up line screen when clogged.
- Ensuring all clamps on the fuel lines are fitted in tight and secure. It may be recommended to use a screw-type clamp.
- Always ensure the fuel that is poured into the Polaris Ranger fuel tank is good quality and free from contaminants that can negatively affect the combustion cycle.
4. Sluggish RPMs And Poor Acceleration
When one notices that the engine is failing to build enough speed and maintain higher RPMs when the accelerator is activated, this signifies problems with the fuel pump and therefore the engine is being deprived of the proper amount of fuel. The problem can be caused by;
- Low fuel pressure due to clogged fuel filter and lines.
- Clogged tank vent hose on the tank.
- Clogged fuel tank vent lines.
Troubleshooting Poor Acceleration
Poor engine acceleration can be very frustrating, however if this problem develops one can try the following to address the issue;
- Checking the pressure using a pressure gauge and cleaning or replacing clogged filters or lines.
- Regularly cleaning the vent hose to prevent blockages.
- Regularly inspecting the fuel tank vent lines and cleaning them when dirty.
5. Excessive Engine And Pump Heating
Excessive engine heating can result when the engine is running on a lean fuel mixture due to a faulty fuel pump that cannot maintain the proper fuel feed and pressure. The problem can be caused by;
- Lack of fuel in fuel tank hence the pump cannot maintain good prime.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator or improper fuel pump installation leading to it not working properly.
- Overloading the Polaris Ranger hence fuel pump fails to supply enough fuel to meet the demand.
Troubleshooting Overheating Problem
When the engine or the pump starts overheating, the problem can be solved by;
- Topping the fuel to the correct level.
- Properly inspecting and repairing or replacing the regulator. Also ensure the fuel pump unit is properly installed.
- Ensure the load on the Polaris Ranger does not exceed the rated capacity of the utility vehicle.
How To Avoid Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Problems?
The best way to avoid any problems developing with the Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump is to utilize the utility vehicle’s operator manual and ensuring the pump is kept free from dirty or other items that could harm it. Following the stipulated maintenance schedule of the utility vehicle is highly recommended to ensure the pump is kept in its optimum condition.
How Do I Know If My Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Is Bad?
Symptoms include poor upper RPM performance, a loss of top speed and poor acceleration. If one notices these problems, it may be wise to carry out an inspection on the fuel pump in order to ensure the fuel tank assembly is replaced when it becomes defective.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of Fuel Pump Failure?
The most common cause of the fuel pump failure is contamination caused by dirt and debris entering the system when one is refueling or from refilling the tank with poor quality fuel.
Conclusion
In conclusion the fuel pump is a very crucial component of the Polaris Ranger utility vehicle since it draws fuel from the fuel tank, filters it and then delivers it to the engine in the appropriate proportions to ensure proper combustion in the engine. Without the pump the Polaris ranger cannot start or function appropriately. Inspection and maintenance is therefore necessary in order to ensure the pump functions as intended.