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ATV/UTV Guide for Off-Road Adventures In The Winter

September 12, 2023ATV, HOW TO'S, OtherQuantum Fuel Systems

Fuel Pump Maintenance: Essential Steps for Winter Adventure Readiness

Are you ready to handle the cold weather with your ATV or UTV? Then ensure you get the most out of your Quantum Fuel Pump and prepare for your winter adventures with proper fuel pump maintenance. This guide will cover the best practices for keeping your fuel pump in optimal condition so that it can continue to provide reliable performance all winter long. From cleaning and replacing parts to checking fluid levels, we’ll show you what you need to know to conquer the cold and get the most out of your fuel pump.

Preparing for a winter adventure with your ATV or UTV? Don’t forget to take a few simple steps to make sure that your fuel pump is ready for the cold. You can ensure your Quantum Fuel Pump is up for the challenge with the right maintenance. In this blog post, we’ll provide some easy tips to help you get your fuel pump ready for the winter months ahead.

Understanding Your Fuel System For Better Performance

To properly prepare your ATV/UTV’s fuel pump for winter adventures, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the fuel system. Whether you have a Polaris, Kawasaki, or any other brand, the fuel system consists of various components that work together to deliver fuel to your engine. One crucial component is the fuel pump, responsible for pumping fuel from the tank to the engine. Inside the fuel pump, there is a strainer that filters out any dirt or debris that may contaminate the fuel. Regularly cleaning this strainer is vital to maintain optimal fuel flow and prevent any potential issues during cold weather conditions.

Importance of Preparing Your Fuel Pump for Winter Adventures

Don’t let the chilly weather leave your ATV/UTV stranded! It’s essential to understand the importance of preparing your fuel pump for winter adventures. A dirty fuel pump can lead to poor performance and potential breakdowns. By taking the time to clean and maintain your Quantum Fuel Pump, you can ensure optimal fuel flow and prevent any issues during cold weather conditions. So, don’t neglect this crucial step and keep your winter adventures going strong!

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump in Chilly Weather

Winter weather can be tough on your ATV/UTV’s fuel pump, and it’s important to recognize the signs of a failing pump before you hit the trails. Some common symptoms of a failing fuel pump in chilly weather include difficulty starting the engine, poor fuel efficiency, sputtering or stalling while driving, and reduced power or acceleration. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to replace your fuel pump with a high-quality QFS replacement part. Don’t let a failing fuel pump ruin your winter adventure – stay prepared and keep your ATV/UTV running smoothly in the cold weather. For more in-depth information I recommend checking out this Article.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Fuel Pump for Winter Conditions

Ready to get your fuel pump winter-ready? Follow these simple steps to ensure optimal performance in chilly conditions. First, locate your fuel pump and remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated around it. Next, inspect the fuel lines for any cracks or leaks and replace them if necessary. Clean the fuel filter and strainer to maintain proper fuel flow. Lastly, consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel from freezing or degrading. By taking these steps, you can keep your fuel pump in top shape and enjoy a smooth winter adventure with your ATV/UTV.

Recommended Replacement Parts for Your Vehicle Fuel Pump

Looking for the best replacement parts for your ATV/UTV fuel pump? We’ve got you covered! When it comes to keeping your fuel pump running smoothly in winter conditions, quality replacement parts are essential. At Quantum Fuel Systems, we offer a wide range of high-quality fuel pump replacement parts specifically designed for ATVs and UTVs. Our parts are built to last and ensure optimal fuel flow even in the coldest weather. Don’t compromise on performance – choose Quantum Fuel Systems for all your ATV/UTV fuel pump replacement needs.

Click below for your chance to get 15% off your first purchase!

Compatibility Check: Ensuring Your New Parts are Compatible with Your Vehicle

Finding the right replacement parts for your ATV/UTV can be a challenge, but ensuring their compatibility with your vehicle is equally important. At Quantum Fuel Systems, we understand the frustration of buying parts that don’t fit or work properly. That’s why we offer a comprehensive compatibility check for all our fuel pump replacement parts. Our team of experts is available to assist you in selecting the right parts for your specific ATV/UTV model. With our guidance, you can feel confident that your new fuel pump parts will fit seamlessly into your vehicle, allowing you to tackle winter adventures with peace of mind.

Conclusion

Don’t let the winter weather put a damper on your ATV/UTV adventures! By following these simple steps and maintaining your fuel pump, you can ensure that your machine is ready to tackle the cold with ease. From cleaning the strainer to checking for fuel line leaks, taking the time to prepare your fuel pump can save you from potential breakdowns and keep you on the trails all winter long. Remember to choose high-quality replacement parts, like those from Quantum Fuel Systems, to guarantee optimal performance. Get ready to conquer the cold and enjoy your winter adventures to the fullest!

Don’t believe us, Check out the thousands of reviews left by our supporters and customers!

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My go to fuel pump and fuel parts supply store is Quantum, hands down. I've purchased parts for jet skis, motorcycles, etc., and never had an issue.

I ordered a complete fuel pump assembly from Quantum for my Polaris Sportsman 570. They were much better on price than the OEM pump from the dealers. I live in NJ, and the website said it would be here in 48 hours from California. I though that was BS, but the pump arrived in LESS than 48 hours! It was a perfect match, I installed it, and the quad fired right up like a beast! Runs like a champ now! Great price, great customer service, extremely fast delivery, and a lifetime warranty on the pump. I will definitely recommend Quantum to everyone, and I will be a returning customer when needed!

7 Easy De-Winterizing Steps For Your Motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side/UTV

February 28, 2023ATV, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLES, HOW TO'S, OtherQuantum Fuel Systems

7 Easy De-Winterizing Steps For Your Motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side/UTV

Spring is right around the corner, and soon, the snow will melt, songbirds will chirp, and it’ll be time to take to the open road or trail again. After a long winter season where our motorcycles, ATVs, Side-by-Sides, and other Powersports vehicles sat parked in hibernation, we’ll need to do our due diligence and de-winterize them before pulling them out of cold storage and going for a ride.

If you followed our handy Winterizing 101 guide, then you’re ahead of the curve. For everyone else, we’ll cover how to get your machine running like a top in a few easy steps.

Of course, de-winterizing is made that much easier if we’ve all been astute owners and winterized our beloved toys. The reality is de-winterizing follows the same protocols that any rider or driver should take to prepare their vehicle’s roadworthiness after sitting under the covers for an extended time. You can utilize these procedures when buying pre-owned bikes or cars laid up for a while.

QFS is the undisputed leader in OE replacement fuel system parts, designed to outperform and outlast any OEM component. We stand behind our products, and a hassle-free lifetime guarantee warranty backs any QFS-branded part.

Things like fuel pumps, fuel filters, inlet strainers, fuel pressure regulators, O-rings can break down over time, especially when a vehicle isn’t being run regularly. Regardless of how well we maintain our vehicles, any fuel system needs to be inspected, cared for, and serviced. QFS offers everything you’ll need to complete the job in our massive catalog.

While this isn’t a time-consuming process, you’ll want to dedicate a few hours to complete de-winterizing like a pro.

Detective Work: Grab Some Shop Rags and Get on with the Inspections

Always start with the easy stuff. While it seems like you’ll only be spending time giving everything a spit shine, this step is one of the most crucial. Begin by pulling fairings and wiping all the critical components of your vehicle down. Keenly inspect for any trouble spots.

Over a long winter or storage period, cracks can form in rubber cooling hoses, seals could have failed, allowing fluids to weep or leak, and unnoticed wear and tear can be spotted before it becomes a potential hazard.

The tell-tale sign of a leak will be drips of fluid beneath or dribbling down various components. Take special care when wiping down, paying extra attention to suspension and engine components. Likewise, inspect your entire braking system by starting at the master cylinder and working your way down to the calipers or drums.

For anything with an advanced ABS, you might not be able to do that quickly, but run a rag over every major connection to make sure they’re fastened properly and not leaking.

Critter Check

Curious critters enjoy nesting in vehicles during the winter. So, break out a flashlight and peek into every nook and cranny. We always recommend plugging exhaust outlets when storing any vehicle, so be sure to go through and remove all those protection bits.

Sound-damping materials inside bodywork, mufflers, and airboxes serve as 5-star accommodations for any rodent. You’ll need to ensure no animals or insect colonies now call your machine home. This is a crucial step as a favorite pastime for rodents is chewing into wiring harnesses, which will cause numerous headaches down the road.

Once again, if you’ve been a diligent owner, you’ve already restricted access for our furry friends. You’ll need to reverse the process and be well on your way to your next ride or drive.

Get Charged Up

Batteries can be fickle. They don’t like being stored in the cold or sitting around unused for extended periods. This is valid for old-school lead-acid or lightweight lithium-ion types. The winter months mean you’re combining its two most minor factor activities, and the only workaround is to maintain proper voltage with a battery tender.

If you didn’t, don’t fret! Just pop it on a charger; if it’s not too far gone, it’ll be ready for action soon enough.

Fluid Levels, Lubricants, and Air Filters

It is imperative to thoroughly check and confirm that all your vehicle’s fluid and lubricants are at their proper levels. Beyond that, consider the age of coolant, engine/transmission oils, and brake fluid. Even if you haven’t achieved mileage that would warrant a change typically, refreshing these fluids yearly isn’t a bad habit. This can be done at the start of your riding season.

Brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture, which lowers its efficacy over time. If your brake reservoir looks brown instead of a golden hue, then it’s time to refresh it.

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On the same note, air filters must be regularly checked, cleaned, and reoiled to ensure they capture particulates. Once again, doing this at least once a year is a good practice, even if you haven’t racked up miles.

Cleaning and lubricating your vehicle’s chain final drive will help prevent premature rusting. Our Winterizing 101 guide explained that parking a motorcycle or ATV with a thoroughly lubricated chain will prevent rust and keep the o-rings in good health. For those that didn’t, now is the time to break out those brushes. Make that chain shine, and give it a good coat of lubricant.

The Right Rubber

Tires age naturally. While properly kept tires can last for several years, those living in icy environments will want to inspect their tires for any cracking thoroughly. In some cases, a tire can be adversely affected by freezing temperatures. The tire can become brittle and break down.

If you see any signs of cracking due to age or cold temperatures, it’s time to replace those rubbery hoops.

What’s Inside Your Tank?

When prepping your vehicle for winterization or long-term storage, you have two fuel-related choices: Drain the tank or add a fuel stabilizer. Those that choose fuel stabilizers can turn the key, start the engine, and burn through what they have available.

However, if you leave fuel in your tank for several months, it is wise to drain the tank and replace it with fresh gas. Fuel varnish and fuel separation can occur, which will cause poor engine performance or gunk up critical components.

It’s also a good idea to peek inside the fuel tank with a flashlight and inspect if your filters are in decent health. Make sure no debris has accumulated inside the tank. Remember, QFS has fuel pumps, strainers, and filters ready for nearly every make and model on the market.

Fire It Up!

Ah, you’ve checked all the fluids, oils, and lubricants or changed them. You’ve gone over every inch of your motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side and made sure that everything is in working order. The battery is charged, there’s fuel in the tank, and you’re ready to go!

Once you’ve gone through this essential de-winterization checklist, it’s time to go for a decent ride or drive to get the engine up to proper operating temperature. Simply starting an engine and idling for a bit won’t do, as moisture from the air inside your engine’s crankcase will create condensation. To avoid that issue, bring your vehicle’s engine up to the full operating temperature, where it will evaporate.

Pulling a motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side/UTV out of storage for the first time also requires care for both rider and machine. It’s been months since you last rode, so take things slow and get back into the swing of things. Likewise, hammering an engine immediately isn’t the best way to treat anything.

Need New Fuel System Parts to Help You De-winterize? We’ve Got You Covered!

Quantum Fuel Systems is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT. Our helpful staff can take your order over the phone or place an order via our extensive catalog. Be sure to use our support page for any detailed technical questions, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Winterizing 101: How To Prepare Your Motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side/UTV for Winter

December 8, 2022ATV, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLESQuantum Fuel Systems

Winterizing 101: How To Prepare Your Motorcycle, ATV, or Side-by-Side/UTV for Winter

The Fall season is an incredible time to get out on your motorcycle or ATV and get behind the wheel of a Side-by-Side/UTV. The temperatures are cooling down, and we still have plenty of daylight to enjoy. But when pumpkin spice starts hitting the shelves, we know winter is just around the corner, and for many Powersports enthusiasts, it won’t be long before they’re winterizing their ride until the weather improves. Winter isn’t dreary for everyone, as that’s when the snowmobiles come out to play and more adventurous riders on dirt bikes and UTVs, too. Preparing your vehicle for winter can mean long-term storage or just the opposite.

Many riders and drivers will be bundling up to push through the colder seasons, and they’ll need to take steps to make sure their machines are ready for those potentially freezing conditions. We’ll cover the nitty-gritty of winterizing your motorcycle, ATV, Side-by-Side/UTV, or snowmobile, whether you’re hanging up your helmet for the season or getting ready to embrace the winter months.

Quantum Fuel Systems is your source for high-quality OE replacement fuel system components designed to fit your Powersports machine. All QFS-branded parts are backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, and our extensive catalog has direct replacement fuel pumps, fuel filters, inlet strainers, fuel pressure regulators, O-rings, and more, all built to meet or exceed OEM quality standards. Now, let’s get into winterization!

Preparing Your Vehicle For Winter: The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Storage

Depending on where you live in the country, riding or enjoying your motorcycle, ATV, or another toy can be tricky in winter. And when springtime rolls around, we all want our toys to be in tip-top shape, raring to go the moment the weather permits.

Simply parking your bike for four months straight might mean you’ll spend more time tinkering to get it on the road and missing that first ride with your buddies. These tips don’t just apply to preparing your vehicle for winter; this type of preventative maintenance should be done for any vehicle that will be stored for extended periods.

Treat Your Gas

We’ve covered the problems with ethanol fuel phase separation — from gunked-up components to rust-ridden steel fuel tanks; it’s bad news no matter how you look at it. Although it’s an easily avoidable problem and there are a few ways to handle it.

Fuel stabilizers do precisely that: Stabilize your fuel and prevent it from absorbing water, causing phase separation, and eventually ruining the fuel completely. Depending on your climate, phase separation can occur in as little as 60 days, which isn’t much time at all. Countless stabilizing options are available, and we believe that using any of them is better than doing nothing at all.

Draining the fuel tank and system avoids the spoiled gas problem altogether. When the weather clears up, you’ll have to top up your vehicle with fresh fuel from a jerrycan, but that’s a small price to pay to ensure your quad, bike, or UTV fires up immediately. Downsides include potentially drying out rubber O-rings or gaskets, and we offer high-quality replacement parts for various makes and models.

Change Your Oil and Filter

You’ll have most likely racked up the hours or miles when wrapping the riding season. Replacing your oil and filter will help prevent corrosion and remove impurities from your engine’s lubrication system. Also, you’ll be one more step ahead when Spring comes.

Clean and Lube Your Machine

Packing away your bike or UTV covered in crud will only lead to corrosion on its paint or finishes. Get in the habit of thoroughly cleaning your vehicle before parking it. Once done, inspect and lube all moving parts from the linkage to the chain, if applicable. Proper lubrication helps prevent rust buildup and extends the life of those components.

Keep Your Battery Charged

Parasitic battery drain is unavoidable, and some electrical systems draw more current than others. Worse still, your battery will naturally drain over time, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a conventional lead-acid battery or a lightweight lithium-ion variant. Ensure you use a reliable charging unit compatible with your vehicle’s battery. These days, practically everything rolling off the showroom floor is equipped with an SAE adapter, allowing owners to use a battery tender and maintain proper battery voltage. If not, either pick one up and install it, or simply remove the battery and charge it.

Pest Control: Don’t Feed Our Furry Friends

Mice, rats, and other small furry creatures will get into every nook and cranny available to them in colder months, including your precious motorcycle, quad, and car. Small rodents can begin nesting inside airboxes and exhausts while also wreaking havoc by chewing wiring. Block off areas where pests can enter, which will spare you a major headache.

Find Proper Shelter

There is no substitute for storing a vehicle indoors, but we know that isn’t a luxury for everyone. Temporarily leasing a storage unit is handy, especially for those that only have street parking available. If those options aren’t readily available, opting for a fitted cover specific to the make and model of your ride will go a long way in protecting it from the elements.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Rides or Drives

Many of us don’t stop enjoying our machines when the thermometer dips and preparing your vehicle ready for winter isn’t as tricky as you might think. In fact, it comes down to using proper fluids and tires, mostly.

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Tire Choice Matters

It all comes down to the terrain you plan on hitting and temperatures because those knobby off-road tires on your motorcycle, ATV, or UTV might won’t cut it in freezing conditions. You’ll want to use a softer compound tire designed to operate and sustain lower temperatures, as well as a tread pattern compatible with the terrain you’re exploring. In addition, you might need to opt for hardcore studded tires that provide grip on icy surfaces.

Lower Temps Means Lower Oil Viscosity

Lower viscosity oil flows better in frigid or freezing temperatures, which helps your engine’s lubrication system operate more effectively in harsh conditions. Running high-viscosity oil in the winter will allow cold starts to take their toll on your engine, leading to premature wear. Always reference your vehicle-specific owner’s manual and use the correct oil for your situation.

Run Anti-freeze

Those living in warmer climates can avoid using non-glycol-based coolants since their cooling systems will never risk freezing. When dealing with a true winter wonderland, you will have to increase the amount of anti-freeze in your mixture per the needs of your environment.

Have Any Questions? Call or Email Today!

QFS is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT. Be sure to reach out via phone or email to reach our support staff with any technical questions that you might have or to place orders for winter maintenance projects.

How to Find Off-Road Trails: Top Resources and Apps

September 22, 2022ATV, AUTO, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLESQuantum Fuel Systems

How to Find Off-Road Trails: Top Resources and Apps

Planning your next off-road adventure takes time, preparation, and research. If you’re not looking in the right place, chances are you’ll be missing out on crucial information about potential trail closures and conditions. Quantum Fuel Systems is here to get you squared away with our guide to how to find off-road trails.

We get out on the trail as much as we can. We want to help anyone getting into the hobby so we’ve compiled a list of resources for anyone planning to off-road while using their ATV, motorcycle, UTV/Side-by-Side, or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

From family-friendly Jeep trails to black diamond-rated routes, the resources listed here give you access to information listing legal off-road trail systems throughout the United States and outside the continental U.S. in some cases. Bookmark this page and download these apps while you gear up for your next off-road excursion.

QFS specializes in direct OE-replacement components for a wide selection of Powersports and automotive applications. Be sure to check out our extensive catalog before hitting the wilderness. Stocking up on dependable fuel pumps and fuel system components could save your trip.

Off-Road Trail Resources — Websites

The United States Forest Service:

The U.S. Forest Service is an invaluable resource for anyone planning their next off-road trip that lives near or plans on passing through a national park. Off-roaders can find a comprehensive list of Off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes and recreation areas in every national park across the country.

In addition, there is plenty of important information regarding camping, camping restrictions, road conditions, closures, and weather or general hazard warnings. Other apps and services may offer the same information, but these are the people providing that information to the public regarding national parks.

Beyond that, the U.S. Forest Service website provides detailed outlines as to what vehicles are suitable on any given trails. Some OHV parks and certain trail systems may have specific regulations that need to be followed, all of which will be stipulated here.

In addition, the USFS is responsible for maintaining these routes and provides contact information for district offices, where you can speak with USFS Rangers, who often have up-to-date information available. We strongly encourage readers to take down relevant field office phone numbers in an emergency.

Bureau of Land Management:

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service serve similar functions in that both agencies manage public lands, keeping them maintained and suitable for multiple uses. Their websites offer helpful information, including a database of all OHV recreation areas and trails managed by the BLM.

Camping information, including amenities, restrictions, pricing, and more, is readily available for those interested. Not unlike the U.S. Forest Service website, all this information is free and constantly updated. Once again, contact local field offices for the most up-to-date information. BLM staff have a wealth of knowledge regarding the areas they serve, including closures and poor trail conditions.

Off-Road Trail Resources — Apps

AllTrails

AllTrails is available on Android and iOS and is one of the best free resources for route planning available today. We should note that there is a $29.99 Pro service plan, but the free account is more than enough to plan a route and search for trails by location. Pro does unlock helpful features such as downloadable maps and offline access, lifeline features to alert your whereabouts, an off-route alert system, and real-time map overlaps with (air quality, weather, light, and more).

Many readers may associate AllTrails with outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, or bicycling. However, users can search for OHV trails specifically. Even more helpful is the detailed user-generated information such as reviews, difficulty ratings, trail length, time estimates, and photos.

This information is invaluable as popular, regularly trafficked trails receive regular updates and can provide quality insight regarding your upcoming journey. Trust us; nothing is worse than hitting a path you and your vehicle aren’t entirely ready to manage.

Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS has quickly taken over the off-road scene. It has become especially popular with 4-wheel-drive owners and even more so with ADV, dual-sport, and enduro motorcyclists since it has comparable functionality to standalone GPS units.

Much like AllTrails, Gaia has a thriving community and user-generated trail data. You can isolate off-road tails, ensuring that you aren’t taken down standard hiking routes. Difficulty ratings and mileage are reference, too.

As with many GPS apps, these are multifunctional tools that allow users to always remain on legal trails, providing accurate campsite, park, and forest locations in conjunction with weather overlays. Gaia is no different in that regard.

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Gaia has grown in popularity within the off-roading community because it allows users to create custom waypoints and develop off-roading routes. There are also detailed layers of information providing elevation, grade, and much more. Users can also import premade GPX files, which are often distributed for rallies and other off-road events. Lastly, Gaia GPS supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seamlessly integrating with a modern dashboard.

Premium Membership is $19.99 per year and unlocks numerous features that hardcore off-roaders deem worthy. Some of the best features include mass-download maps for offline use and access to the worldwide map database. That database includes: ESRI World Satellite Imagery, NOAA weather forecasts, U.S. Private Land Ownership (including owner names and addresses for parcels), US Hunting Layers, U.S. Public Land (BLM, Forests, more), and most importantly, U.S. Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), and more.

The main downside of using your mobile device instead of a standalone GPS unit is that they are not as pinpoint accurate. However, they’re unlikely to get you off course and unless you need absolute precision in your route tracking, using your smartphone is more than adequate.

Gaia GPS is available on Android and iOS.

OnX Offroad

OnX Offroad is one of the few apps designed for offroad navigation specifically. Unfortunately, it is the only app on this list that doesn’t have a free membership. The yearly service fee is $29.99.

The upshot is that OnX Offroad is geared toward anyone looking for off-road trails and prevents users from accidentally combining non-off-road trails into their lists . It does not list standard trails. OnX Offroad boasts a massive database with 985 million acres of public land and over 550,000 miles of roads and trails, with specific information such as open dates and width restrictions. 4WD owners will appreciate that.

Reference countless topographic and satellite maps to create routes and custom waypoints that can be shared with friends in your group. More importantly, what sets it apart from other mapping apps is that it caters to the off-road community in more ways than one.

The map interface allows users to filter trails and display routes into specific categories. Categories include: Dirt bike trails, 50-inch trails (dirt bikes and ATVs), high-clearance 4×4 trails (Jeeps, Side-by-Sies, ATVs, motorcycles), and full-width roads. Again, no other app in this article accommodates those features, giving you unparalleled route planning knowledge. Need to create a loop and keep it dirt bikes only? You can do that. Want to make sure that your ATV or Side-by-Side buddies can join in? Well, you can map that out as well.

Lastly, OnX Offroad supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

OnX Offroad is available on Android and iOS.

Stock Up on Spares Before Your Next Trip

Quantum Fuel Systems offers high-quality fuel pump and fuel system components that meet and exceed OEM specifications. If you’re planning on hitting some major major off-road trails, bring spares that could save an expensive tow. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. P.T. Have technical questions? Contact us via phone or email.

How Ethanol Fuels Impact Your Fuel Pump and Fuel System

August 11, 2022ATV, AUTO, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLES, OUTBOARDethanol, fuel pumpQuantum Fuel Systems

How Ethanol Fuels Impact Your Fuel Pump and Fuel System

Ethanol-blended fuels are the dominant force in America’s fuel supply. While most modern vehicles are specifically engineered to handle these fuel blends, many cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs can run into problems when using certain ethanol-fuel combinations. The greater concern is that ethanol is harder on fuel pumps and other fuel system components. In some instances, rubber expansion, plastic degradation, and metal corrosion may occur.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 98% of gasoline sold in the United States contains ethanol, which is what we likely buy at the pump.

We will examine why ethanol-based fuels can cause harm to your fuel pump and fuel system and what to look for when purchasing replacement components. But, before we dig into the impact that ethanol fuels have on your parts, let’s understand why they’re used, the pros and cons, and what vehicles can use E10, E15, and E85 ethanol-gasoline blends.

Quantum Fuel Systems is an industry leader in high-quality OE replacement and performance fuel system components. All QFS products are designed to exceed OEM requirements while utilizing top-tier ethanol-fuel-safe plastic, rubber, and corrosion-resistant materials.

Whether we’re talking two-wheels, four, or marine applications, our catalog has everything to cover your fuel system needs.

SECTIONS

WHAT IS ETHANOL

WHY USE ETHANOL

E10, E15 & E85

PROBLEMS WITH ETHANOL

PREVENTING PROBLEMS

What Is Ethanol?

Ethanol, otherwise known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel addictive created by fermenting biological matter. If that sounds like your average alcoholic beverage, that’s because it is the same type of alcohol found in most beer, liquor, and wine.

However, ethanol is denatured alcohol and has poisonous additives making it unfit for human consumption.

The process begins by fermenting sugars found in grain starches, such as corn, sorghum, and barley, or other sources like sugar cane and sugar beets. Ethanol production isn’t limited to these sources alone and can be manufactured using other plant materials like grasses, wood, or algae.

These renewable organic materials are called biomass, hence why ethanol-blended fuels are referred to as biofuels. In the United States, most fuel ethanol is produced by fermenting corn.

Why Use Ethanol Fuels?

The reasoning behind using ethanol-blended fuel weaves complicated economic, geopolitical, and environmental issues together. Ethanol is a renewable energy source derived from domestically produced plant materials and, when mixed with gasoline, can help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil imports.

There are additional environmental benefits as well.

Ethanol is an oxygenate that enhances fuel combustion, producing lower carbon monoxide and pollution emissions. With that much supporting ethanol, it’s safe to say that ethanol is here to stay, and we’ll need to learn to work with it.

E10, E15, and E85 Explained

Three primary ethanol-gasoline blends are sold in the United States: E10, E15, and E85. E10 is gasoline containing 10% ethanol, E15 contains 15% ethanol, and E85 uses a variable 51-83% ethanol blend, depending on the region and season.

Ethanol and Octane

This is where there is some confusion for consumers: The number values next to “E” do not relate to octane. E10 and E15 blends are used to create the 87-95 octane fuels commonly available at gas stations.

Meanwhile, E85 often exceeds 100 octane depending on the ethanol-gasoline. The significantly higher ethanol content and octane of E85 can only be used with engines specifically designed to accommodate it.

Interestingly, ethanol has higher octane than gasoline. However, ethanol is roughly 33% less energy dense than pure gasoline.

That means ethanol can produce more horsepower but is less efficient than gasoline when burned. Less efficiency results in slightly reduced gas mileage when using ethanol-blended fuels.

Vehicle Compatibility

E10 has been sold across the United States for years and is deemed safe for all modern cars, trucks, and Powersports vehicles. While true in most cases, there are some complications related to ethanol that we’ll examine later.

Additionally, we recommend referencing your vehicle-specific owner’s manual to confirm the suitable fuel type and grade.

E15 can be used safely in vehicles manufactured in 2001 and after, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Importantly, we should note motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs/Side-by-Sides, and marine engines are rarely designed to accept E15 fuel and should not be used.

E85, also known as Flex Fuel, is a high-volume ethanol blend that can only be used in engines designed explicitly for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs are designed to use other fuel grades, but E85 often features high-octane ratings, requiring engineering to compensate for those needs.

NISSAN 350Z 370Z INFINITI G35/G37 2004+ E85 CONVERSION FUEL SYSTEM KIT – BOSCH FUEL INJECTORS / QFS 340LPH PUMP

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Despite E85 being marketed as an environmental-friendly fuel alternative, E85 is popular among tuners and performance-engine builders for various reasons. Compared to gasoline and lower ethanol blends, E85 features high oxygen content, better evaporative cooling, greater knock resistance, lower exhaust gas temperatures, and much higher octane.

Those running high-performance engine components can gain extra horsepower by using E85 and adjusting fueling or ECU maps to utilize it properly. In addition to that, you must ensure that your vehicle’s fuel pump and fuel system components are ethanol safe.

QFS offers everything you need to make your performance build E85 ready.

Ethanol Gasoline

Most problems with ethanol stem from the fact that it is hydroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the air. Gasoline is hydrophobic and repels water.

Ethanol and gasoline can mix, but if the water concentration becomes too high, then phase separation will occur. The ethanol and water will separate from the gasoline and settle at the bottom of the storage tank.

Leaving metal components submerged in water will cause corrosion and damage parts like an in-tank fuel pump, fuel sending unit, strainer, filter, or regulator.

Worse yet, the ethanol and water mixture becomes a perfect breeding ground for an acetic bacteria known as acetobacter. Acetobacter causes the mixture to become highly acidic. This destructive environment can quickly wreak havoc on components throughout your fuel system.

Vintage and late model vehicles are more susceptible to ethanol fuel issues because manufacturers didn’t anticipate engineering plastics, rubbers, and metals to withstand the corrosive environments ethanol fuels can create. While ethanol has been used as an additive dating back over 100 year, it didn’t gain prominence until recently.

Those who own vehicles with older-style metal fuel tanks will want to take special care when using ethanol gasoline. Older rubber components like O-rings, gaskets, and fuel lines can swell or become brittle and break down. Damaged components lead to numerous mechanical failures.

OEMs have since transitioned to ethanol-fuel-safe components to avoid these problems. Reputable aftermarket manufacturers like QFS use ethanol-compliant components in all fuel system parts, ensuring that your vehicle will run trouble-free on ethanol fuel blends.

Preventing Ethanol Fuel Problems & Ethanol Phase Separation Treatment

Ethanol fuels have a lousy reputation among gearheads, especially those running vintage vehicles. Most problems associated with ethanol-blended fuel can be avoided through some simple strategies.

Phase separation only occurs when a vehicle is stationary for a prolonged period. Most ethanol fuels will experience phase separation in roughly 60 days in a high-temperature and high-heat environment. The easiest solution is to operate your vehicle and cycle fuel through the system to prevent phase separation.

If you store your vehicle for extended periods, treat the fuel with stabilizers or fill it up using non-ethanol fuels. These fuel types can still be found at some specialty gas stations.

Have Any Technical Questions? Our Staff Is Standing By

Quantum Fuel Systems is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT. Reach out via phone or email to reach our support staff with any technical questions.

Summary

Ethanol, otherwise known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel addictive created by fermenting biological matter
When mixed with gasoline, ethanol can help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil imports
Three primary ethanol-gasoline blends are sold in the United States: E10, E15, and E85
E85 is popular among tuners and performance-engine builders for various reasons
Vintage and late model vehicles are more susceptible to ethanol fuel issues

Quantum Fuel Systems

For over 15 years, Quantum Fuel Systems has been manufacturing and distributing fuel system components for OEM and performance applications. Our mission is to manufacture fuel systems that are centered around longevity, accurate flow data, and hassle free direct fitment.

5 Ways To Maintain Your Fuel System

July 27, 2022ATV, AUTO, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLES, OUTBOARDatv, auto, dirt bike, fuel pump, motorcycle, outboard, square body pickupQuantum Fuel Systems

5 Ways To Maintain Your Fuel System

Outdoor recreation is booming, which means more people are using their Powersports vehicles. Motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs/Side-By-Sides, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft are racking up hours across the United States as new riders and families join in on the fun. Motorcycle sales alone were up nearly 10 percent in 2021, hitting their highest levels in 15 years. We’re going to go over five easy ways to maintain your fuel system and ensure it’s in good working order, giving you peak performance, fuel mileage, and reliability.

All that time out on the road, trail, or water does add up, and responsible owners know that to get the most out of our vehicles, they need to keep up with regular maintenance. Even the most diligent owners and DIY mechanics overlook their fuel systems until there is a problem.

Don’t think these tips are exclusive to your motorcycle, quad, or UTV — these maintenance suggestions apply to any car, truck, or RV equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). These tips are to help prevent fuel pump failure, regardless of vehicle type.

Quantum Fuel Systems (QFS) is the authority in high-quality direct OE replacement fuel system components. All QFS-branded parts are backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty and are designed to meet or exceed OEM quality. Visit our catalog for all your fuel system needs when maintaining or repairing your fuel pump or fuel system.

1. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

This is one of the most straightforward tips of the bunch and applies to any standard in-tank fuel pump conveniently located inside your fuel tank. In-tank fuel pumps are constantly submerged in liquid fuel, helping lubricate and cool one of the hardest working components in your fuel system.

Radiant heat from the engine and the fuel pump’s electric motor will increase fuel temperature as your fuel load drops, putting more stress on the fuel pump and causing it to work harder, leading to premature failure.

While today’s gas prices certainly aren’t making things easy for consumers, one of the simplest ways to maintain the health of your fuel pump is never run on empty. Always try to stay above ¼, and your fuel pump will thank you for it.

2. Don’t Fill Up When The Fuel Delivery Truck Is At The Gas Station

We know that this suggestion might sound like an urban myth, but there is nothing subtle about how a tanker truck dispenses fuel into gas station holding tanks. Thousands of gallons of fuel are dumped into a tank rapidly, stirring up sediment, debris, and even water resting at the bottom.

None of that material is suitable for your fuel system, and it’s best to let the sediment settle before filling up at that station.

3. Inspect Or Replace Filters And Strainers

Filters and strainers are the first and last words in protecting your fuel system. Without them, harmful particulates can mix with a sticky fuel remnant known as gasoline varnish, wreaking havoc on the precision components found in the fuel system and engine. Clogged or damaged filters and strainers can lead to performance loss and premature wear on your internal components.

The first line of defense your fuel system has is a fuel pump strainer that prevents sand, dirt, and foreign objects from clogging or damaging parts. Once a strainer has absorbed all the material it can, it will restrict flow, which puts unnecessary strain on the fuel pump.

Fuel filters serve the same purpose as a strainer and are typically further up in the fuel system chain. Filters defend engine components, such as your fuel injectors and sensors, from anything that manages to get past the fuel pump strainer.

QFS OEM REPLACEMENT IN-TANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR CAN-AM MAVERICK MAX TURBO EFI 2019, REPLACES 709001056

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A clogged filter is detrimental to proper fuel flow, and foreign objects are equally harmful to the rest of your fuel system, clogging small passages and causing performance loss or outright mechanical problems.

Always remember that street-focused motorcycles, cars, and trucks will have much higher service intervals than anything off-road oriented. The harsher off-road environment can quickly introduce dust, dirt, and debris into the fuel system, making maintenance schedules far more frequent on dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs/Side-By-Sides.

If you want to maintain your fuel system, stick to regularly servicing the smaller components that you may forget about when doing routine maintenance.

Be sure to reference your model-specific manual for exact mileage/hour figures. Our complete line of filters and strainers are designed to withstand harsh fuel additives and ethanol-based gasoline, ensuring filtration and performance.

4. Clean Your Injectors

Fuel injectors do precisely that: Inject fuel into the engine throttle body or cylinder, allowing a precise amount of atomized fuel to be delivered for proper combustion. Injectors are electronically controlled valves operated by a solenoid that must open and close with extreme accuracy.

Over time, deposits can restrict their spray pattern, causing symptoms like performance loss, decreased fuel economy, rough idle, and misfires.

Cleaning injectors do not apply to low-mileage/low-hour vehicles unless they’ve sat unused for long periods. Any late model or high-mileage vehicle can benefit from a thorough injector cleaning.

There are plenty of aftermarket tools, solvents, and fuel additives to help clean your injector system. These products remove varnish, build-up, and deposits from small passages, allowing the injector spray pattern to function as intended.

The most effective way to clean any delicate precision component is using ultrasonic cleaning tools. At-home mechanics can purchase specialized tools, but many authorized service shops have the equipment to perform this task.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through a liquid to scrub and clean surfaces through a process known as cavitation. These tools are incredibly adept at removing build-up, oils, and other deposits that might obstruct the spray pattern. Ensuring injectors are spraying properly is necessary to maintain your fuel system.

If you find that your injectors are beyond repair, QFS sells direct replacements from reputable brands such as Bosch, Injector Dynamics, RC Engineering, and Siemens Deka. We also stock PnP adapters and wiring harnesses built to fit seamlessly with their respective fuel injector.

5. Maintain Electrical Components

Electrical gremlins are tough, especially when you’re out having fun on your bike, UTV/Side-By-Side, or personal watercraft. Inspecting and double-checking electrical connections is as crucial as changing fluids according to cited service intervals, although many owners don’t make it part of their routine.

Loose or damaged connectors and wiring can lead to problems beyond intermittent issues. These bad connections could lead to a total failure of a fuel pump, pop fuses or relays, and leave you stranded.

During your routine maintenance, make it a habit to inspect all electrical connections, especially those on off-road oriented vehicles that are subject to running in dirty environments and taking lots of abuse.

It’s also advisable to test critical electrical systems with a voltage meter to detect problems before they cause harm. While you’re there, hit the electrical connections with some contact cleaner to clean the conductive surfaces.

Lastly, those doing long-distance rides or drives should always look at the most common fuses and relays in their fuse box and carry a spare.

At the most basic level, ensuring your battery is healthy and fully charged is a good place to start. Depending on your charging system, a weak battery can reduce fuel pressure and create lean conditions.

Always keep batteries maintained with a modern “smart charger” that not only maintains a full charge but reconditions your battery and provides a long service life.

Have Any Questions? Give Quantum Fuel Systems A Call Today!

Quantum Fuel Systems is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT. We are happy to assist our customers over the phone, or you can browse our extensive catalog. Have any technical questions? Our trained support team will get back to you with answers.

Breaking Down Fuel Pump Terminology: EFI, E85, LPH, Small Parts, and More

July 14, 2022ATV, AUTO, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLES, OUTBOARDatv, dirt bike, dual pump system, fuel filter, fuel pump, honda, motorcycle, polaris, square body pickup, yamahaQuantum Fuel Systems

Breaking Down Fuel Pump Terminology: EFI, E85, LPH, Small Parts, and More

Navigating the world of fuel systems shouldn’t be difficult, especially when you’re simply trying to order quality parts for your machine. When it comes to fuel systems, there is quite a bit of fuel pump terminology, whether you’re talking about automotive, motorcycle, ATV, UTV/Side-By-Side, or marine vehicles.

We’ve put together a helpful list of standard terms and definitions that you’ll come across when diving into a DIY repair for your vehicle. From basic definitions and acronym explanations — being familiar with fuel pump terminology will get you on the right path and keep you informed.

QFS specializes in producing high-quality fuel system components for nearly every EFI-equipped engine on the market. We design our direct replacement parts in-house and will meet or exceed OEM quality. We offer replacement fuel pumps, kits, and components for nearly all makes and models backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty. Visit our complete catalog to order now.

Fuel Pump Terminology Explained

Electronic Fuel Injection

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is any fuel delivery system that is electronically controlled by an Engine Control Unit (ECU). The name describes its function quite accurately because EFI systems inject fuel directly into an internal combustion engine’s manifold or cylinder. EFI has become the dominant fuel delivery method due to its inherent performance, emissions, and efficiency advantages over antiquated carbureted systems. There are several forms of fuel injection, such as single-point fuel injection, multi-point fuel injection, sequential fuel injection, and direct injection. Yet, they all follow the same fuel injection principles.

Fuel Injector

A fuel injector is one of the most crucial components in your EFI system; its function is where we get the name. Your vehicle’s Engine Control Unity (ECU) electronically control your fuel injectors. A fuel injector is an electronically controlled valve that sprays a precise amount of atomized fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber to facilitate an optimal air-fuel mixture under all operating conditions. QFS is an authorized dealer of fuel injectors from industry leaders such as Bosch, Injector Dynamics, RC Engineering, and Siemens Deka. We offer direct OE replacement and high-performance solutions for automotive, Powersport, and marine applications.

ECU/ECM

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine Control Module (ECM) is your vehicle’s brain. It controls one or several electrical systems. Part of its duties is managing the EFI system, performing essential tasks like how long to hold the injectors open during each cycle to create the proper air-fuel ratio for any situation. It achieves this by monitoring data from several sensors and adapting accordingly.

OE Replacement

Original Equipment Replacement. All QFS products for powersports, from fuel pumps, O-rings, and more, match OE specifications and are guaranteed to be direct drop-in replacements.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Fuel Rail

A fuel rail is a high-pressure fuel line that delivers fuel to the fuel injector.

Fuel Pump Assembly

The fuel pump assembly often houses critical components such as the fuel pump, pressure regulator, fuel sending unit, and strainers or filters. QFS offers entire replacement assemblies for many makes and models.

Fuel Sending Unit

A fuel sending unit measures the amount of fuel available in your fuel tank and communicates that information to the fuel gauge. It does not send fuel as the name suggests and instead sends an electrical current from the fuel level sensor to the fuel gauge. If your vehicle cannot accurately register fuel levels, a fault with this component can be the cause.

Fuel Pump

Direct OE replacement fuel pumps are what Quantum Fuel Systems (QFS) specializes in, supporting nearly every corner of the automotive, Powersports, and marine market. The fuel pump delivers high-pressure liquid fuel to a carburetor or EFI system within the engine. QFS fuel pumps feature an industry-leading lifetime warranty and are designed to withstand a variety of ethanol-gasoline fuel blends.

Intank Fuel Pump

“Intank” or “in-tank” refers to the physical location of the fuel pump. An intank fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and explicitly designed for that purpose. Intank fuel pumps typically achieve longer operational lifespans than alternative designs since they are submerged in liquid fuel, helping cool and lubricate the pump.

External/Inline Fuel Pump

External/Inline fuel pumps mount on the exterior and underneath a fuel tank while using gravity to feed fuel into the pump. An external/inline fuel pump is often far easier to service and replace due to its mounting location.

QFS PERFORMANCE 380LPH INLINE EXTERNAL E85 COMPATIBLE FUEL PUMP W/ INLET OUTLET, QFS-606FT

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Small Parts

This is a term that comes up in conversation with gearheads, sales staff, and suppliers within the fuel-system industry. “Small parts” refers to any components that are not the actual fuel pump. This can include but is not limited to; O-rings, gaskets, strainers, filters, pressure regulators, and other parts associated with fuel pumps. QFS has all the small parts you need to get your vehicle running again.

Filters

Filters do the critical job of extracting harmful particulates from fuel to protect sensitive EFI components. QFS filters screen microscopic contaminants that collect in a fuel tank and ensure that your vehicle’s EFI system is running at its best. A car, motorcycle, ATV, UTV/Side-by-Side, or boat may employ one or more filters at various stages of the fuel system.

Strainers

Strainers perform the same function as filters and are typically the first line of defense against fuel system contaminants. Common contaminants such as sand, dirt, dust, and gasoline varnish are screened out by QFS strainers, which feature multi-layer strainer media to filter even the smallest particulates. In addition, QFS strainers boast an expanded surface area. This offers improved filtration abilities and extending the life of your fuel system components.

Pressure Regulator

The pressure regulator helps maintain proper PSI within your EFI system. This allows your fuel injectors to function correctly and air-fuel calculations to be as accurate as possible.

Dual Pump System

Any fuel system that relies on two fuel pumps is a Dual Pump System. In these systems, a low-pressure fuel pump transfers fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, then a high-pressure fuel pump takes over and delivers fuel to the EFI system. These systems are commonly used in marine applications where the fuel tank is not near the engine.

E85 Fuel (Flex Fuel)

E85 is an ethanol-gasoline blend of fuel that can contain anywhere from 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on the season and location. Flex Fuel or E85, is explicitly formulated for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), meaning that the internal combustion engine is designed to support high-volume ethanol fuel blends. While cheaper than gasoline, it has less energy density and often results in reduced fuel economy. This fuel cannot be used in motorcycles and Powersport vehicles.

Tank

The fuel tank. Every ICE-powered machine has one (or more).

Performance

Performance fuel system equipment means that you need components with superior flow rates than what OE equipment can provide. When building high-horsepower engines, this type of equipment is an absolute necessity to meet the increased performance demands.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a durable synthetic fluoropolymer used in all QFS corrugated flex hose lines. This robust plastic is hydrophobic and resistant to the harsh chemicals in today’s fuels, including E85. The corrugated design also prevents kinking and improves fitment in all uses.

AN Fittings

AN is a U.S. military-derived specification standard dating back to World War II, developed as a common standard between the Army and Navy branches. QFS is an authorized dealer of high-quality AN fittings from Phenix Industries. Phenix Industries provides customers with the finest aftermarket high-performance fuel and brake system plumbing components available.

PSI/kPa

Pounds per Square Inch/Kilopascal are two standard measurement units when describing fuel pressure regulator specifications. PSI is an Imperial measurement, and kPa is metric. Be sure to reference what measurement unit your model-specific service manual cites.

LPH/GPH

Liters Per Hour/Gallons Per Hour are two frequently cited units of measurement. They are used to reference the amount of fuel a pump can supply over time.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Pulse Width Modulation allows an ECU to control EFI fuel pressure by rapidly turning a fuel pump on and off. If more pressure is needed, the length of time the fuel pump is activated extends. Conversely, if less fuel pressure is required, the time the fuel pump is turned on is reduced. This can happen in milliseconds. It extends the useful life of a fuel pump by allowing it to work less, operate at a lower temperature, and introduce less heat to the stored fuel. All QFS fuel pumps are PWM-ready.

Done Studying Fuel Pump Terminology? Reach Out To Our Helpful Staff

Quantum Fuel Systems is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT. Any of our trained and qualified staff members are available to assist customers over the phone. Be sure to reach out to our support staff with any technical questions, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Why Your Polaris Ranger, RZR, or Sportsman OEM Fuel Pump Fails Prematurely

April 27, 2022ATVatv, fuel pump, polarisQuantum Fuel Systems

Why Your Polaris Ranger, RZR, or Sportsman OEM Fuel Pump Fails Prematurely

Polaris is a household name in the Powersports industry with its complete range of snowmobile, ATV, and side-by-side/UTV products. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast using your sport SxS or ATV for recreation or utilizing one of the brand’s many UTV models on the job, the Polaris lineup is incredibly robust and offers something for nearly everyone.

As much as Quantum Fuel Systems customers and staff enjoy Polaris vehicles, we’ve noticed that several Polaris Ranger, RZR, and Sportsman models use an OEM fuel pump prone to premature failure. We’re going to explain some of the causes and outline helpful solutions.

SECTIONS

IMPACTED VEHICLES

O-RING WEAR

VAPOR LOCK

CONTACT AN EXPERT

Polaris ATVs and UTVs With Known Fuel Pump Problems

2011-2012 Ranger 800
2013-2017 Ranger 800
2013-2019 Ranger 900
2014-2022 Ranger 570
2012-2016 RZR 570
2011-2014 RZR 800
2014 RZR 900
2011-2013 RZR XP 900
2011-2014 Sportsman 550
2011-2014 Sportsman 850

Fuel pump problems on these common Polaris models can happen at any time. Polaris riders and drivers often have difficulty restarting their machines in hot climates. Drivers may have to let the vehicle cool off for roughly 30 minutes and hoping it will fire up again.

The original Bosch manufactured stock fuel pump is prone to these symptoms in particular models. Riders need a dependable fuel pump that excels in these rugged conditions.

Quantum Fuel Systems offers cost-effective fuel pump and fuel management components that are built to meet and exceed OEM performance. All QFS replacement components are designed to match dimensional and functional specifications.

You won’t need to modify your original assembly — our drop-in replacement parts will work for your specific application and feature an industry-leading lifetime warranty. If you need Polaris replacement components, refer to our catalog to find an exact match for your year, make, and model.

Over the years, our expert team of QFS technicians has pinpointed the cause of these issues. Whether it’s a total fuel pump failure or an intermittent problem, properly identifying the cause of these problems can save you a headache down the road.

O-Ring Wear on Polaris ATVs and UTVs

O-rings are the unsung heroes of our fuel system, creating effective seals and ensuring that our entire fuel system can maintain proper pressure. Unfortunately, the OEM fuel pump o-ring is constructed out of an inferior rubber and is prone to early deterioration, deformation, or cracking.

We find that this o-ring is often the leading cause of fuel pump failures with Polaris vehicles.

Once that seal begins to fail, fuel pressure can bleed back into the tank, creating engine performance issues, hard starting conditions, or failing to start at all. However, the more detrimental problem with a fuel system that fails to maintain proper pressure is that is overworks the fuel pump, generating excess heat and eventually leading to premature fuel pump failure.

Often, this total failure occurs without warning and can leave you stranded.

QFS fuel pump installation kits come with every replacement component you’ll need to get up and running again, including our extremely durable Viton ethanol-safe fuel pump o-rings. One of the most common fuel pump o-rings for Polaris models is HFP-OR-396.

Please take extra care when installing new o-rings, properly lubricating the o-ring and assembly cavity. This procedure will prevent the o-ring from becoming pinched or torn and create an effective seal.

We strongly suggest completely servicing your entire fuel system while installing this upgraded o-ring. Check that your filters are clear and gaskets are in proper working order.

Polaris ATV Vapor Lock

Vapor lock was a common problem on engines that utilized carburetors, and it has become less of an issue with the advent of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). While somewhat rare with modern EFI vehicles, it can still happen, specifically when operating in extreme temperatures.

Vapor lock occurs when fuel begins to vaporize in the fuel system, elevating the pressure within the fuel system and creating difficulties for pumps designed to transport liquid fuel, not vapor. Fuel pumps attempting to operate in a system with vapor lock are subject to excessive wear and lead to early failure.

Symptoms riders and drives might observe include: Hard starting, stalling, or sputtering when running their machines in hot conditions.

A reoccurring vapor locking issue was documented on 2011-2012 Polaris Ranger 800 UTV models due to an underrated 40 psi (300kPa) pressure regulator. 2013 Polaris Ranger 800 models solved this issue with an upgraded 58 psi (400kPa) pressure regulator to overcome hot fuel tank issues that raised internal pressure.

Reflashing Polaris ECUs

In the case of the 2011-2017 Ranger 800 UTVs, our HFP-396 fuel pump is the correct replacement, but kits for specific years will differ in their choice of the pressure regulator.

There are a handful of solutions for the 2011-2012 Ranger 800. Unfortunately, you will need to work with your authorized Polaris dealer or a trusted performance mechanic as you will need to reflash the ECU to remedy vapor lock problems completely.

The first solution assumes that you will retain the 40 psi (300kPa) pressure regulator. This is typically used when owners experience difficulty restarting their Ranger 800 when hot. If that is the case, you will need to reflash your Ranger 800 with a map that holds the fuel injectors open longer, prior to a hot start, in order to bleed excess fuel vapor from the system.

2011-2012 Ranger 800 owners can choose to upgrade to a 58 psi (400kPa) regulator. This option is effective for owners that experience random stalling, or shut offs while coming to a stop. Once again, this will require an ECU reflash to compensate for higher psi limits.

Ultimately, vapor locking seen on 2011-2012 Polaris Ranger 800 models can only be remedied with a modified fuel map. However, it highlights the importance of using fuel system components built to withstand high temperatures and extreme environments.

Have More Questions? Reach Out to Our QFS Staff!

Quantum Fuel Systems is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT. You can speak to any of our qualified staff on the phone or browse our extensive catalog. Be sure to contact use our support page for any detailed technical questions.

SUMMARY

Some OEM fuel pump prone to premature failure
Reference the above list of years / models to determine if your vehicle is prone to premature failure
You won’t need to modify your original assembly — QFS drop-in replacement parts will work for your specific application
O-rings create effective seals and ensure fuel systems can maintain proper pressure
While somewhat rare with modern EFI vehicles vapor lock can still happen, specifically when operating in extreme temperatures

Quantum Fuel Systems

How to Diagnose a Bad ATV, Motorcycle, UTV/Side-by-Side Fuel Pump

February 2, 2022ATV, AUTO, DIRT BIKES & MOTORCYCLES, OUTBOARDatv, can-am, dirt bike, fuel pump, honda, motorcycle, polaris, yamahaQuantum Fuel Systems

how to quickly identify a failing fuel pump QFS

How to Diagnose a Bad ATV, Motorcycle, UTV/Side-by-Side Fuel Pump

Understanding the symptoms and how to diagnose a bad fuel pump on an ATV, motorcycle, or UTV/SxS is handy knowledge for any enthusiast and precisely what we’ll be discussing below. When a fuel pump fails to operate within its designed specifications, your EFI-powered vehicle can suffer in a few ways. Expect lowered performance, causing it to run poorly, or failing to start at all.

A properly functioning fuel pump is one of the many crucial components in your ATV, motorcycle, or UTV/Side-by-Side (SxS).

Quantum Fuel Systems specializes in high-quality direct OEM replacement fuel system and engine management components. All QFS products are backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty. Every product in our extensive Powersports product line is designed to match the technical specifications of your vehicle.

We know how important it is for our customers to get back on the road or trail. Your orders are processed the same business day, and we offer free 2-day shipping in the United States with any purchase above $60. QFS has you covered with complete replacement kits, individual parts, specialty tools, and more.

Whether we’re talking about two or four-wheeled vehicles, testing a bad fuel pump, or issues related to your fuel system are similar. It doesn’t matter if you drive an Arctic Cat, Can-Am, or Polaris, ride a Harley-Davidson, Honda, or Husqvarna. Fuel pumps can fail anytime, anywhere.

Get the Gold standard in OEM Quality Replacement Parts QFS once you diagnose a bad fuel pump

What does matter is that you’re referencing your vehicle-specific service manual to confirm any necessary technical specifications, as those figures can change depending on the vehicle year, make, and model.

Luckily, troubleshooting a bad fuel pump follows the same general principles, and we’ll be covering a few basic and advanced methods.

QFS does not intend this article to be a strict guide. As always, we recommend that only those confident in their mechanical abilities perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnosis on their vehicles.

If you do not feel comfortable performing this work, please consult an authorized and licensed service technician.

SECTIONS

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD FUEL PUMP

DIAGNOSING A BAD FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP WON’T PRIME

CHECK THE FUSES & RELAY

CONFIRMING YOUR FUEL PUMP HAS POWER

PRESSURE TESTING A FUEL PUMP

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Tools You’ll Need To Diagnose Fuel Pump Problems

Eye protection
Nitrile gloves
Hand tools (socket and screwdriver set)
Pliers
Multimeter or voltage meter
Pressure testing gauge
Contact cleaner
Rags

Symptoms of A Bad Fuel Pump

Let’s dive into it with how to diagnose a bad fuel pump and review some tell-tale symptoms of an underperforming or failed fuel pump.

Not Starting/Won’t Idle

Not starting when all systems appeared to be in regular working order is a good indicator that fuel is not making it through the fuel system. If the engine does start but fails to maintain idle, that is another sign that the pump is on its way out.

Whining

All fuel pumps produce a low audible hum when operating. When they reach the end of their lifespan, you may notice a loud whining sound, pointing to a fuel pump motor stressing itself to function.

In-Tank Fuel Pump Assembly for 2016-2023 Polaris RZR Turbo

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Surging

Surging occurs when traveling at a constant speed and feels as if your ATV, motorcycle or UTV briefly accelerates with no input from the user. Typically, excessive pressure buildup can momentarily deliver excess fuel. In this case, we strongly recommend replacing the pump and filters immediately.

Power Loss Under Load/Cut outs

Does your bike, quad, or SxS accelerate normally only to begin losing power as the rpm climb or at higher rpm? That is often a signal of a fuel pump that cannot deliver the correct amount of fuel pressure to meet performance demands. Alternatively, you may experience power cut-outs at random, demonstrating a fuel pump operating sporadically.

Diagnosing a Failing Fuel Pump

Pinning-down fuel issues can be complex, as fuel systems and electrical systems are interdependent. Problems with one system can cause the other to malfunction. Our goal here is to isolate variables and help you determine the root cause of your issues.

Before you turn a single wrench, start with the basics and confirm a few things:

Is there fuel in the tank, and does your fuel gauge (if applicable) register accurately?
Is your battery adequately charged, and does your electrical system appear to be fully operational?
Is the kill switch in the “run” position?
Is your bike, SxS, or quad in neutral?

If you’ve answered yes to all those questions and you’re still experiencing issues, then it’s time to start investigating.

Fuel Pump Won’t Prime

Fuel pumps can fail with or without warning. We go to fire up our ATV, motorcycle, or UTV; the engine cranks, and it simply won’t start. Our first step is to observe if the fuel pump is operational and “priming.”

Priming means that the fuel pump engages for a short time, pressurizing the fuel lines and providing adequate fuel flow for the injectors.

To test this, cycle your key to the “on” position and listen intently for an audible hum coming from the fuel tank. The hum should only last a few seconds.

If you’ve repeated this multiple times and don’t hear a mechanical whirring, chances are the fuel pump has failed or is not being supplied electricity.

If you are performing this test on a dirt bike (Motocross or Enduro) that doesn’t have a keyed ignition, press the starter button and quickly release, which will trigger the fuel pump and allow you to determine if the fuel pump is operational.

Check the Fuel System Fuses & Relays

Fuses and relays act as bridges for electrical current. If they fail, the current can’t reach its proper destination and provide power. Consult your service manual to access your fuse box and relays, and then remove them to inspect them for any damage visually.

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A healthy fuse will have its metal “bridge” connected, and a functional relay will “click” when power is delivered. You can also use a multimeter to check the resistance of a relay or fuse, which is more accurate.

Confirming Your Fuel Pump Has Power

If your fuel pump is not priming, you must determine if this is an electrical problem or a fuel pump failure. To do that, you will need to gain access to your vehicle’s fuel pump assembly. Consult your model-specific service manual for instructions to perform this safely.

Once you have clear access to the fuel pump assembly, you will want to test if power is coming down to the fuel pump itself with a multimeter or voltage meter.

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Disconnect the wiring from the fuel pump assembly. Again, you will need to consult your service manual and wiring diagram to determine which terminal connections to measure.

Once you’ve done that, confirm that adequate power is available by cycling the key to the “on” position and measuring the voltage — it should rise to the cited technical specification in your service manual, then fall to zero after a few seconds. If you don’t have power or insufficient voltage, you know that the issue is not related to your fuel system.

If all is in order with the wiring harness, perform a continuity test with your multimeter on the fuel pump itself. Locate the positive and negative leads going to the fuel pump and check if an electrical connection is capable.

If it isn’t, rest assured that the fuel pump motor is dead.

Pressure Testing a Fuel Pump

Pressure testing is crucial when faced with lean and rich conditions, power loss, or surging, as irregular pressure in your fuel system can cause these issues. This test requires one of the few specialized tools mentioned here since it will need a gauge with model-specific connections to be installed between the vehicle’s fuel pump and fuel lines.

Once you’ve determined your vehicle’s fuel pressure specifications and installed the pressure tester, cycle the key to the “on” position. Pressure must raise and hold at the required specification.

If that checks out, start the engine and increase the rpm gradually. Once again, pressure should not deviate outside the recommended range.

If pressure is excessively high, your pressure regulator has failed, and we offer replacement options. Conversely, clogged fuel filters can lower fuel pressure and create flow issues.

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Inspect all relevant filters thoroughly, although we recommend replacing them during this type of service. To accurately diagnose a bad fuel pump, all other fuel system components must be thoroughly checked.

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Summary

Understanding the symptoms and how to diagnose a bad fuel pump on an ATV, motorcycle, or UTV/SxS is handy knowledge for any enthusiast
When a fuel pump fails to operate within its designed specifications, your EFI-powered vehicle can suffer in a few ways — robbing performance, causing it to run poorly, or failing to start at all
Pinning-down fuel issues can be complex, as fuel systems and electrical systems are interdependent
Priming means that the fuel pump engages for a short time, pressurizing the fuel lines and providing adequate fuel flow for the injectors
Pressure testing is crucial when faced with lean and rich conditions, power loss, or surging

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