The fuel pumps can operate on diesel, but the pump should be designed or rated for diesel fuel since the properties of diesel are much different from gasoline. Diesel fuel is more viscous and dense compared to gasoline; hence, it has to be given a pump that will tolerate such characteristics without straining the motor or the internal parts. The conventional gasoline fuel pumps are designed for pressure applications within a narrow window of 30 to 80 PSI and therefore cannot maintain diesel consistency over time. It would cause rapid wear or possible failure if used interchangeably.
The diesel fuel pumps are constructed of stout materials like stainless steel and high-strength seals designed to handle the peculiar properties of diesel, which minimize the chance of corrosion. The lubricity of diesel is great for the metal parts but proves detrimental to the pumps rated for gasoline, which were not designed to operate in such oily environments. In due time, operations with diesel in non-diesel-rated pumps will lead to problems in the internal seals and bearings, which can lead to losses as high as 20% in efficiency and shortened life for the pump.
Fuel flow demands also vary, particularly in diesel motors, which must have much higher flow rates to support significantly larger combustion cycles. Diesel pumps are typically designed to handle more than 300 liters per hour of flow rate in heavy-duty or high-performance diesel applications. A pump optimized for gasoline simply cannot provide the same rate, hence leading to poor fuel efficiency and subpar engine performance. Some automobile experts also argue that placing gasoline-rated pumps in diesel engines lowers engine efficiency and can lead to premature failure of such pumps.
Diesel fuel pumps also vary electrically, many times requiring specific relays and power ratings that match diesel's fuel flow demands. Replacement or upgrading to a diesel-rated Fuel Pump ensures compatibility with diesel engines, preventing pressure, fuel flow, and wear problems. The proper fuel pump for diesel applications will make sure there is efficient fuel delivery, longer pump life, and maximum performance from the engine, tailored to the properties of diesel.