Fuel tank contamination is the number one cause of in-tank electric fuel pump failures. This contamination is often the result of moisture in the fuel tank leading to fuel tank oxidation, causing rust to form in the fuel tank. The rust is then ingested by the fuel pump, ultimately bringing about fuel pump failure.
Rust, debris, and dirt are three common particles that can somehow enter the gas tank and be fed towards or through the intank fuel filter and possibly into the fuel pump. These particles clog up your fuel pumps filter making it work harder to pump fuel. This causes stress and accelerated wear on the dozens of small components inside the fuel pump eventually leading to fuel pump failure. When filling up with gas, make sure no loose particles are being pushed by the gas pump into the gas tank or onto your gas tank cap. source: fuelpump.com
According to a document by Federal Mogul, “dirt can get into the vehicles fuel tank through contaminated fuel pumped from service station tanks. These tank pick up tubes are located toward the bottom of the tank. Small light particles tend to float on the surface and heavier particles tend to sink to the bottom of the tank. If the storage tank fuel level is allowed to drop too low it will increase the possibility of contaminated fuel, even if a filter is used at the pumping facility.” So keeping your gas tank filled along with the new technology from the Clean Fuel Screen Filter can help decrease fuel pump failures over time.