Yes, it might result in a fuel pump leaking fuel, and that also presents risks in terms of safety and performance. Since the issue of leakage primarily occurs due to wear and tear, faulty seals, and damaged fuel lines associated with the pump, seals and gaskets keep the internal parts of your fuel pump secure after a long time and deteriorate with time, which may result in fuel leakage. Specifically, this may be very common for older vehicles, as seals can be made from materials that deteriorate faster with exposure to gasoline and fluctuations in temperature. In addition to problems of fire hazard issues, fuel pump leaks diminish fuel pressure and impinge on engine performance.
Many times, a malfunctioning Fuel Pump will show a noticeable reduction in fuel economy. The leak allows some fuel to escape and less fuel than intended is reaching the combustion process. This results in an improper air-fuel mixture that can have an engine run "lean," with too much air and not enough fuel within the combustion mixture. Lean conditions can decrease efficiency as much as 15-20% and may lead to engine damage with time, provided the leak is not improved.
The fuel pump leak symptoms may include a strong odor of gasoline, spots under the vehicle showing fuel, and problematic starting of the engine. Due to their being installed inside the fuel tank, electric in-tank fuel pumps become difficult to diagnose for leaks without having to seek professional help. Modern fuel pumps operate around 40-60 psi, and small leaks can cause rapid fuel loss with a less efficient pump.
High-performance applications, like diesel engines or performance vehicles, are even more susceptible to fuel leaks because the added stress across seals and gaskets increases the chances. Fuel pumps in these systems may operate well above 100 psi and expose weaknesses in any component connected to the pump rather quickly. Regular maintenance usually prevents these, but it does include checks for leaks around fuel lines and pump connections.
As Henry Ford, an expert in automobiles, has mentioned, "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." Good quality fuel pumps, just like those offered by Fuel Pump, can withstand high pressure since they are designed and constructed with non-leaking seals and parts. A good fuel pump investment, along with periodic testing, would go a long way in ensuring safety regarding the vehicle as well as to keep it in optimal condition.