You’re out riding your Kawasaki Teryx and stop for a break, but your vehicle refuses to start for some reason. Most likely, it’s because of a problem with its fuel pump. While the Teryx is a sturdy and multi-purpose machine, this model has trouble with faulty fuel pumps that cause it to lose power.
To fix a Kawasaki Teryx, clean the pump filter and the fuel injectors. Check the fuel tank vent and the pump regulator for obstructions. If the problem persists, you’ll have to rebuild or replace the fuel pump.
A Kawasaki Teryx fuel pump can fail without warning. As you ride, debris can enter the fuel tank, clogging the engine’s fuel path. Keep reading to see which parts of the fuel system you should check before replacing the entire fuel pump.
1. Clean Fuel Pump Filter
If your Kawasaki Teryx feels like it is beginning to bog down but then goes back to normal, you should check the fuel pump filter. You might even notice the machine turns off while idling.
There are multiple reasons why the fuel pump filter might be clogged:
- Rust can enter the fuel tank and cause the filter to clog.
- Dirt and silt enter the fuel tank as you drive through woods and streams.
- Debris also enters the fuel tank, causing the fuel pump to work harder than usual.
2. Clean the Fuel Injectors
If you lose performance in a Kawasaki Teryx and the vehicle won’t accelerate, your fuel injectors could need a good cleaning. The fuel injectors spray fuel as a fine fuel-air mixture into the inlet manifold, and they can become plugged over time.
While you may think you need to replace some parts, try this cleaning method first.
- Start with a general 3-in-1 fuel additive. Use one ounce to one gallon (3.78 l) of fuel. I recommend THE Royal Purple Max Clean (link to Amazon). It will effectively clean the engine and remove hydrocarbons, restoring power and efficiency.
- Use a throttle plate and carb cleaner to lubricate the throttle and carburetor. You can’t go wrong with the 3M Throttle Plate and Carb Cleaner (link to Amazon). It removes residue and lubricates the throttle body, increasing performance.
Here’s a Youtube demonstrating the cleaning process for Teryx fuel injectors.
3. Check the Fuel Tank Vent
If the Kawasaki Teryx fuel tank vent has an obstruction, your engine won’t have any power. The symptoms are similar to a clogged fuel filter. You will notice your Teryx stalling and have difficulty starting the machine.
The fuel tank vent feeds air to the tank so that it has the proper ratio of air and fuel. Here is how to check the fuel tank vent and remove any clogs.
- Locate the fuel tank and tank vent beneath the passenger seat.
- Use compressed air to blow into the fuel tank vent.
- Run a plastic tube through the vent to check for further blockages.
- Drain the fuel tank and let it air dry.
- Reconnect the fuel tank vent hose and the fuel line.
- Refill the fuel tank.
- Use compressed air to blow into the fuel tank vent.
- Listen for a gurgling sound. This indicates there is no blockage.
Although you might not have much mileage on your Teryx, the fuel tank vent might still have an obstruction. When you go in deep water, the tank line vents to the frame. This allows water and dirt to enter the fuel tank. Many Teryx owners do a fuel vent modification that reduces how much dirt and debris enter the fuel tank.
This fuel tank vent modification kit works well to correct the vent problem (source). It’s a simple and affordable way to relocate your fuel vent without making costly modifications.
4. Check the Fuel Pump Regulator
The fuel pump regulator on the Kawasaki Teryx controls the pressure of the fuel going to the injectors. Your Teryx needs more power when accelerating than cruising, and this is the job of the fuel pump regulator.
Here are some signs that should alert you that the fuel pump regulator is not working correctly and needs replacing.
- You see black smoke pouring from the exhaust, especially at take-off.
- The engine won’t crank, or when it does, the engine stalls.
- The spark plugs have black carbon residue.
- Your fuel mileage has reduced noticeably.
- You hear pinging or knocking from the fuel pump.
- You see fuel dripping from the tailpipe.
- You hear the engine backfire.
You can go to an auto parts store and rent a fuel pressure gauge to check the psi (pound-force per square inch). It should read 43 psi (296.47 kpa). Anything less might mean you need a new fuel pump regulator (source).
5. Rebuild the Fuel Pump
Rebuilding the fuel pump will restore performance to your machine, and you can purchase a fuel pump rebuild kit for your Kawasaki Teryx. Instead of replacing each individual part of the fuel pump, an aftermarket fuel pump rebuild kit has everything you need to replace the worn features (source).
6. Replace the Fuel Pump
You can go to a Kawasaki dealer, buy a factory Teryx fuel pump, and install it yourself. However, if you want to save money, you can buy an off-brand fuel pump to replace the factory one in your Kawasaki Teryx.
Keep the fuel-sending unit clean as you install it and be sure to clean out any residual dirt from the fuel tank as you install the new fuel pump. Leftover dirt will clog the pump again.
The QFS OEM Fuel Pump Replacement (link to Amazon) is a direct replacement made specifically for several Teryx models. This fuel pump will replace all the worn parts, including the pump, tank seal, and entire assembly.
If you have a Kawasaki Teryx, you may sometimes hear some noises from the engine. I’ve written an in-depth guide that explains how you can fix the issue yourself. You’ll also learn why the engine makes noise.
Final Thoughts
Fixing the fuel pump on your Kawasaki Teryx is not difficult, especially if you are mechanically inclined. Once you troubleshoot the issue and narrow down the problem, you can focus on replacing the malfunctioning part. When all else fails, replacing the fuel pump is not a costly or difficult project.
