We really like the ride of the Polaris UTVs. Unfortunately, we’ve noticed that Polaris built the RZR, RZR-S and Ranger XP with an unreliable fuel pump. In fact, the fuel pump is one of the main problems we see in our performance and service shop. Symptoms you typically experience when the pump fails are poor top RPM performance, a loss of top speed, and poor acceleration. This definitely makes your Polaris a lot less fun to drive, but more importantly, a fuel pump problem can cause devastating damage to your engine by not delivering enough fuel. When your engine does not receive the required fuel, it will run lean.

This generates heat that can cause detonation in the combustion chamber. The worst case scenario (and we’ve seen it many times) is that the intense heat will melt a hole in the piston. This is what is happening. After a bit of use the pump will wear out and then drop from the factory PSI setting of 39psi at 30s. When your top revs are slow, you just get no fuel. To test this, install a fuel pressure gauge at the outlet of your tank. You can buy them at NAPA or PEP Boys. You need to rev the engine when you test because many times the pressure will be good at idle but not at high RPM.

To replace your pump with the OEM fuel pump, you’ll need to spend over $600. The high price is because it’s only available with a full tank of fuel. Fortunately, you can purchase a replacement fuel pump that will work on most Polaris SXS vehicles. Replacement pumps come with color-coded instructions and include everything you’ll need for installation. They can usually be installed in about 30 minutes with simple hand tools. The pump is directly connected without the need for wiring.

If you are experiencing poor performance with your Polaris Ranger or RZR, this may be your problem. Check your fuel PSI and if necessary get a replacement fuel pump. You bought your Polaris to have a good time. Now you can get back on your UTV and enjoy its peak performance once again. As a side note, this same troublesome fuel pump is used on many of the fuel injected Polaris quads. If you own a Polaris ATV and have similar symptoms, simply follow the same procedure to test the PSI. Replacement pumps are also available for the Polaris Sportsman.