A fuel transfer pump is a simple tool, but it lives a hard life — exposed to fuel, fumes, dust, and temperature swings. The good news: a small, consistent routine keeps it pumping cleanly for years and prevents the slow drips and weak flow that make people think a pump has died when it just needed care.

Why maintenance matters

• Reliability when it counts: a neglected pump tends to fail exactly when you need it.
• Clean transfer: worn seals and cracked hoses are the source of most pump drips.
• Longevity: caring for the battery and components dramatically extends usable life.
• Fuel quality: old fuel residue gums up components over time.

A simple after-use routine

1. Let it drain. Allow residual fuel to drain back into the can before storing.
2. Wipe it down. Clean the exterior, nozzle, and hose of fuel and grime.
3. Store dry and cool. Keep the pump out of direct sun and heat, away from ignition sources.
4. Cap and seal. Protect the inlet/outlet from dust if your pump has covers.

Battery & power care

• Remove the AA batteries before long storage so they can't corrode or leak inside the pump.
• Keep fresh AA batteries on hand (2 AA, not included), or use the USB-C power option when a source is handy.
• Use the USB-C power option as directed and avoid storing batteries in extreme heat.

When to replace parts instead of the whole pump

• Nozzle: replace if cracked, dripping, or won't seal — the most common cause of messy transfers.
• Hose: replace if stiff, cracked, or kinked.
• Seals / O-rings: swapping them restores flow and stops leaks if your model is serviceable.
• Battery: reduced run time can often be solved without buying a new pump.

Keeping a spare nozzle and hose on hand means a small replacement part fixes a problem that would otherwise sideline the whole tool.

How DeWay helps

DeWaystocks replacement nozzles, hoses, and accessories so you can refresh a pump instead of replacing it — and our pumps are designed to be easy to drain, clean, and re-power (fresh AA batteries or the USB-C option). (New to powersports refueling? See our ATV & UTV trail guide.)

FAQs

How do I store a fuel transfer pump for winter? Drain residual fuel, wipe it down, remove or refresh the AA batteries, and store it dry, cool, and away from ignition sources.
My pump drips when I use it — is it broken? Often it's just a worn nozzle, hose, or seal. Replacing the worn part usually fixes drips.
How long should a fuel transfer pump last? With basic care, a quality pump lasts for years.