The fuel pump should only run for a few seconds when you turn on the ignition, and as
needed after that.
There was an official VW recall on some years to replace all of the fuel lines in the
engine compartment. Might check with a dealer to see if yours was included, or check
on-line for info on recalls.
Ken, at VanAgain.com, sells a kit to replace the hoses and clamps.
Jerry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Delanty" <laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 10:22 AM
Subject: Should the fuel pump always run with key on?

> I started to do the headlight relay conversion last night
> but got side tracked when I turned the key on for a minute
> and smelled fuel. It turned out the were *3* fuel leaks in
> the engine compartment. One of them right next to the
> distributor. Acck!
> As it turned out, ALL the hose clamps were extremely loose.
> the rubber hoses themselves looked to be in good shape,so
> I just tightened all the clamps and it seems O.K. now.
>
> So while I was at it I noticed that the fuel pump runs
> continuously anytime the key is on.  Is that normal?
> I don't like it very much...
>
> Most cars I'm familiar with the pump only runs for a few
> seconds when the key is first turned on, then shuts off
> unless the engine is running.
>
> What's normal for these things? Should the pump really
> be running anytime the key is on?
> I sure hope my Bentley manual gets here next week...
> Ohhh yeah, it's an '86 if that matters.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve