Whenever my fuel pump started buzzing or whining, I usually found that to be caused by a clogged fuel filter.  That is, the square plastic fuel filter that went between the tank and the fuel pump.  Everytime I replaced it, the fuel pump would settle down after that.

Not all Vanagons had a "pre-filter" (VW 133 133 511) such as this.  If you go by VW's original parts fiche (not the later updates or ETKA), you will find that California Air Cooled and Wasserboxers from 80-85 had the "pre-filter" and the main Metal Cannister fuel filter (VW 251 201 511 A/Bosch 0450 905 030) after the fuel pump (Mine does and it's a Calif sold vehicle).

If you don't have a "pre-filter" and the pump's making noise, it could be an indicator that there may be some restriction in the supply fuel hose from the tank OR the pump is more than likely on it's way out because of age, dirt, etc.  Running a fuel pump dry (running outa gas) definitely cuts the lifespan of said pump as the gasoline functions as a coolant of sorts to keep it from overheating.  Keep also in mind that replacement Bosch fuel pumps that I have sold in the past 7 years or so come with a screen to do the duty of the 'pre-filter".  I imagine that when Bosch started doing this VW quit putting the "pre-filter" on the vehicle, about 86 or so (some markets still used it elsewhere in the world according to some references I've collected).

Jim Thompson
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Russell <thenewf1@TELUS.NET>
Sent: Jun 11, 2004 12:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Noisy Fuel Pump - '84 Westy

Hey Volks,
Fuel pump recently started making a funny buzzing sound after I drive the van for 20-25 minutes. I searched the archives on this and found plenty of posts but nothing conclusive. Anybody have any other tips, hints, solutions or experience with this. Is the fuel pump on its way out?
Thanks
Steve ('84 Westy, "Moaning Myrtle")