It's a trade off.
Buy a spare fuel pump or be ready for a tow job and a fuel pump.
Some pumps make more noise than others and still have lots of life left in
them.
You should be sure that you have 32 PSI at the fuel rail check port and be
sure that the return line to and from your regulator isn't plugged or
restricted.
Other than that it's just a matter of spend now or wait and see.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "RoseFamily" <RoseFamily@RCN.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 8:11 AM
Subject: Noisy fuel pump

> Hi All,
>
>
>
> I have a 1987 Vanagon with a fuel pump that is making a fairly loud (you
can
> hear it from inside the van) buzzing sound.  I replaced the pump and
filter
> about a year ago, but we have driven the van very little in that year - it
> basically sat in an open garage throughout the winter ( New England - cold
> and wet ).
>
>
>
> After I replaced the pump it worked without any noise that I noticed.
> Usually, when we start up the van the pump is quiet, but the noise comes
on
> after driving a bit.
>
>
>
> We just got back from a small trip ( about 400 miles ).  The van ran well,
> but the pump was noisy.  I am kind of nervous about taking the van on
> another trip.
>
>
>
> So, my questions are...
>
>
>
> Is this noise a sign of the fuel pump dying, or are these things sometimes
> noisy? i.e. should I replace it again?
>
> Does sitting unused for months affect the fuel pump?  If so, is there
> anything I can do to prevent this from happening again.
>
> I have a problem with the expansion tank and need to install a kit to
> replace the hoses, etc.  Is there any way that this could affect the fuel
> pump ( perhaps back pressure, but that seems unlikely ).
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> David