Thanks everyone for the responses.

Looks like I'll examine the fuel filter and carry an extra fuel pump.

David

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Joseph Fortino
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:29 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Noisy fuel pump
>
> hello all,
>
> I live in las vegas and we are in the " dead of heat type of year " man
> after my wife picked
> me up in 115F my fuel pump was buzzin so hard it was like having a heart
> attack, let the van
> cool after have dinner out and wham it was good again. super super hot
> temps cause issues
> then again i need to replace my fuel filter also. I really thought i was
> going to be KIA.
>
> how does one keep a fuel pump from over heating hmmm, no such luck? ANY
> ideas are
> nice.
>
> Joe
> 85gl no a/c 115F burning down da house. awk still keeping it real since
> 1965.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> Sent: Jul 13, 2005 6:57 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Noisy fuel pump
>
> 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