On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 11:20:25 -0500, Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET> wrote:

>If the engine is running, the fuel pump has to be running also. Fuel pump
noise is often caused by a restriction in the fuel system. Usually the
restriction is on the inlet side. If there is a filter before the pump,
repalce or remove it. Should not be there 86 and later. As these tanks are
getting older and the vans experience periods on non-use, the tanks and
inlet screens afoten get rusty on the inside. A cloogged screen will cause
all sorts of grief. Also, make sure the vent system is working properly. The
carbon canister has a nasty habilt or the lower screen rusting out and
letting the carbon fall into the inlet tube, clogging it. Iv'e seen many a
callapsed tank from this problem.
>
>Dennis
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: David or Sally Jensen <hopalongsail@YAHOO.COM>
>Date: Thursday, March 30, 2006 10:50 am
>Subject: fuel pump noise
>
>> The fuel pump on my 1986  Vanagon seems to be making a louder
>> noise and
>> running  constantly. I plan on leaving on a lengthy trip tomorrow
>> but am
>> getting increasingly uneasy about the state of the device. Any
>> advice on
>> whether the noise means an impending breakdown. Thanks. David
>>
>> --
>>
>> Californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com
>>

Yup, What Dennis said! Gotta clean out the debris from the pump inlet and
then stop any more from getting in. New tank or a pre filter.
that noise is the death rattle of the pump.
Al Brase