The pump should only run when the engine is running. The signal from the
hall sensor is what tells the ECU to keep the pump energized. The pump
runs for a short time due to the turn on pulse from the ignition. If the
engine is not turning, the pumps shuts off in a second or two. If it is
running constantly with the ignition on, then either the relay is stuck
closed or someone bypassed to cure a pump not running problem. BTW- the
fuel pump is not fused. It will run to destruction.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jeff Oxroad
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 2:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Follow up Q Re: fuel pump behaviour with ignition on

Thanks for the quick responses!

My pump runs continuously with the ignion on and engine NOT running and
is
making a air mixed with liquid sucking kind of noise. In fact, more
correctly,
it is pulsing on and off continuously.

If working properly, how does the pump know to run for only a spurt when
the
ignition is first turned on. Is there a pressure sensor that shuts off
the
pump when the correct fuel pressure is reached OR is it a timed power
spurt
controlled by a relay?

I suppose I'm either dealing with a fuel blockage, low fuel, faulty
pump,  or
something more mysterious to me... faulty relay (?) loose or corroded
connection. Guess I'll have to run some tests.

The bus by the way starts fine and runs great for exactly 5 seconds.
There
seems to be enough fuel in the tank (1/4 tank) but the bus has been
sitting for
 6 mos. Ran fine when it was parked.

thanks for any insight.
Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA