Curt:
It sounds like a fuel restriction to the pump. Rust and scale can clog
the outlet from the fuel tank and restrict the flow of fuel to the
pump. My solution was to drop the tank and clean it out completely,
replacing all the seals while it was out. There are also special
coatings that can be applied to the inside of the tank that will seal
it and help prevent rust. To see if this is the problem you are having
you can remove the fuel line coming from the tank and blow a little air
into it to clear the restriction. This has worked for me as a roadside
repair when the fuel system wasn't getting enough fuel to run higher
than an idle. Neal
Neal Barrentine
Bloomington, Indiana
1986 GL
1960 Baja Bug

> Subject: fuel pump noise
>
> The fuel pump seemed kind of noisy when I bought my
> '85 westfalia.  I had the filters replaced first, but
> the noise (kind of a loud buzzing from the pump
> vicinity) persisted.  As the pump looked like it could
> be 21 years old I ordered a new Bosch from Bus Depot
> and had it installed.  The noise has remained exactly
> the same, as near as I can tell.  It will sometimes
> subside at idle and is least likely to happen right
> upon startup, but is otherwise pretty constant.
>
> I don't really mind apparently having replaced the
> pump prematurely as it was old, but what else should I
> be looking for?  The mechanic who did the work seemed
> pretty unconcerned about it and said "lots of vanagons
> sound like that".  Do they? Do I need to worry about
> gunk in the line making the pump work harder, or is
> there something else that could be making the noise?
> I've never actaully heard one go bad (and don't have
> much experience with other vanagons) so I don't really
> know what's "normal".
>
> The van runs great and gets reasonable mpg for an AT.
> The new pump's been in for about 300 miles or so.
>
> Thanks in advance for ay info!
> Curt
>