I noticed recently that my fuel pump was getting more and more noisy as time went along.  Last summer I had the privilege of removing my gas tank and cleaning it out because I bought gas at a 7-11 in Pueblo, CO, and got more than I bargained for:  a full 4 gallons of water!  So I pulled the tank, cleaned it thoroughly, allowed it to dry in the high desert of New Mexico for two days (it was bone dry), and then reinstalled it.  While I was at it, I replaced all of the leaky vent hoses.

So lately my fuel pump was making noise.  Billy Bones finally began to stall, so I pulled over and removed it the fuel pump.  I was ready to install my spare (we all carry spare fuel pumps don't we?), when I just shook the old one.  From the inlet side it was full of flecks of rust.  I shook the crap out of it (really hard) and then I could see the little screen in there was as clear as ever.  I reinstalled it and it works beautifully; as quiet as ever.

How did so much rust get in my system in so short a period of time?  Maybe a leaky gas cap allowing water inside?  Maybe I bought more bad gasoline?  Any ideas?

Warren L.
88 Westy "Billy Bones"