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Subject:Re: noisy fuel pump - full of rust
From:David Milo
Date:Thu, 5 Oct 2006 18:48:35 -0400

Hi Warren,

A little water, a lot of rust. Just a reminder to check the seals on the top
of the front fender expansion tanks to make sure that they are not allowing
water to enter when driving in the rain etc.

Also, now that you will be living in an area that has wider temperature
swings, remember the virtues of "dry gas" with the onset of cold weather (to
help encapsulate water from the moisture of condensation).

Cheers,

Dave Milo

On 10/5/06, Warren Lail <vw.bus@mac.com> wrote:
>
> 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"
>