On the subject of the oil change I seem to remember people having trouble
with oil pressure light/buzzer while using an aftermarket oil filter such as FRAM
or what have you. Since no one has mentioned this in reference to your
problem, I wonder if I remembering this wrong. (Anyone?... anyone?... Bueller?)

Whatever the case I don't think anyone would argue it is best to use OEM oil
filter which means using a Mahl or Mann brand filter. They are available from
your friends at BusDepot and other retailers so you don't have to pay
Authorized VW dealer prices. Of course VW dealers sell them as well and even then I
think the last one I bought from VW was about $10.

I believe if you were in a situation where the fuel pump was being fuel
starved on and off  with the old plugged up gas tank it could have done damage to
the pump since, as has been mentioned the constant presence of fuel works to
lubricate and keep the pump cool.

Logic would dictate that the fuel pump is designed for (relatively) quite
operation. It follows that if it's making noise something is wrong. Although I do
conceed that even with this "something wrong" those buggers can last a while.
But if it were me and it was making enough noise to cause concern I'd replace
it Thursday rather than on the road near Elko, NV on Memorial Day weekend in
the dark.

It's true what they say about the squeeky wheel.

Good luck with it all.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

In a message dated 1/26/2007 8:28:40 PM Pacific Standard Time,
jeffmichal@YAHOO.COM writes:
Yeah right on.  I have heard alot of replies saying to change the high temp
viscosity on my oil.  I'm gonna try this when I change the oil.  Thanks for the
tip there, and alot of assurance to stick with my noisy oil pump.  I'll check
on the tires and lock for sure.

Jeff
90 GL