Your pump is seized. A seized or shorted pump will draw excessive current
causing the voltage drop. If it is OK 9 volts will get it turning.
Remember there is no fuse in this circuit.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Lee Kouns
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2007 12:34 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: voltage needed to run an '88 fuel pump?

Well, I checked the voltage at my silent fuel pump today. When the
ignition was first turned on, I got a maximum reading of 9 volts for a
second or two, but still no sounds from the pump.  When I tried starting
the engine, the voltage went back up to about 9 volts and stayed there.
What's the minimum voltage the fuel pump needs to operate?  Should a
battery in good condition supply more voltage at the pump than what I
got?   Is it time to replace the battery and see what happens, or is
there another test I should try first?
   Any comments are always appreciated.
Lee Kouns
Reno, NV