David Williams wrote:
>
> I am getting ready for a trip to Yellowstone this summer and I have a
> noisy fuel pump.  It is loud enough that I can hear it when the vanagon
> is at an idle.  The noise really doesn't bother me I'm just concerned
> about it failing at an in-opportune moment.  Anybody out there know of a
> source for a new fuel pump? Or do you think I'm just being paranoid.
>
> Dave Williams

Dave,

My name is John and I don't think your fuel pump noise is a cause if
concern but more information would nice.

If the rubber hangers that support the pump (behind the l/r wheel) are
hardened, damaged or missing, fuel pump buzz will be enhanced. I've seen
pump hangers that failed and the P/O used wire or plastic ties to secure
the pump. The reason VW originally used rubber a hanger or mount with a
certain resiliency is to dampened the operating sound of what is
normally a very noisy(roller cell)pump. If the pump is not positioned
EXACTLY AS ORIGINAL, additional noise may be unavoidable.

The fuel pump pressure should be checked at the fuel loop tap with the
engine running. The nominal pressure at idle(with the vacuum line
disconnected and plugged at the intake port)should be ~2.5 bar. If not,
the pump is working too hard, generating excessive noise and indicating
a problem such as a blocked fuel filter or a pinched fuel line.

Enjoy Yellowstone,                      JP