Based on my own experience, I'd take it as an indication that the fuel pump
is on it's way out. My fuel pump buzzed for a good 3 months prior to dying
completely. A check of your fuel pressure should tell you if it's doing
it's job correctly, but I wouldn't be going anywhere without at least a
spare fuel pump along. They aren't cheap, but neither is a tow truck.

Frank Miller

At 09:22 PM 6/24/99 -0400, you wrote:
>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
>
Frank Miller
Alternative Business Systems
Columbus, OH