Date:         Fri, 2 Nov 2007 11:50:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Dan Barrett <dbx@POBOX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Barrett <dbx@POBOX.COM>
Subject:      odd fuel pump question, 1990 GL
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

Short version:
-------------
In your collective experience, should the fuel pump ever feel warm to the
touch, i.e. any warmer than the outside air (and thus, the temperature of
the fuel tank)?


Long version:
------------
Finally had my leaking fuel tank replaced, by a shop that does nothing but
VWs.  I had the new tank and sender from Bus Depot, so the shop just put
in my parts.

On the drive home from the shop, my fuel pump started making a
disconcerting amount of noise, which is odd because the fuel pump is only
a couple of months old (I installed it in August).  No changes in the way
the bus drives -- no hesitation or stalling, just this noise which can
only be heard inside of the bus.  Standing right over the fuel pump on the
outside, everything sounds fine.

Got home, put my hand on the fuel pump, and it was warm to the touch.  Not
sure if that's indicative of it working too hard.

Took the bus out for another test run that evening, and still got the
noise.  Thinking it might be a venting problem, I pulled over, cut the
engine, and quickly opened the gas cap, listening for a rush of air --
nothing.  Still no problems at highway speed which would be indicative of
fuel delivery problems -- can cruise at 65, can accelerate hard, etc.

The fuel pump and filter are installed correctly; the only thing that's
changed is the tank and some new fuel line from pump to tank, which (in
contrast to the past setup) is now zip-tied to the frame.

Could it be that it's simply a vibration problem, as in I'm somehow
getting the buzz of the pump transmitted up into the cab because things
got shifted around?

Any suggestions appreciated: I use the bus to do long hauls on the
weekends, and I'd rather not be stranded.

Best,
d.
1990 GL -- "Mudskipper"