My fuel pump made what sounds like the same buzzing sound during a long, hot trip a few years back. Like yours, it became more frequent until it was almost constant. At that point I bought a new Bosch one (~$225.) and installed it in the parts store parking lot (less than an hour, easy) in Boulder, CO. Back home, my mechanic said one could get away with this noise for a while, but it would eventually fail. He said it puts less strain on it if you keep the gas level higher (I don't remember why). It sounds like $199. might be a middle 'O the road price. In the past I used to try and get every last breath out of every part, but since I've gotten more into the peace of mind one can buy by replacing things early. The law of averages dictates against a breakdown in a convenient place. I've not heard that noise since. The first response offers some compelling reasons to replace this critical piece of equipment. Good Luck! (and disconnect that ground strap if you replace it!) Charles '83.5 GL Westy On Tue, 21 Jan 1997, mdstockr wrote: > Personally, I would not hesitate to replace an electric fuel pump if there was ANY > indication that it is going bad. The reasons are: > > 1) Electric fuel pumps are cooled and lubricated by the fuel. Possible fire > concerns during failure. > > 2) A fuel pump failure might dump crap into the fuel injection system, causing > even higher repair costs. > > The last time I replaced a Bosche fuel pump, I found prices ranging from $350 (dealer) to > $150 (mail order). It is worth it to shop around. > > --- On Tue, 21 Jan 1997 20:50:00 -0600 James Wagner <alpine@cpcug.org> wrote: > > >Hello, > > > > I just found this list and have learnded quite a lot so far. Maybe > >someone has some insight into my problem. I have an 85 Vanagon Camper > >and about two years ago the fuel pump began buzzing(like a digital alarm > >clock under the floor) when the weather conditions became very hot(i.e. > >> 90's). It only occured under those conditions and usually would take a while to occur > after the engine had been started and warmed up. Early this summer the pump started to buzz > in cooler and cooler weather until it was buzzing all the time, right from ignition. It is > now very difficult for passengers to sit back there comfortably. I have hesitated replacing > it because of the cost($199) and the fact that I have noticed no performance problems. Any > ideas on other options or another diagnosis? > > > > James > > -----------------End of Original Message----------------- > > > ___________________________________________ > > Michael Stocker <mdstockr@neo.lrun.com> > North Canton, Ohio, USA > Date: 1/21/97 > Time: 9:51:45 PM > ___________________________________________ >
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