Date:         Wed, 15 Sep 1999 11:13:09 -0400
Reply-To:     John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Subject:      Re: fuel system
Comments: To: Bob Smith <dodona@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Bob Smith wrote:
>
> Hi everyone!
>
> This is my first post to this message board (I hope!). Our 86 Vanagon,
> named Betsy, seems to have fuel supply problems. The original pump wore
> out about 6 months ago so I replaced the pump and filter. Last week, the
> fuel pump started whining, then screaming, then Betsy stopped. We let
> the engine cool down, Betsy ran fine until she got hot again, and
> stopped. I replaced the fuel pump and Betsy ran fine, for an hour, then
> the pump started whining again, then Betsy died. I changed the fuel
> filter, just to make sure, and we made it home. Now we have yard art.
>
> I am thinking the problem could be the fuel pressure regulator, but I am
> suspicious that the fuel system could be vapor locked or something. Any
> suggestions would be great!
>
> Bob & Barbro

Bob,

You didn't say whether Betsy was a Syncro or not. Either way the fuel
tank ventilation may be blocked. As fuel is consumed the fuel level in
the tank falls and must be taken up by atmosphere. If not, the pump will
starve and be noisy......Also the Syncro has a fuel strainer in the
bottom of the fuel tank but if this is clogged, the tank is heavily
contaminated. Try running the engine until the pump becomes noisy and
then remove that gas cap.

Good luck,     JP