Re: Noisy fuel pump - 5000TQ

[smarinel@Flint.Mines.Colorado.edu (Steve Marinello)]

>I know we've discussed this before on the list, but I'd like to get
>your opinions on the current problem on my '87 5000 TQ. The fuel pump
>used to make a low buzzing noise ever since I bought the car almost
>3 years ago. The noise could only be heard from outside the car which I
>am told is normal. The noise remained unchanged for 35K miles. But
>about 6 months (and 6K miles) ago, I changed the fuel filter as
>preventive maintenance. Ever since then, the noise went up considerably
>(reduced back pressure?). It is a whining/buzzing noise that can be heard
>clearly from inside the car, at idle, even with the windows up. The noise
>is reasonably uniform - changes in tone a bit - but no gurgling noises
>as others have reported before.
>
>From your experiences, how close is my fuel pump from biting the dust?
>I am thinking of buying a spare pump and keeping it in the car just in
>case. When should I replace it? I've priced a new Bosch fuel pump. The
>cheapest I found was $145 at Halsey Imports. Any one get a better price?
>Where?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Zafer
>
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>Zafer Mehmood                              AT&T Bell Laboratories
>zm@mhcnet.att.com                          Murray Hill, NJ

It's an intermittent problem that seems to be exacerbated by the oxygenated
fuel volatility, especially on warmer days.  However, if it works...meaning
you don't feel loss of performance/fuel pressure under acceleration, etc.,
it's probably all right and will last 'til whenever.  Mine has been doing
it periodically since I replaced the original in '85.

Steve