Re: Fuel pump failures...

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/16/97 audidudi@delphi.com (Jeffrey J. Goggin) writes:

<<This past weekend, I had the FOURTH fuel pump failure of the year in my
family's fleet of cars, the fuel pump in my 200q being the most recent
victim.<snip>On the counter inside the station (Chevron) was a pamphlet
explaining that the fuel systems in some "older" cars -- which it defined as
pre-1990! -- may not be compatible with the latest oxygenated fuels and
increased wear and/or premature failure of rubber parts may result ... has
anyone else in Arizona or California had
problems using this stuff in their Audis or is the high failure rate I'm
experiencing just a statistical fluke?>>

Hi Jeffrey,

Here in CA we have been on this RFGII oxygenated (and more...gag) fuel for a
while now. When introduced it was being blamed for massive failures, engine
fires, really poor fuel economy, etc. yet there was no substantial data to
support these claims. I was very paranoid and the only thing I have noticed
has been a dramatic loss in fuel economy. No unusual fuel system failures
have resulted on any cars I own or anyone's cars I know of personaly. But, we
still pay more to get less ($1.75/gallon for crappy fuel is a raw deal here
in the US-no, I expect no sympathy from the ROW except you do get real fuel
for your high prices). The fuel pump on the '85 4kq I just sold had (if
memory serves me correctly) around 60k miles and was quiet and fine. My new
baby ('87 5kcstq) is on fuel pump # 2 or 3 at 137k...don't remember for sure.
I think it may be coincidence that your fuel pump failures have come so
often. If it were fuel related I would expect you would have many other fuel
system problems as well. The horror stories pertain mostly to fuel lines and
connections. We did have some really crappy re-formulated diesel fuel which
destroyed fuel pumps and the state had to pay out huge amounts of money for
repairs. So, while I personaly have heard of no reliability problems wrt
RFGII gas, I too am curious what the collective wisdom is on this subject.

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq