Russell82

Just got off the road from an outstanding 700 mile run to the east coast, looking forward to a weekend with some winding roads and great spring weather. Question though - should I be able to hear my fuel pump inside the car when stopped at idle, kind of a faint motor hum seemingly from the right rear area? Could this be something else, it doesn't draw obvious power on the ammeter? If I'm hearing it, does this mean trouble on the horizon? US 82 Auto, 50K miles. Thanks for any help, like my return trip to be reasonably worry free.
RAS

WallyP

A slight buzz or hum from the fuel pump is normal. A louder buzz or hum can mean that one of the metal lines, the pump or the filter is touching the body. There is some speculation that a louder buzz can also mean that the pump is having to work harder against a restriction, such as a partially plugged filter.

Most people don't hear the pump from inside the car, except in very quiet circumstances.

Wally Pluley
928 Specialists
<a href="http://www.928gt.com" target="_blank">www.928gt.com</a>

John Struthers

RAS,
There are a variety of posts in the archives on this topic. A few end with the warning that it's only a matter of time... One mentioned a second pump(where?) being clogged upstream of the one that's buzzing resulting in the aft (?) pump buzzing because of the restriction up stream. Similar to Wally's post without the mystery pump.
About three months after I changed fluids and fuel filter MY pump started buzzing. Figured a new pump was in my future but it went away. Go figure, its been 8 months now. I also noticed that the pump will sound off, at times when I am low on fuel. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
John S. 82' Weissach,Auto., 'Pattycakes'

Russell82

Thanks, and sorry I missed it in the archives. Does seem to be associated with low fuel. Will keep an eye (ear?) on it, change filter and get a spare for travels.
RAS