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Topic: Noise from a failing fuel pump??? (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Yahoo Message Number: 129946
I recently drove my 2000 26 RB home for the first time, and noticed a loud whine coming from the back end when I'm traveling about 40 mph or more. The sound is loudest right when I begin to press the accelerator. If I'm traveling faster than 40mph, and let off the accelerator, the whine lowers in pitch as my mph go down. It isn't noticeable at all if I'm traveling lower than 35-40mph. My initial thought was something mechanical in the rear end, eg. u-bolt, differential, etc. After some research, I've read in a few places that a loud whine could be a symptom that my fuel pump is failing. I don't have any other symptoms of a faulty fuel pump like a dying engine, low power, no start, etc. And the fact that I hear the whine right as I press the accelerator points to fuel pump also. Any experiences out there with noisy fuel pumps before they fail? Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.
Re: Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129948
"Any experiences out there with noisy fuel pumps before they fail? Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.

Tyler
 Have someone ride in the back and see if the noise is coming from the pump. It is located on top of the gas tank.
If it is the pump, and you can hear it in the drivers seat, while driving, you are most likely living on borrowed time.
There have been many reports of fail pumps so it is suggested you have a good mechanic check it out and be prepared for a serious financial hit. Fuel pumps are a pain to install since the gas tank needs to be lowered to the ground. Try to go in with a near empty tank.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129951
Quote
"Any experiences out there with noisy fuel pumps before they fail?"
Tyler

I've lost two pumps, the original in Lone Pine, CA and it's replacement in Eugene, OR. In the 1st case I drove into a campground on a Friday afternoon but was unable to drive out on Monday morning. In the second case I was tooling up I-5 (on my way to AM Solar) when the engine just quit. In neither case did I hear any sort of 'noise' emanating from the area of the fuel pump.
 And, it is not necessarily mandatory to completely drop the tank, only so far as to make it possible to remove the old pump and install the new. I know, my tank has been lowered three times now.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129956
It's not clear to me why the fuel pump should sound different when you are coasting over 40 mph and when you are stopped; in both cases, the engine is using very little fuel. I suspect it is a mechanical; regardless, the quickest and surest determination can be made by a good mechanic.
 My differential had similar symptoms when it became worn, except there was also a small "clunk" when the gas pedal was depressed from a standstill, or while coasting.

Eric
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129960
"And the fact that I hear the whine right as I press the accelerator points to fuel pump"
 In retrospect, it may well be rear axle noise. Axle gears noises will change as you push and lift the accelerator. The ring and pinion gears mesh on different surfaces during acceleration and coasting.
If the noise is new, it may be low on oil or some part is getting worn. There is no easy way to tell except by removing the axle cover and inspecting the gears and bearings.
Bad fuel pump or loud gears, either way, it's time to see the mechanic.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129978
When my fuel pump went south last summer it did not make any noise whatsoever.  It just felt like I was running out of gas and finally quit completely.

Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.
 
UPDATE- Noise from a failing fuel pump???
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129986
Quote
I recently drove my 2000 26 RB home for the first time, and noticed a loud whine coming from the back end when I'm traveling about 40 mph or more. The sound is loudest right when I begin to press the accelerator. If I'm traveling faster than 40mph, and let off the accelerator, the whine lowers in pitch as my mph go down. It isn't noticeable at all if I'm traveling lower than 35-40mph. My initial thought was something mechanical in the rear end, eg. u-bolt, differential, etc. After some research, I've read in a few places that a loud whine could be a symptom that my fuel pump is failing. I don't have any other symptoms of a faulty fuel pump like a dying engine, low power, no start, etc. And the fact that I hear the whine right as I press the accelerator points to fuel pump also. Any experiences out there with noisy fuel pumps before they fail? Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.
UPDATE: I drove around this morning trying to pinpoint the noise. It's loudest at 45mph and when I barely press the accelerator. But, if I put it in neutral, and press the accelerator, no noise at all. I would assume if it were my fuel pump I would hear it more consistently. So, now I'm beginning to believe maybe its something come from the rear axle/ differential. I dropped it at the mechanic late this morning, and hopefully he can diagnose it correctly for me. I'll keep everyone posted on what I find.