Fuel pump

[IslandBoy71]

I have a 90 cabriolet and lately I've been noticing that my car would run like its not getting enough gas. Its not stalling or anything like that but it just runs very weak and after a quick shut down and restart it runs fine again. Could this be related to a fuel pump issue. I think my in fuel pump is starting to go out cuz I can hear a loud whinning noise coming from the fuel pump. I'm not even sure which pump is bad? How can I tell if its the in tank pump or the main one?

[Briano1234]

That is a sign that your in-tank pump is going going gone.....
Fuel pumps the in-tank variety use fuel as a lubricant for the pump, and as a coolant.
The whine is that the Main pump is being starved, and that it has to work harder to draw fuel.


The in-tank pump is 50 bucks on ebay or germanautoparts.

The how to is:

http://www.mk1vw.info/modules.php?name= ... wtut&id=20

[CalAltaDubber]

I agree with Brian, It is a definate sign of the in tank fuel transfer pump failing.

In addition, I would also suggest replacing the fuel filter with a new one as well. They are a little on the expensive side, but worth it.

[eric4321]

In my experience you would be better off replacing both pumps. You will need to listen close to see which pump is whining. I thought it was my in tank pump and it was the main pump. Also as I have found out the in tank pump also seperates from the sending unit and you will need to replace with 1/4 inch fuel line. Also a good idea to replace the o ring for the sender if you are replacing your intank pump. I just replaced both pumps and filter in April.

[gull]

Maybe I just got lucky, but I swapped only the in-tank pump and it solved a similar problem. It's been two and a half years and the main pump is still going strong. The extra expense was just too much for me to consider swapping it preemptively.

[eric4321]

I thougt the whine was the in tank pump and it turned out it was the main one. My in tank pump may have ben ok but it seperated from the sending unit. The pumps are so close together you need to get under the car and listen for which one is bad.

[Briano1234]

I thougt the whine was the in tank pump and it turned out it was the main one.
That is the one that complains by whining.


My in tank pump may have ben ok but it seperated from the sending unit.

This was sucking fuel out of the tank, but caused the main pump to starve for fuel as as fast and the in-tank could suck the fuel it was only letting half of it get to the main pump. It was this broken hose that was making the main whine.


The pumps are so close together you need to get under the car and listen for which one is bad.
Nope the only one that whines is the main.

[ShyCabbyGirl]

That's kinda funny, because I'm having the exact same problem. Except now it'll only start and run after it's set for about a day. If you turn it off, and restart it, it won't start.