Fuel Pump

Wazza

Member
Evening All,

I've really started to notice the sound of my fuel pump over the last few weeks. Could this be down to the cold weather we've been having in the mornings? I've only had the car a month, so I have nothing to compare it to.

Also, would a cracked manifold cause the car to idle at just above 1,000 rpm on start? Reason I ask is because I do have a cracked manifold, but was wondering if it was down to the part itself, or the engine trying to heat itself up?

Cheers?

Darren

Edit - Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BFiInPk-90
 
Cold weather can certainly make noisy parts noisier. I can't say I've ever noticed any noise from my pump, but it could be I'm just not paying attention.

Most engines normally idle faster on cold start up. A cracked (exhaust I assume) manifold may make a very small difference, but nothing that noticeable. Even when hot it may very briefly idle fast, but drop to normal quite quickly.

At least that's my take, I'll allow that I might be wrong.
 
How do you know it's the fuel pump?

a video with noise would help.

I think mine started whining a nice pitch in the heat, but then I think it was the steering motor as it changed pitch or cut in and out if I nudged the steering wheel
Since the weather has been colder, not heard a thing.

BMW's never liked the heat.
 
I have no idea if its the fuel pump. I'm guessing based on reading others posts.

I'll record a video tomorrow morning and post it up
 
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BFiInPk-90[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BFiInPk-90
 
Sounds only like generic bearing whine to me, could be anything that is spinning. Can you determine where in the car it's coming from?
 
Doesn't sound like what I had, which again I think was steering motor whining in the heat.

Anyway, is the noise only on startup? If so does it settle.

The manifold might have something to do with it, but really you should get yourself to an Indy ASAP.
 
Sounds only on start up. No more than 15 seconds.

Sounds as if it's coming from under the bonnet. I'm pretty sure it's the fuel pump.
 
Fuel pump is actually inside the tank! If it's from under the bonnet, it's likely a belt idler bearing going bad, though it could be a bearing on any of the pulleys. I've heard of several instances of idler bearings going bad, which is why I think it's the culprit. Makes sense that once it warms up it quiets.

You can zero in on the offending pulley by placing (very carefully!) a length of tubing (or even a long screwdriver) against the non-moving support near each pulley. The noise will be more evident listening to the other end when it's next to the offender. If the sound only lasts 15 secs it could take several attempts to find the culprit. It's not super urgent to get it fixed, it will likely get worse before it fails, so if you can't locate it now, you will be able to eventually. Good luck!
 
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