Fuel Pump: clogged or going bad?

[floatinghead]

Does this sound like a fuel pump on its last leg? It's ticking/buzzing and power has been really low ( can't accelerate on slight inclines, especially freeway) since i've owned.

This is more a listening, than viewing, video.

thanks,

Baron




(i've never posted video, so hope this works ok)

[autox320]

Usually it's a dying lift pump in the tank that causes noises in the main pump. New filter while at it. Appears lift pumps are backordered and/or highway robbery prices low supply. Found a uroparts one from rockauto few weeks ago, but now all gone or out of stock.

[floatinghead]

Thanks for the response. Would this explain the low power i'm getting? I suppose I'll start looking for a replacement. Some of the ones I've see are pretty pricey.


I was also looking around at some old posts and was curious about 2 things as some of the posts were old:

1. Has anyone found a good single pump setup that works? Either in tank or out.
2. I read about people using an in tank pump from a Chevy Vega. Anyone truth to that?

[epmedia]

Sounds like the external pump may be sucking air bubbles. Have all three pieces of hose on the suction side been replaced?

You should also check the hose clamp under the access cover / back seat.

Some external pumps are equipped with a fine-mesh filter on the suction side.

[floatinghead]

Hmm. I replaced the 3 hoses last year but I’ll check the hose clamp under the access panel as well as other connections. . That would be a less costly fix if it’s the problem.

[epmedia]

There's also a piece of hose on the in-tank pump, considering that all other suction hoses check good.

[320iAman]

it sounds like a bearing going out on the fuel pump,,main fuel pump when running good sounds like a constant low tone buzz, when the in tank when fuel pump gives up the goat generally the main fuel pump is going to quit working as well. Too check the in tank fuel pump is working remove the inspection plate and listen while the fuel pumps are jumpered via the fuel pump relay or a mechanics stethoscope put on the right gas tank can hear its buzzing sound. I prefer to keep both at the same age, in other words replacing one I'd replace the other as well.

Randy

[floatinghead]

Thanks Randy,
I checked the hoses under the inspection plate (per epmedia) and they looked good but didn't get a chance to remove the pump to check that hose. Vent hoses are old but won't be able to get to that yet. I'll try and jumper the fuel pump relay ( heaven't done yet, but think its a good idea to know how) and see if I can hear the pump working. Overall, the pumps are old and the car ( bought 2 years ago) needs a lot of things replaced, so it probably makes sense to replace both.

That said, are there any good, not expensive sources for the in tank pump? The external seems to have some options, but not the in tank. I read that a pump from a Volvo 240 could work or one from a Chevy Vega? I found these online and curious if anyone has good experience with these or think they could work? Or should I stay away?!

1. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...507436#fitment
2. https://www.autozone.com/external-en...85_333395_6210
3.https://www.amazon.com/Airtex-Electr.../dp/B000ZN04KS

thanks,

Baron

[320iAman]

I'm using Airtex E8196H and I rebuild one.....

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...l-Pump-Rebuild

Here is a link to eBay for the BMW in tank Fuel Pump--last one $150 + 18 shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-BMW...75.c1#viTabs_0



Randy

[floatinghead]

After I check to see if the in tank pump is working, I'll pull it to see what's in there. thanks for sharing by the way. I like that you could rebuild the Airtex. I'm not super confident in the ebay one. Needs a hose connection and not sure about the bottom pick up connection and if it's really working. I'll reach out to find out.

[floatinghead]

I was able to check my fuel pumps yesterday and the intank pump is not working. It's getting 12.25v, but not moving any gas. I got a reminder two days ago that Rockauto got in a few Airtex E8196h pumps and picked up the last one. Also ordered a new external pump and fuel filter. Thanks autox320 for the recommendation on Rockauto for the pump and Randy for the Airtex option.