5 Series Fuel Pump in '74 tii: Unusual Sounds

[2002#3]

Fuel Pump Noise Update...

 

You guys were right to suggest inspecting the fuel pickup unit screen.

 

In addition to my new 5 series fuel pump's still making funky sounds (see original post), yesterday the engine began hesitating occasionally at acceleration - just a half second or so - and acted as if it was starved for fuel for that short amount of time.  Pulled and inspected the fuel pickup unit.  Very surprised the engine received any fuel at all and that the car made flawlessly the ~1,800 miles to and from Eureka Springs for 2017 MidAmerica '02 Fest.  Screen at bottom of the unit appeared to be completely clogged and coated with black, soot-like, crap/dirt/particles/stuff.  (See photos.)  Quite shocking, it was.  In addition, the entire inner surface of the tank and the outer surfaces of the unit were coated in the same crap which was easily rubbed off.  (See photo.)

 

The unit and screen were easily cleaned by using Dawn and a toothbrush, and a quick run through the dishwasher.  The screen still looks nasty but is clean.  (See photo.)

 

Will (1) spend a few days cleaning the tank (+/- using the POR-15 tank kit, depending on how the tank appears after a good inner cleaning), (2) installing a new screen and new gaskets, (3) installing a tank-to-pump filter, (4) seeing if the funky sounds are gone, and (4) writing a long letter to my fuel pump and apologizing for making it work so hard.

 

Larry

 

 

 

 

[PaulTWinterton]

Been there.  Your pump might be quiet now.  

[2002#3]

5 series fuel pump is now humming extremely quietly as it should.  No doubt the reason was due to a complete refurbishment of the fuel tank and to replacing the in-tank fuel pick-up screen (Roger's tii; only $20 [a bargain at twice the price]) and tank gaskets.  I felt like writing a love note to my fuel pump and apologize for making it work so hard.  No wonder it complained.  Thanks, Paul.  You were right.

 

Photos above in original above: old clogged/dirty old pick-up screen; dirty tank interior

Photos below:  exterior of refurbished fuel tank, new pick-up screen in place, refurbished tank in place (sans 5 mounting bolts).

 

Link to previous post re: refurbishment of interior of fuel tank (with photos):

Larry