Fuel pump noisey - 1997 EL wagon - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

12-21-2002, 14:04

Hi all,
The fuel pump on my 1997 Fairmont EL wagon is intermittantly noisey. Started as a high pitch whine at 95,000km, mostly when the tank was low.
Since replacing the fuel filter (100,000km), the noise has changed to a lower pitch and is louder. Last night it was very loud and started after about 60km of driving and a 3/4 full tank.
Incidentally I don't think the filter had ever been changed before and I seem to now have better engine performance.

Q1: Should I replace the pump or is there some other fuel system restriction I should be looking for? The manual mentions a fuel intake strainer (could thinks be blocked?).
Fuel pressure and flow have not been tested, as yet.

Q2: What is the life expectancy of a pump, can it be serviced in any way and how much should I pay for a new one?

Q3: If the pump is prematurely worn out (as I suspect), what would be the cause and should I drain the fuel tank and check for foreign material etc?

Q4: Any other advice? (I have a Gregorys manual which details how to replace the pump).

All advice greatly recieved..........Thanks

Brent79 · 12-21-2002, 15:09

Hmmm... well Judging from the lack of fuel pump related posts on FF, id assume the fuel pump is good for a decade or so... the strainer could be blocked but i dont think it would make any high pitch squeel.. could be the pump itself.. u need to do that fuel pressure test to be certain its not blocked. The pumps are fairly expensive but i heard someone mention a cheaper version from Bosch? On the wagons, u need to drain the tank to almost empty to remove the pump assy from the side of the fuel tank, this is why it sounds louder when yer tank is low. I didnt change mine, i got my mech to do it so i cant give any advice on pulling it out too check...

good luck :)

Brent

Axll · 12-23-2002, 01:35

I priced a fuel pump the other day, $371 from Ford, that's for sedan. Can't see the wagon one being much different in price.

creature3 · 12-23-2002, 03:29

the fuel pump is a wonderous thing, and can be affected by many things. The main thing to remember is to have enough fuel in the tank to cover the pump at all times, as when you turn a corner or stop suddenly or accelerate fast, the pump can actualy run dry. The fuel lubricates the pump, and the running dry affects are cumulative, that is they build up over time until the pump goes bung. Jaguar elec. pumps can be repaired, so i don't see why a ford one can't be too, but many will tell you it is impossible. I just depends how good a mechanic you are. My pump has done 130,000 with no ill effects yet (touch wood)

Changing of the pump is very easy, just remember to put in a new gasket, especialy on the wagon