I need some help in diagnosing a concern.

My E350 is running and driving fine. But, I kept hearing this whining noise coming from the back and ultimately crawled under to discover that the noise is coming from the in-tank fuel pump. I wouldn't be that concerned about the noise, but, the pump runs continuously as near as I can tell.

I doubt this noise is normal. Never heard that from any of my other in-tank fuel pumps. I'm thinking I better drop the tank and replace the pump before it fails and leaves me stranded!

Do you guys agree?

Thanks for the replies in advance.

Tom

 

Some noise is normal mine will buzz a little then shut off.Most fuel pump are alike they all put out pressure.This is where i would start first.I think if you have lots of miles on your truck its good preventive maintance.In the service manual it has volt checks that you can do.

 

05chop

Thanks for the reply. I added to the original post. "I wouldn't be that concerned about the noise, but, the pump runs continuously as near as I can tell."

I should have included that from the start. That seems to indicate that the pump is working overtime to keep up maybe. This is happening with the engine just idling and I assume while driving too, but I can't hear that for the road noise.

I don't have a manual for the van like I have for my F250, but I will get one. Thanks.

 

Your engine is EFI it need the pump to run all the time to supply fuel. If you turn the key to ON but don't start the pump should run and shut off after a few seconds. It's normal for them to get noisy over time. Change the fuel filter if it's clogging up it'll make the pump work harder and whine a little louder.

 

Yeah! Just checked it with ignition on and motor off. It shuts off after 2-3 seconds! Same as the manual says for my 86 Vette car. Ooops. Probabl;y shouldn't mention a Chevy here.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

The in tank high pressure pumps are known to make noise if the filter is restricted. So change the fuel filter and if its still noisy, then its likely on the way out.

Its easier to change it an a preventative measure than on the road and having to pay a hefty tow bill and an out of town shop to do the work.

 

FWIW my '92 E150 had a horrible case of fuel pump whine I put 70k miles on that same pump. The new pump was no quieter than the old. I mean it sounded like a jet taking off all the time.