97 J30 Fuel Pump Noise

[bearman]

I've a 97 J30 with 23000 miles on it. When I accelerate slowly there is a buzzing noise from the rear trunk area, which I assumed to be the fuel pump. It diminishes with speed...only at lower speeds do I hear it. I can't tell whether it's just a vibration or the pump is going out. The car runs great and hasn't been effected by the noise.

Any ideas on this and how/where do I get to the fuel pump to check if it is loose or vibrating?

Thanks anyone!

[fxgo]

With that many miles, I would recommend you change the fuel pump. It sounds like you fuel pump bearings are starting to go, I would recommend replacing it soon.

regards, -frank

[alexhho]

I had the same problem when I first got my 97.5 J30 a few years ago. As far as I know, the buzzing noise is still there. My car runs great. It accelerates well, so I'm not that worried about it yet. There is a strong exhaust smell when the car starts up in the morning, but that could be that the gas mixture is too high, which explains my poor gas performance (240 miles on 80% freeway on a full tank).

23,000 miles is not that many. Unless it's a typo and he meant to say 230,000 miles, then I would do the recommended service described above.

[cweberj30t]

Sounds to me like the pump is starting to go. If you don't seal the gas cap well or let the tank go empty before refills, you will decrease the life of the pump. I would get it checked out before you do any damage to the controller. Have you checked your fuel filter? It might be clogged causing the pump to work a little harder. I would also make sure you keep plenty of gas in the tank.

[alexhho]

Since we're on the subject, I would like to ask a question: You guys know that there is a little hole outside the main gas opening for fillups, at the bottom of the opening? What is it for? Is it used to recapture spilled gas during fillups? Does it return the spilled gas back to the gas tank?

[cweberj30t]

Since we're on the subject, I would like to ask a question: You guys know that there is a little hole outside the main gas opening for fillups, at the bottom of the opening? What is it for? Is it used to recapture spilled gas during fillups? Does it return the spilled gas back to the gas tank?

Yes and Yes

[alexhho]

Thanks buddy...for helping me with my questions over the years.

[bearman]

I've since discovered the sound isn't the fuel pump, but in the exhaust system clear at the tail end of the car....it's vibrating inside the exhaust component back by the rear bumper...don't think it's the catalytic converter but the actual muffler....must be a baffle in there buzzing when I accelerate...it is 23 thousand miles..picked it up in Dallas from an older couple last Nov. 03' and it's cherry.

Any ideas on this delimma?

[cweberj30t]

Could be a sheild or clamp. Here is something off of Carlos's site:

http://www.fuzzycats.com/docs/muffler_rattle.pdf