New fuel pump + very loud whine = Bad pump?

Post by **atomicpop** » 04 Jan 2012, 14:47

Currently on vacation in Phoenix. Drove my '98 V70 AWD from WI and the fuel pump died 2 days after arriving (better here than on the road I guess).

Had a very reputable local garage (specializes in high end foreign cars inc Volvo) put in the new pump. They proposed the cut an access panel method, which I was ok with, but ultimately decided to take the scenic route and drop the tank. They didn't feel comfortable cutting through the hinge for the rear seat and having it work again without issue. Cost more but ok, I get their reluctance.

New pump (Bosch I believe) now installed. Car runs fine. Had to try twice to start it on a few occasions (never happened before with this car) but what bothers me the most is the incessant whine coming from the new pump. I have two of these '98's, have heard a little whine soon after starting from time to time with both cars, but never anything like this. This is loud and whining 100% of the time.

Any thoughts as to if this may be a bad pump? Fuel filter was also replaced at the same time. I'm due to drive back to WI next week but right now I'm not feeling great about the new pump making it. Haven't had it back to the shop again yet since I know they will be reluctant to re-do the job but I'm not opposed to pushing for this if this pump may be bad.

Thanks for any thoughts. Cheers!
Patrick

Post by **confused_al** » 04 Jan 2012, 16:08

How much did they charge you for the pump? If less than $200 (cost them less than $100) it might be the walbro brand pump they replaced with, and these walbro pumps are very loud.

Post by **atomicpop** » 04 Jan 2012, 16:13

No, not a cheap pump. $480-ish and I saw the Bosch label before they put it in.

Those pumps are MUCH larger than I would have guessed.

Post by **bronxnativ** » 04 Jan 2012, 16:30

Personally, I would take it back to the shop. Most reputable shops offer a warranty for their parts and labor. The fact that it needs to be turned over twice (when you claim that it did not do this before the repair) is enough to have them check it out. I have a "Hella" fuel pump and it gets loud during the summer when the weather is hot (very quiet in the winter).
Also, not sure where your fuel filter is, but you may want to check it for leaks. This (and a bad pump) can be causing your car not to turn over on the first try (My Audi did this before I discovered a leaky line to the fuel filter).

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Jan 2012, 21:50

The Genuine volvo pump complete in the vessel with fuel level sensor ready to install can be had for less than that, much less on a wholesale account. But, when the tank is removed the noise can be louder. I have replaced a few and sometimes they are really noisy and shifting the tank and stuff 3/8 foam sheet like the OEM stuff in there makes it some quieter but may not make it where it can't be heard when engine is running. The start problem, if it is residual fuel pressure loss, is not good.

Post by **loosenut** » 18 Mar 2017, 07:20

I see that this post is very old....although i do not see a fix and am having the same issue.....

i would be curious to know if you actually looked under the rear carpet and found or did not find an access hole cut in the floor.because i did cut a whole and i have the whine from hell.....

thanks hope some one sees this and maybe the original poster can post the fix if any