Dead in the water

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Jun 29, 2000 | 06:59 PM

farmer2

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Dead in the water

OK- so I just bought this '87 5000s, had the audi mechanic check it out....Got a trip permit, start driving it home-and she konks out. I turn the key to start it, diag. OK, but the fuel pump starts to whine with a higher and higher pitch. Its starts, sputters, I put it in gear or give it gas -pump whines even higher, warning light starts blinking, dies. (This got worse every time I restarted it, finally, it whines really bad and dies just when you turn the key on and kicks out before I turn to start)
Obviously I have a fuel pump problem, how do I access it to fix it, and is there servicable parts in it or do I have to replace it? HELP!!!!

Jun 30, 2000 | 02:36 AM

Tom Serrago

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From: Dallas TX

Access plate to fuel tank is under carpeting in the trunk near the rear seat ...

there are no servicable parts, just replace the pump, I have seen prices in the $150. to $180 range. Obviously the less gas in the tank the better. A Bentley or Haynes manual is helpful and hopefully this list too.
HTH

Tom Serrago
85 5ks Avant
99.5 A4 tqms

Jul 1, 2000 | 03:57 PM

SteveAngry

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Re: Dead in the water

Yeah, those things can be a real pain in the ***. I have heard of them running fine one second, get real noisy and then stop working in a matter of minutes. I have a friend who drove around with a bad fuel pump for almost a year. Its just a matter of luck. They will go sooner or later. Use Toms advice and get a manual(prefer Bentley)and if you are going to do the job yourself, be careful! Doing anything that involves gasoline makes me nervous...

Just remember that when you do replace the fuel pump, try and keep your fuel gauge out of the red. If you get way into empty this will make your fuel pump work harder. You will start to hear it buzz when you come to a stop and your fuel slushes around in your tank...
Good luck...

Steve Ankney
88 5000s

Jul 2, 2000 | 06:14 AM

Tom Serrago

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From: Dallas TX

You're right about that Steve, you never know when these old pumps will go...

I've been tempting fate for a while now with the original f/pump in my 5KS. The pump has been lightly buzzing for several years. I just make sure I never let the tank level go below 1/4 and keep a "watchful" ear for signs of increased buzzing.

Tom S.

85 5KS Avant
99.5 A4 tqms

Jul 2, 2000 | 07:04 PM

farmer2

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I picked up a Bosch rebuilt fp from my Cummins/

Bosch guy I use for the truck, for $119!!! UAP wanted $424 wholesale for a Master, Canadian Tire $369 for a Nioff. I get a 100 day warr. with it too.

Jul 2, 2000 | 11:31 PM

ChuckH

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When it starts clicking you may as well put in the phone call...

...for a tow truck! Mine went from fine to clicking to dead within about 30 miles or less!<p>Charles
2000 Nissan Xterra SE V6 4x4 (personal)
'98 A4 2.8 Q-Tip (business)