I've got a 1987 5000S with 215,000 miles on it. Its in great condition, but I am having repeated fuel pump problems. The pump, along with the relay, has been replaced 7 times over the life of the car. Most recently, I replaced it, along with the relay, 11 months ago. Now I again have a loud buzzing from the fuel tank area, which is an obvious sign of a fuel pump problem. Has anyone else experienced so many problems with the fuel pump/relay on the 5000?? Any suggestions??

 

They change the relay first because it's easy and marked-up. However, there is no legitimate reason to change the pump more than once. I would check for crushed fuel lines, change ALL the fuel filters, and do a full pressure test.

My guess is either the intake filter is clogged or a line is crushed, if they actually changed any of the pumps.

 

You may have something in your tank contaminating the pump? Fuel filters changed too?

I've also seen the plastic tray which all the relays are on, get overheated and cause simular problems.

Problem with the relay tray is all the bus bars
you cannot see, until its removed from the car.

You might try getting another relay tray, or verifying your wiring is good to from the pump/relay. Verify the the common grounds too.

Also make sure you have the correct fuel pump relay!

The "loud buzzing" from the fuel tank area IS NOT
a "definate" sign the pump is bad. Measuring how many amps the pump is drawing, with a ampmeter, while its running is! If it draws over 11+ amps its bad.(refer to the Bentley for exact amperage)

The loud noise can be attributed to several factors, including, the pump not being installed correctly with the rubber shock mounts, or block line pressure acting against the pump. Some Audi's do have loud pumps, and its perfectly normal. My 86 Coupe's pump was "loud" all the time! Especialy to me, because I became fixated with the noise! The pump was still running 14 years after leaving the factory! Although I changed the relay twice, the pump kept on being loud, but kept supplying fuel.


I'm assuming your have purchased a "New" pump each time? I know there are "rebuilt" pumps out there.

 

where is the intake filter? does a 1990 80 have one?

 

5000 fuel tanks are notorious for having problems with the inside coating braking down and clogging up the fuel pump intake, fuel filter, etc...this may not be the culprit, but consider it a possibility...

Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, Mi

 

Just ahead of the pump, rather than before engine. 80? Dunno.

 

Be careful with the gas.

Steve, where in Holland do you live? My old stomping grounds.

 

near the Holland Country club...what part were you from? How long ago/ Where are you now? Still in Michigan? E-mail me if you want...

Steve Ankney
ankneys@hotmail.com

 

Haven't lived there for 9 years. Interesting community der' he.' My family (re)settled Grand Haven from Holland.

 

lived on W. 11th st...near Hope. Just down the street from Washington school...wonder if we lived on the same block??? Small world...do you live in Grand Haven then? Or is it just your family? I've spent alot of time up there as I used to work at Chapter 11 sports in Spring Lake...just in Grand Haven yesterday...in fact thats where I almost died due to my floor mat getting stuck under my gas pedal...on Van Wagoner rd...coming of US 31...

Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI