Help! Fuel Pump!
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Joined: May 2000
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Help! Fuel Pump!
I think i need a new fuel pump for my Audi 100 '89. The one that i have now is 50k miles old.
The car lost power today twice when i was on highway ramps. The second time i heard a constant noise from the rear of the car, the car lost power, almost died and it was shaking a little. I pulled on the side, turned off the engine and started it again - no noise and the car was running fine until i got home. The level of the fuel in the tank was low - no more than 4 galons total with the reserve but it has never happened before even when my "gas warning" light has been ON. I also had the quiet "hummmmming noise" for the last 5-6 months on and off. Is it time for new fuel pump??? What about fuel pump relay?
Also, are there any different sizes fuel pumps for this model? I saw at bimmerparts.com Audi 100 fuel pumps with 60 mm and 44 mm specification. (two kinds)Which one should i pick for my car or they would both fit? How to find out which one i need?
Thank you very much for your help!
The car lost power today twice when i was on highway ramps. The second time i heard a constant noise from the rear of the car, the car lost power, almost died and it was shaking a little. I pulled on the side, turned off the engine and started it again - no noise and the car was running fine until i got home. The level of the fuel in the tank was low - no more than 4 galons total with the reserve but it has never happened before even when my "gas warning" light has been ON. I also had the quiet "hummmmming noise" for the last 5-6 months on and off. Is it time for new fuel pump??? What about fuel pump relay?
Also, are there any different sizes fuel pumps for this model? I saw at bimmerparts.com Audi 100 fuel pumps with 60 mm and 44 mm specification. (two kinds)Which one should i pick for my car or they would both fit? How to find out which one i need?
Thank you very much for your help!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,274
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Also...
driving low on gas all the time is hard on the fuel pump! The pump is lubricated by the fuel. Sounds like you may be burning up your pump every time you run so low!
Also, running low on fuel helps to pick up the crud in the tank and it will eventually plug up your fuel filter. Change your filter as Fast 928 suggested. A plugged fuel filter can cause your fuel pump to work harder and you will hear it buzz loudly as a result of being overworked...
Keep in mind some pumps are noisier than others. My fuel pump has always made a little noise. It's been that way for 2 years. No problems yet. The only time it makes a louder noise is if it's below freezing or I run my gas tank low. Which I never do of course!
On the flipside, my friends 5000TQ pump went bad and it never made any noise before it went...
I'd try the fuel filter first as it is cheap and needs to probably be done anyways. Then if you still have problems move on to the fuel pump...
Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI
P.S. Can you hear your fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the on position?
Also, running low on fuel helps to pick up the crud in the tank and it will eventually plug up your fuel filter. Change your filter as Fast 928 suggested. A plugged fuel filter can cause your fuel pump to work harder and you will hear it buzz loudly as a result of being overworked...
Keep in mind some pumps are noisier than others. My fuel pump has always made a little noise. It's been that way for 2 years. No problems yet. The only time it makes a louder noise is if it's below freezing or I run my gas tank low. Which I never do of course!
On the flipside, my friends 5000TQ pump went bad and it never made any noise before it went...
I'd try the fuel filter first as it is cheap and needs to probably be done anyways. Then if you still have problems move on to the fuel pump...
Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI
P.S. Can you hear your fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the on position?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
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Re: Also...
Thanks guys!
I replaced the fuel filter 5k miles ago. It's still new isn't it? I usually put good quality gas so i doubt that it needs replacement already.
The car runs fine today. I drove it all around and there is no noise or hesitation at all. The fuel tank is half full now !
I found fuel pumps on the net but i'm still a little confused about the two different sizes that i saw?!?!
I think that i can wait a little longer and see if my pump really needs replacement. Maybe the low gas level was the cause for last night's adventure.
I don't want to spend $250 too early.
But Am i taking a big risk?
Thanks again!
I replaced the fuel filter 5k miles ago. It's still new isn't it? I usually put good quality gas so i doubt that it needs replacement already.
The car runs fine today. I drove it all around and there is no noise or hesitation at all. The fuel tank is half full now !
I found fuel pumps on the net but i'm still a little confused about the two different sizes that i saw?!?!
I think that i can wait a little longer and see if my pump really needs replacement. Maybe the low gas level was the cause for last night's adventure.
I don't want to spend $250 too early.
But Am i taking a big risk?
Thanks again!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 9,421
Likes: 0
Like the man said, You are killing your pump by running low on gas......
So, you can probably figure you have damaged your pump/caused premature wear. The thing is lubricated with gasoline, you ran it low on lubrication. Did this only happen once or is it a regular occurence? You run the car low on gas a lot? I don't like to go below 1/4 tank but I've lost two pumps in an older Audi (with a differant pump setup).
If you aren't afraid of having your car die on the side of the road go for broke. You can always change the pump where the car dies or get it towed some place where it is safe to change.
When the two pumps crapped out, both times I changed the pump where the car died.
I am fortunate that I've never owned just an Audi, I've always had a pickup truck for running parts so breaking down on the side of the road doesn't bother me too much.
If you aren't afraid of having your car die on the side of the road go for broke. You can always change the pump where the car dies or get it towed some place where it is safe to change.
When the two pumps crapped out, both times I changed the pump where the car died.
I am fortunate that I've never owned just an Audi, I've always had a pickup truck for running parts so breaking down on the side of the road doesn't bother me too much.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 9,421
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I'd disagree with the thought that running low on gas sends sludge/crud to the filter.....
The Audi 100 / A6 pump pickup is right at the bottom of the tank. I don't see how sludge/crud would ever has a chance to buildup. You are always sucking off the bottom of the tank unless I'm missing something in the drawings.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
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