240 General: Fuel pump whine?

[Jungle_Jim]

Hi all

When the 240 starts to get low on fuel, I can hear a dull whining sound coming from the back. I don't think it used to do that. And I'm fairly sure that the sound is less prominent if the tank is full.

The car is not missing or intermittent - it's running fine - but I was wondering if I should do tests or something to prevent a future break-down?

The pumps haven't been touched in the 11 years I've had the car, but I changed the fuel filter about 2010-ish (25-30,000 miles ago).

Thanks
John

[Lucien]

Is this the twin pumps on an injected car? A lift pump in the tank and inline main pump under the middle of the car? If so, it's usually a failing in-tank pump or air getting in, causing the inline main pump to gurgle. They're noisy but don't seem to completely fail - just get noisier.

If you're keeping the car, probably best get it sorted, but the replacements don't seem that good from what I've read.

There's also some talk about checking the fuses (fuse 5?) to make sure the in-tank pump is working. Or listen (ear to tank filler pipe) for the sound of the pump running.

This is a job I need to do too! They all seem to whine a bit.

Regards
Lucien

[morsing]

Don't think it's a pump problem, it's just sucking in air somewhere.

[Antz]

As said above, it'll be one of the pumps dying that puts pressure on the other. Happens often in 240s now they are getting old. It'll put pressure on the other and they can eventually die leaving you stranded.

You'll need to find out which one is whining and replace it....but they arent cheap whichever one you do as usually the senders are rusty and once disturbed they will fall to pieces.

Its wise to buy a new sender unit, seal and lock ring if you are going into the tank to check that fuel pump or replace it with a new standard one.

The cheaper and more modern option that I have done loads of times is to remove the external pump completely and pipe between it then buy a Walbro 255 from Conceptua Tuning and fit that in the tank in place of the small in tank pump.....unfortunately you'll still need a new sender unit, seal and lock ring.

This is more than man enough to flow a 240 as they are designed for cars up to 400bhp.

[morsing]

What year is this car?

It's definitaly not a failing main pump, even if it's probably the main pump making the noise.

If it happens at lower fuel levels, could be a failing in-tank pump or just a split hose in the tank. Why start a major project just for that. The in-tank assemblies are not that expensive and the main fuel pumps seem to go on for ever - no need to get rid of it.

[Jungle_Jim]

Thanks Henrik

The car is a 92 240SE B200f/manual.

What would be the best bet for buying a new in-tank pump - and what other parts would be needed at the same time eg hoses, gasket etc?

Thanks in advance
John

PS I'm sure I've seen a thread about this before but I couldn't find it on a search.

[speedyG50]

Originally Posted by Antz

The cheaper and more modern option that I have done loads of times is to remove the external pump completely and pipe between it then buy a Walbro 255 from Conceptua Tuning and fit that in the tank in place of the small in tank pump.....unfortunately you'll still need a new sender unit, seal and lock ring.

This is more than man enough to flow a 240 as they are designed for cars up to 400bhp.

Antz ... but would that be appropriate for a K-jet .... ie direct from tank, to filter and engine (thus bypassing the main pump and accumulator). Previous posters suggest k-jets need the accumulator.... it's an 89 wagon, non turbo

[Antz]

Originally Posted by speedyG50

Antz ... but would that be appropriate for a K-jet .... ie direct from tank, to filter and engine (thus bypassing the main pump and accumulator). Previous posters suggest k-jets need the accumulator.... it's an 89 wagon, non turbo

No idea to be honest. I've only done this on LH injection 240's and ones with a complete standalone engine management. Not done it on K-Jet but in the end a pump is a pump. What it doesn't use it'll return to the tank.

[Thommykent]

Originally Posted by morsing

Don't think it's a pump problem, it's just sucking in air somewhere.

Completely wrong

[RichardAu]

I have just developed the same problem on my S60, which is 3 years old and has done just 24,000kms. The whine, which comes and goes, is very loud when outside the car and is only heard when the tank is below half full and the engine is running. When I open the fuel tank cap, there is heavy gas escape and I can hear the fuel inside bubbling vigorously. Problem seems worse in hot weather. My dealer says he hasn't heard of the issue before and seemed surprised when I told him there is discussion on the Volvo Forum about it. Just a bit alarmed that it might explode.