so I have this loud noise that's been gradually getting worse, coming from my trunk. I can hear it when I'm in the car and last night I stuck my head down in the trunk to get a good idea where it was coming from.

it's a loud EERRRRNNN EERRN ERRRRRNNNN sound...at first, when it wasn't as loud, I thought the rear speaker had some electrical feedback going on. but now it's clear that it's coming from the trunk. it's only there when the engine is running.

so I'm guessing fuel pump...what do these cost? and how hard is it to replace? do I need to drop the tank? it almost looked like I could get at it from the trunk area, but I'm not sure.

my car is a 1990 244.

J.

 

Hi, I have a 1993 240 wagon and had to replace the intank pump. It's not hard depending on how handy you are.

The hardest part is getting the retaining ring off (mine was rusted beyond belief).

The pump itself you can get for about $40-60 depending, assuming you're going to replace just the pump, if you're doing the whole sending unit (the whole mechanism inside the tank that has the pump and the float for the fuel gauge) I think I got mine for around $175 from FCP Euro. I'm not sure how to determine if the whole thing needs to be replaced or just the pump. I did the whole thing as my fuel gauge wasn't working, replaced it and works fine now.

You should be able to change it without dropping the tank, there should be a little access hatch in the trunk (I have a wagon). Take the screws out and pop the hatch, you'll see the top of the sending unit. Make sure you relieve the fuel pressure first!!! Take off the two fuel line/clamps, undo retaining ring, wiggle it out (takes some puzzle skills to get it all out of the tank).

I did drop the tank on mine just because I couldn't get the retaining ring off and had the luxury of not needing the Volvo in-service. But the access hatch makes it doable without dropping it.

I'm just a novice it that's any help.

Some guys on here should be able to tell you if it is the pump, sending unit, both or neither.

 

any suggestions on the best place to pick up a new pump? it's still running, but really loud when the tank is empty. it obviously gets quieter if it's full of gas.

also, anywhere that has instructions on how to get into it for a sedan?

J.

 

is this a good replacement pump for the in-tank?

Discount Body Parts - 1991 volvo 240 replacement fuel pump repv314510 - 1991 Volvo 240 Replacement Fuel Pump

or any of these from O'reilly's?

List: Fuel Pump - 1990 Volvo 240 | O'Reilly Auto Parts

J.

 

Search around here on the forum for opinions. I belive the original one was an AC delco. Also, this site has a nice write up on the pump - even shows the airtex kit. Take a look (the guy who wrote this answers questions over on Brickboard if you want to contact him).

In the Tank - 240 Volvo Tank Pump and Sender

 

haha...thanks. I actually found that link just after I posted this yesterday.

J.

 

ok, so the sound only comes when the engine is running. there's no sound when the key is turned to the 'on' position. is this correct for the fuel pump? should the in-tank pump run at least a little when the key is first turned?

J.

 

the pumps should run for about 1-2 seconds when the key is turned on, yes.

when the gas tank is mostly empty(or like below 1/4 tank), start the car, open the gas cap, and put your ear up to the filler opening, is that noise louder in there? then its very likely the in-tank fuel pump.

 

when I turn the key to 'on', I hear nothing. once the engine starts, then the noise begins. it's definitely louder the closer the tank gets to being empty...

the sound I'm hearing was described on the above website as being when the pump is sucking air into the system...maybe the hose is damaged? or has come off the in-tank pump? I may have to just get in there and see what's going on to really figure it out.

J.

 

the intank pump might be nearly dead, and not spinning on that initial key-on 1-2 second, but once the car starts, the vibration rattles it enough to start spinning

thats just a wild guess. I concur. time for exploratory surgery, and once you get in there, you'd be crazy if you didn't replace the pump, hose and pickup screen bag thing.