The fuel level sender unit was toast on our '93 240 and I decided to replace the in tank pre-pump while the unit was out rather than transferring the old pump to the new sending unit. The new pump and sock were about $40 from FCP Groton. However, the pump came in an unmarked bag and has no mfg. labelling on it anywhere. FCP's website said it was "OE", which I thought would mean AC-Delco as they supplied the originals to Volvo.

Now everything is back together and the fuel gauge works again. Yeah! However, the in tank pump is now audible while sitting in the idling car when it was not audible before. Is this a sign of impending doom or a bad new pump? The darn vehicle now sounds like many of the 5 year old GM branded trucks I always notice in parking lots ..... whirrrrnnnnrrrrrngggwrrrrng.

John

I too bought an in tank pump from FCPG and installed it about a week and a half ago. I can hear it humming at idle. At speed I can't hear it under the engine and road noise, hence it's not really annoying. In contrast, I had to go out of my way to hear the original pump...when it was still functioning.
I think it's just characteristic of this pump to make its presence known. I wouldn't worry about it.
--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

Wow. Guess I was way wrong about this one. Surely that can't be OEM then, can it? My '93 and dad's '91 both have the original in-tank pumps and neither is audible at idle over the sound of the engine running.

Truthfully, I'd feel a little better if it was as quiet as the original. But I still don't see it as an item of concern. It's an electric motor and that's what it sounds like.
--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

I am having the same experience with a new in tank pump from the same supplier. I also tried a different pump obtained locally and it looks the same possibly the same manufactuer.

When I posted about the problem earlier this week it was suggested that perhaps the unit was pressing down on the bottom of the tank and allowing the tank to resonate. I have not had the opportunity to check this out yet.

Randy

Um, make sure the in-tank pump is in fact working. I don't think you'd hear the in-tank pump running under any circumstance, it's usually the main pump. Listen for the buzzing under the car beneath the back seat cushion - is that where it's coming from?

If so, your new in-tank pump may not be properly connected and the main pump could be working harder and destrying itself. Find out now! If the main pump wears itself out, you're looking at a couple hundred dollars to replace.

I checked and it really is the in-tank pump making the noise. I put a hose to my ear and just inside the fuel filler neck to listen and the sounds I am hearing is clearly the in tank pump. I also put the hose near the main pump under the car and it is nice a quiet.

My conclusion is that these replacement pumps are simply noisier than the originals. Perhaps that is why the price is so "good" :(.

John

For the original (quiet running) transfer pump I can think of two circumstances where you would hear it: with the engine running and, gas cap off and ear to the filler neck; or by intentionally running the pump with the engine off.
These replacement pumps, made by...who knows, are just noisy. Not abnormally so. Just louder than what we, who have installed them, have been used to.
--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

Glad I read this then - if I ever have to change the in-tank pump I'll seek out a quieter alternative. Noisy fuel pumps drive me mad.

I also just did this job on my 245, I also have a buzz at idle that I didn't before. It is slight so I have opted to live with it.

Side note: I almost broke off the hose hook ups on the outside of the pickup due to rust (in tank parts looked brand new). I used the pick up from my parts/project car. How can I get this repaired for use in parts/project car?

The correct fix is a new sending unit assembly which just cost me about $110.

I suppose that a very talented welding person could attach new sections of tubing to your old sending unit, but if trying this then you have to make sure every last bit of gasoline is far away!

Third choice would be to find another used unit, but the newest you can find will be 13 years old :(.

John

John,

I know they are "spensive, that's why I want to repair, it's only a $300 car. I'll find me a welder

Art

Welder'll charge you more than a junkyard. I'm sure you can find a fairly decent unit at a yard with a little work.
--
-Sean, Thinking of calling my car 'Black Lung' for the cigarette burns in the seats, the Marlboro wrappers under the handbrake cover and the nicotine film all over the instrument cluster.

Sean,

The junkyard around here are Volvo scarce. But I see your point.

BB