Well today I noticed that my main pump was getting a little loud so i pulled my pre-pump out used some jumpers at the battery and tested it and it kicked over for like half a second and stopped, subsequent re-tests gave me the same results.
Its a shame I have had this pump less than 2 months so I have to get another one under warranty which was a year.
I do have one thing I am thankful for at least now after reading Art's in the tank article and taking the sender out for the 4th time I can do it really quick now!
I did check to make sure there was voltage at the fuse block and at the sender
er connector so thats the reason why I removed the whole thing and tested it at the battery with jumpers. This time I will dry test it before I re-install it just to make sure I feel this is a really important step that would save a lot of labor in the end. I should have done this in the first place its in Arts how to but I decided to skip this step but I wont this time.
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Dean 1991 240 wagon

Well I got my new pump installed, it came in a AC box but there were no markings other than "made in the UK". Tested it at the battery and it started right up. Tested it the tank and I could hear it hum very clearly. My main pump is still loud I hope this isn't because the in tank failed but it hums pretty loud both in the car and when you are outside as well. Will my main pump go out soon? Is the loud hum a warning of failure in the new future?
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Dean 1991 240 wagon

Hi Dean,

Assuming you gave the AC pump the same test your Airtex failed, it sounds from here like you've nailed the tank problem. I have read reports of main pump failure after tank pump work, where we've speculated about crud being knocked off by the work in the tank and on the tank-to-main-pump hose. You undoubtedly saw all the (impractical) warranty requirements for proper installation regarding just this sort of eventuality.

But the "loud hum" is very subjective. "Hum" implies a smooth sound, compared with buzz or screech. Can't really tell for sure over the wire.

If you would, send me the failed Airtex pump, and I'll reimburse your expenses as you like, with a new one from my shelf, or your purchase money. Your reported symptom of start-then-die is interesting. benstein at cleanflametrap . comm


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Art Benstein near Baltimore

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings

Hey Art,

I keep getting a return from your email address? It says your mailbox is full.

Dean
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Dean 1991 240 wagon

??

Hey Art

Sorry I havent had a chance to get it to the post office yet I have it all ready just no time to mail it.
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Dean 1991 240 wagon

Just checking -- I did reply to your email. Any news?
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

Sorry Dean, my mailbox lies. I received two from you OK. Thanks!

Nice!


It's great to learn about mistakes, so you don't have to make them yourself!

Thanks!
Goatman

hi devo - sorry but curious to hear about your bad luck with the in tank pump replacement. mine went in saturday with the hose piece you sent me. seems to be working ok. what brand of pump did you use? mine looked like an ac but had no markings other than made in u.k. car quest said it was a vdo. when you hot wired the pump outside of the tank , did it fail to turn at all? just click? there is a directional arrow at the bottom of the pump and a suction opening which clues you to whether the armature is turning in the right direction, if yours will turn at all. good luck. two mos performance is disappointing. oldduke

I have a airtex and to be honest I dont know if it ever really worked! but no I put the power to it and it just turned for less than second and stopped and I kept trying and it never moved again. I'm going to get a AC pump today just waiting for them to open.
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Dean 1991 240 wagon

That's bad news about the airtex. I had hopes for those, and I'll keep checking those I've installed at each oil change.

Airtex as a brand has taken a lot of flak from us Volvo drivers when it comes to their main pumps, compared to the sturdy and durable Bosch. I've also had a worthless water pump come from an airtex box, something I reported on 10 years ago -- poor design, not just manufacturing defect.

But as you've probably read, I'm loathe to dismiss products across a brand, having some experience in manufacturing, so I had some hopes for these airtex tank pumps, especially compared to others I've dissected.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Art,

Airtex has a lot of mixed reviews and this is my first experience with this brand so I nothing to compare it too as far as quality. I bought mine from rock auto and it has a 1 year warranty so I will not be able to take it apart to see whats wrong with it I really wish I could. But in the mean time I have already bought a AC pump (which was the one mine came with) and will install it today. BTW I found the AC pump for $28.98 locally. I will probably keep the airtex return as a spare just in case.
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Dean 1991 240 wagon