What kind of noise should a normal fuel pump make? Mine is buzzing (not loudly but I hear it if I stick my head near it.)

The buzz, if it's loud, is an indication that something is wrong. It's not a sound that you should be able to hear very loudly, especially on a 1990, when you driving the car, if that's what you're asking. Common culprits are the intank pump, the fuel pressure regulator, and that little piece of hose that connects the intank pump to the harness inside the tank.

assuming you are talking about the main fuel pump, approximately under the center of the car, it is normal for it to buzz a little bit.

on my 1981, my fuel pump buzzes like a banshee most of the time. i have replaced the pump, and the new one was just as loud, as well as checked all of the fuel lines for blockages, replaced the in-tank pump, and the little thingy next to the fuel pump (fuel pressure regulator I think), and checked the rubber bushings on the fuel pump mounting plate and STILL my main pump buzzes loud enough to hear it in the cabin and feel it vibrating the floor.

I even took out the pump and hooked it up to a 12v battery and just straight ran it, and it is still just as loud as when hooked up to the car.

The thing to worry about with the fuel pumps is not the noise, but rather, a change in the noise. If you had never noticed it before and it has been getting progressively louder, this could be a sign that it needs to be replaced. Otherwise, consider yourself lucky you don't have a buzzing little bastard like mine. :)

My fuel pump was extremely noisy too, and I thought it was the main pump, but it turns out it's the in-tank pump. When I pull the in-tank pump fuse, it gets very quiet, but still runs.

I've read that this can be bad for the main pump and could promote vapor-lock problems in hot weather, so I just leave the fuse in and turn up the radio.

>>When I pull the in-tank pump fuse, it gets very quiet, but still runs.<<

I meant that the ENGINE still runs, not the pump......
I need to write more clearly.

Thanks. I just noticed it because I changed the fuel filter Friday and put my head under the car to check for leakage. I know what you mean about the change though. I fixed the intank pump a year ago when the main pump sounded like it was sucking air.

Hope your day goes well!

I noticed mine making a buzz after I changed the fuel filter. It probably buzzed before, but I hadn't noticed it. Now, I hear it every time I start the car just because I'm listening for it. Maddening isn't it.