OK, its pre GEMS then, the pumps on those do make a noise and are external to the tank (behind the spare wheel), the thing is if you have never had one of these cars or this kind of fuel system before and are comparing it to old fashioned SU pumps the older electric pumps built up a line pressure and stopped, these later pumps are 'constant run', there are 2 lines, one is a supply line to the injectors (it goes to a fuel rail, think of a fuel manifold)and the other is a return line. In the fuel rail there is a Schrader valve (similar in appearance to a tyre valve) to check the line pressure, and a pressure regulator. A constant flow of fuel is used to (a) maintain the line pressure at a stable limit and (b) to allow the fuel in the fuel rail to be cooler for emissions regulations. They do fail and they do get noisy but if its just a constant whirring noise I would be inclined to say its OK. A good thing to do if your concerned is remove the spare wheel and locate the pump, put a piece of wood on it, 12" of broom handle is perfect, to act as a stethoscope, put your ear on the other end and have a listen, if it concerns you check it again in a few months and see if you think its getting louder. Do it ignition on without engine running to get a reference 'volume'. Hope that helps.
Last edited by Spanner Juggler; 22/08/14 11:26 AM.
