Feuerstein

a friend recently bought a 1987 80 1.9E, guess it is rather similar to the US-market 1988 80 2.0E, first year of the rounded body.

As I opened the passenger door from inside we noticed a strange sound coming from the car. It sounded like a sort of electrical buzz or maybe rushing air. The sound was not audible sitting inside with the door closed.

A little crawling around the vehicle convinced me the sound was coming from ca between the rear wheels. Sounding a little like rushing air I thought of maybe exhaust leaking somewhere, but this sound was very constant, didn't sound like the engine at all.

Also, increasing the rpms didn't appear to change the sound at all, but I can't be sure as the sound drowns in engine noise at higher rpms.

I'm guessing at the fuel pump being the source of the noise, but is it a sign that the pump is failing, or is it nothing to worry about?

Sorry about my poor English, but it isn't my primary language.

dragon-ryder

turn the key to the run position(don't turn over the engine). Then open the trunk and listen up next to the passenger side wheel well about a foot away from the rear seat. That's where the fuel pump is located on a B4, i'm sure a B3 isn't much different.

Feuerstein

It buzzes for a second or two, then stops.

If it is the fuel pump going, should I be able to hear the pump by sticking my head in the boot while the engine is running?

I knew that car was too cheap to be true - we've already discovered it needs the front end adjusted, and I suspect the steering pump is going.

dragon-ryder

you may have actually recieved quite a good deal(depending on how much you spent) if your good with mechanics

Mr.88-80Q

It sounded loud from new.... Its typical for the noise at the beginning before start up. From what I've experienced, Bosch pumps are loud to begin with...and they'll keep going that way forever. Just never run the bastard dry and you'll be ok. When you notice your car cutting out...thats when you need to replace it..