Noisy Electric Fuel Pump - Failing?

[JoLin]

V-P 5.7 GSi - 'WT' Engine - 1999

I've owned the boat for a year and finally figured out that the high-pitched whine I hear anytime the motor is running, is coming from the fuel pump.

I understand that there are 2 pumps (high and low pressure) in the setup, so trying to figure out:

1. Which pump is the culprit? Any way to tell?

2. Is the pump failing, or do they make noise?

The only other boat I know of that's set up sorta like mine is my friend's 2007 Maxum- but that's a Mercruiser and it doesn't whine about it

 

[keiths1313]

Re: Noisy Electric Fuel Pump - Failing?

Open the hatch turn the key to the ON position and listen to the pump. The low pressure fuel pump will run for a few sec to prime the fuel system. Is that the noise you hear? They make noise when they are running but shouldnt be too loud.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Noisy Electric Fuel Pump - Failing?

Open the hatch turn the key to the ON position and listen to the pump. The low pressure fuel pump will run for a few sec to prime the fuel system. Is that the noise you hear? They make noise when they are running but shouldnt be too loud.

Thank you. Yup, that's the one. Turn the key, it whines for a few seconds, then stops until I start the motor. Once I start her up, the whine is constant.

Hard to tell, tho, what would be considered 'too loud.' I can always hear it unless I'm at the helm at cruising speed. I think the passengers seated over the ER can hear it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Noisy Electric Fuel Pump - Failing?

1. Which pump is the culprit? Any way to tell?

Yeah, just listen. When you turn the switch on, both pumps run for 2 seconds. Should give you time to hear which one is noisy.

Air is what normally causes the pumps to be noisy. Might want to check all your fuel connections between the tank and the engine.
Some pumps are just louder than others. Doesn't always mean that it's a failing pump.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Noisy Electric Fuel Pump - Failing?

I'll check the fuel connections and see if that turns up anything. I'll also enlist a partner to turn the key while I listen for which one is noisy in the event I have an issue later.

Thanks for the help, guys!