When you first turn on the key, there is a humming/buzzing noise which if I remember right has something to do with priming the fuel system. That works like it is supposed to (goes on for a couple seconds and then shuts off) but as soon as the car starts the noise comes back. It stays on until I shut the car off. It isn't as loud, which leads me to believe that there is something else that is making the noise. Any ideas on what it could be?

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You are hearing the fuel pump. Once the car starts, the pump runs continously. Some are a little louder than others, and should not really be cause for concern. If it has gottten louder over the years, it might be getting ready to die on you.

[This message has been edited by topcat (edited 05-08-2005).]

Ok, it just started being noticable over the last week or so. It is loud enough that I can hear it over the radio. Just for when it does go, how hard is it to replace? Is that something I should go to a shop for?

You have to drop the tank to replace the fuel pump. That is the hard part, and it is not too hard to do that. The worst part is working on your back under the car, unless you have access to a lift, then it is easy as pie. Just make sure to either run the car almost empty, or drain the tank before dropping it. Having a tank half full of gas gets real cumbersome and heavy. The last time I did it, I just ran the car until I had less than an eighth of a tank of gas.

If it has gotten louder... one/both of two things is likely going on.

The pump could be failing. They sometimes get louder as they wear out and parts get sloppy.

The pulsator may be bad. The pulsator is used with the high pressure pumps to smooth fuel flow. It cuts noise and extends life of various fuel system parts. If you want to understand how it works, look up a hammer stop device in the plumbing dept at your local home store.

I would get a new pump and pulsator and get them installed pretty soon. You can do it yourself if you are careful.

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