So I was out mudding yesterday and my alternator died. Around the time I started hearing an unfamiliar noise from the back, that sounds like the fuel pump. I assumed it was running goofy since my alternator was dead. I replaced my alternator today and it's still happening. Now I think it might be one of two things. First, my battery isn't fully charged. I had to drive home with no alternator, and my battery is sitting at about 11v or so. Also, my whole Jeep is pretty much caked in mud. Especially the undercarriage. Could that be why the fuel pump is making a noise? I also smell gasoline more when running. Could this be nothing? Or is it something more serious?


Thanks

 

Get your electrical system up to snuff and see where you are at before digging in.

Clean the underside of your Jeep.

The smell of gasoline though, does certainly indicate you may have a leak. But you need to clean up your XJ to find exactly where.

 

x2

Other than noise and fuel smell, are you having other issues with the fuel pump? Is the truck still running poorly?

 

How would a leak have happened? Like something broke?

I don't believe so. It acted fine on the trail, and drove home on the interstate for a good hour and half with no issue. Just the noise and smell of gas. I'll wash the underside tonight and then get the battery charged and go from there.

 

If a rock or something hit a fuel line it could have damaged it.

And I think they are metal anyway, so they can rust.

But if there is only a weird "sound" I wouldn't worry too much. Just check for leaks.

 

My fuel pump has a pin through the drive end that spins the impeller I call the "planed obsolesce". It probably broke 1/2 off before the other end let go.

 

So I took a high pressured hose to my undercarriage. Got rid of the majority of the mud. Turned it on, didn't hear the sound in the truck, just a hissing noise out back. Went for a test drive to test my new alternator, which appears to be working, my battery gauge just hits about 14ish when going fast, and drops when stopped. Towards the end of the run though, the fuel pump started making the humming noise and I heard it inside. I'm going to see what it does this week, and either replace it next weekend or try and fix it.


Any ideas though?

 

Mine had a crimped housing. To autopsy it and find they did not use a solid pin, I had to cut it open.

 

Was yours making a noise?

 

No, I don't recall that it was. It was 6 years ago. I was puzzled when the Jeep conked out, found I wasn't getting fule, but could hear the pump running. That's why I cut it open after I changed it. Found the pin through the shaft that fits in a slot in the plastic impeller is a little hollow tube. Actually a rolled piece tiny steel, has a seem. Corse I don't know how loud yours is, I don't normally hear mine. You can hear it if you go under while it's running. Listen to someone else's? Check the pressure? maybe learn something there. Change it and have a spare? Cary a new one for a bit and keep the receipt? Don't know your $ situation. Most folk would just buy a new one and chuck the old. Smelling gas? Make sure it's not just loose.....

Hey...change your filter. Something that you need to do anyway now and then.

 

If I were to buy one, what would be a good one? I'm seeing some different prices and want to make sure I get the right thing.

 

not airtex...i like my carter...bosch is good but expensive

 

WWW.rockauto.com great prices.

 

So I did a quick search at O'reilly's. I found a Delphi for about $100. This is the thing I would need, right?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0401&ppt=C0025

If that link doesn't show a product, it's the Delphi Automotive - Electric Fuel Pump.



I'll be checking and or replacing the fuel filter asap, too. Also, besides the car stalling, what are some other symptoms of a dying/bad fuel filter? Most people say it's common for the filter to clog, and I take it that happens quite a bit when mudding? I have to use my truck every day this week, so I want to know if I should plan on using another vehicle or stall on the highway . Someone on some site mentioned a whining noise coming from the tank area, I'm not sure if that describes my noise or not..

Thanks

 

I like my Napa people. No special reason. I think for mine, years ago it was 60 something. You might try a filter first though. Your pump may be working extra hard. D.