1983 BMW 320 Fuel pump problem

1983 BMW 320
64,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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KMTAYLOR5
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Fuel pump was whining loudly and making "slurping" sounds, car did not idle well particularly when cold: would rev up and down, killing sometimes when it went down. By adjusting idle to over 1000rpm - was able to control to a certain extent. Decided to replace system fuel pump and filter, also removed tank and checked in-tank "up take pump" and screen. Screen was almost completely clogged with rust dust. Cleaned screen and sent tanks (it's actually 2 split tanks) to be cleaned and coated at radiator shop. After replacing pump and filter - the problem seemed to be completely resolved (no noise, no idle problems) for about 150 miles. Now the new pump is whining and "slurping" and the idle problem is starting again but not quite as bad yet. First thought is to replace the in-tank fuel pump, but wanted an opinion before I spend the $250.
Dec 5, 2009 at 2:21 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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a fuel pressure test would help you be sure that you needed to replace the pump.
Dec 6, 2009 at 6:02 AM
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KMTAYLOR5
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Did you even read the entire post? Do you understand this specific fuel system? That's the most generic, worthless answer I can imagine. It would be nice if there was some analysis of the problem I described, maybe an opinion about how to solve it...
Dec 20, 2009 at 9:35 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
[quote:cc9956165a="kmtaylor5"]Did you even read the entire post? [/quote:cc9956165a]yes.

[quote:cc9956165a="kmtaylor5"]Do you understand this specific fuel system?[/quote:cc9956165a]It sounds like you have a bosch injection system with a fuel distributor.

[quote:cc9956165a="kmtaylor5"]That's the most generic, worthless answer I can imagine.[/quote:cc9956165a]I asked you to preform a test that would give me hard numbers to judge the best next step.

[quote:cc9956165a="kmtaylor5"]It would be nice if there was some analysis of the problem I described, maybe an opinion about how to solve it...[/quote:cc9956165a]Analysis and opinions will be made once you give enough solid information to base an analysis or opinion on.
Dec 21, 2009 at 2:15 AM
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