Volvo Penta Fuel Pumps

[kdaniel3]

Thanks for the post Dan, my port engine has been lacking power most of the summer. The fuel pump is whining loud at times too. Low (10) and high (32) output pressures checks ok at idle but the high side drops a few PSI (30) at higher no load RPMs. Saw the same video and can't make up my mind as to do the overhaul myself or order a new. Let me know how yours turns out.
Kevin
2004 Carver 396

[Viper]

If your pump is making a loud whine, it's on it's way out or it's getting air periodically for one reason or another, or starving for fuel. The fuel is what lubricates it so running out or replacing fuel filters without filling them first shortens their life.

[DanM]

A quick update on the VP fuel pumps. Both of the inner chambers had bubbling and peeling paint. Screens on the HP and LP pumps were partially clogged. The LP's were about 70% obstructed, the HP's less so. I have added photos of the interiors. All interior paint has been removed and HP and LP pumps replaced with new. Essentially they are new fuel pumps except for the casing and at a fraction of the cost of new.

Final observation: When the fuel starvation occurred, I changed fuel filters which seem to remedy the problem. In hindsight I don't believe the filters had anything to do with it. When I shut down the engines to change the filters the vacuum was removed. Some of the debris on the HP and LP screens fell due to gravity which cleared enough of the obstruction that the engines would come back up to cruising RPM. When enough sediment accumulated on the screens again the problem would presumably reoccur.