Golf PD150 Noisy Fuel Pump (I think!)

[Stubaru]

When I turn the ignition on I get a loud whirring coming from the back of the car. As I start the engine the whirring noise increases in speed and then stops. The car runs fine and its only on startup that the noise happens.

I'm guessing that it is the fuel pump and I'm also guessing that this was the initial cause of why the car wouldn't start at all a week ago as maybe it had seized solid then and now its just a bit stiff (ooh er).

Is this just a straight replacement job or can it be removed/cleaned/lubed/refitted? Easy enough to DIY?

Also I guess if it needs replacing, an uprated one is probably cheaper than a standard VW one?

Is it worth doing if I plan to get a remap in the future? I know when I got the Impreza remapped it had a Warlbro pump fitted...

Cheers

[Golf_GT_TDI]

Hi, you should get a whoosh sound from the pump when turning ignition to stage 2 (should last for like a second or so) this is the pump priming the fuel system, on starting/running I can't hear mine at all, so if yours is noisy then it sounds like it could be on the way out. 

Edit: I can't answer your last 2 questions as I've never replaced a fuel pump on a Mk4, as for uprated pump I'm not sure if thats needed standard one should be fine, but hopefully someone with more knowlege on that front can help 

[ebo007]

Mine does this too, I assumed it was normal as no issues so far.... (touch wood)

[Agreeable Slick]

I cannot remember if they have a lift pump or not, but it's normally the lift pump that makes the wirring noise not the main fuel pump (unless it's run dry).

It would be worth just checking it out, and it can normally be accessed under the boot carpet. Get someone to sit in the car and turn it to first ignition point, whilst you stick your head/ear close to the pump then get them to start it and see if the noise increases.

If so, possible replacement time.

[Stubaru]

Cheers for the replies. I'll get off my ass and go and have a look see! 

[sps]

that will be your lift pump and fuel sender unit which is a combined unit in the tank which is on its way out.- I had the same problem on my car.
check that it is working as mentioned in the post above.
if you do not hear it buzzing on turning the ignition on,then you will need to fit a new one,without it the injection fuel pump in the engine works overtime and dies earlier=costly.
the new in-tank pump will cost you about 200 quid from the dealer(make-brand=VDO),Cheaper ones  are on ebay but do not know how reliable they are.