The pump on my girlfriend's 1980 RX-7 is always uadible.

When I turn on the ignition prior to starting the car, I can hear a semi-muted quick, constant tap-tap-tap.

I can still hear it when the car starts and even when running down the street.

Is this normal?

If not normal, what does it likely mean?

 

It's not exactly normal but it's not a bad thing, either. It just means the rubber isolators are toast. That pump will run making all kinds of noises right up to the moment it dies. There's no real warning signs like smoke starting to come out of the tail pipe or a rumbling come from the rear at certain rpm's. It just stops working one day. The replacement pumps are cheap as heck if you're just replacing stock.

Mario III

 

Thanks. That's very re-assuring. Can I replace the isolators to reduce the clatter? Or are they only available with the pump?

 

Is this a daily driver? Your only car? If it isn't or if you have access to another car, then you just need to unbolt the fuel pump shield and the whole thing is right there to look at. Just get one good rubber doughnut and head to Home Depot. There's nothing special about them.

 

It has been her daily driver for a month or so. She has other options. I will do as you suggest. Thanks again for your excellent advice.

 

I checked it out today, and it's the pump itself that's making all the racket. I will replace it. Is this a part that one should only get OEM, or is aftermarket OK?

 

Aftermarket is fine as long as it's not a high performance fuel pump on the stock carburetor...you'd have to get a fuel pressure regulator as well, then.

 

Thanks!