[MichV]

Hi guys. I've put a deposit down on 92 Vitara JX 4dr 4sp Auto 1.6 EFI. Only thing thats bugging me is when i was checking it out and driving it, there was a constant buzz/humm coming from the fuel tank. I asked the seller and he said it was the fuel pump. Now i've owned/driven a few cars and i've never heard the fuel pump do that constantly. Usually its a buzz for 2-3 seconds. Is this normal? Thanks

[Gwagensteve]

That's normal. I bet the car didn't have much fuel in it. With more fuel in the tank you won't hear it.

Steve.

[suzukiboy]

I just had no fuel pump replaced, it was making a priming noise on start up for a couple of months, never did before.

Then one afternoon it stopped in traffic.

Mate said when they start to make noise they are on the way out.

New one does no make a noise.

[Gwagensteve]

Meh. Cheap and easy to replace. No reason not to buy a good car.

[MichV]

Actually the fuel gauge was almost on empty. Either way some parts are going to be replaced since the car is not coming with rego or rwc. But for $1500 that the car actually costs and the amount of parts the seller has already replaced ($2900 worth) I think its still a great deal. The body is in great shape too and no signs of rust from what i could see.

Just a few more questions if its ok. Is this a lwb vitara? And is the suspension supposed to feel so soft and wobbly as standard? Thanks for the help so far.

[Reubs]

On my 1.6EFI Vit, the fuel pump used to make a noise and I suspected the fuel pump being on the way out. It died last Christmas, but the new non-genuine pump from Supercheap (all I could get being the day after boxing day and being nearly 4 hours from Brisbane) is noisier than the old one ever was with a constant hum. It's made a humming noise from day one but still going strong after 30,000km. Cheap fix though - the pump I fitted was listed for a Commodore and various Subarus and was less than $100. I disagree with Gwagen on ease of replacement though - it's at least an hour to replace and the tank has to come out - not an easy fix in the middle of no-where when the tank is 3/4 full of fuel and has the added weight of a tank guard also. In comparison a Sierra fuel pump can be replaced in 10 minutes.

[Gwagensteve]

That's a fair call Reubs, and I do agree that it isn't easy to do with the tank almost full, but it doesn't take special skills and doesn't effect anything else (compared to doing a water pump where the timing can get messed up etc. It's not difficult.

Out of curiosity, did you give the tank a whack? giving the tank a good hit can sometimes free them up.

I'm aware of cars that sit undriven for long periods with the tank almost empty having problems with sticky fuel pumps. they are much more reliable of the tank is kept full.

MichV, Yes, a 4 door vitara is a LWB.

I can't tell you if you car feels "soft and wobbly" compared to standard. They are quite softly sprung, but my guess is the shocks might need replacement.

[MichV]

Thanks guys.

Kind of already had a feeling it was a LWB, just needed to know 100%. I like to do my research to know as much about something before I buy. With the Vitara's though there's just so many different models and info ranging from here to overseas.

Steve, from what the seller tells me the rear shocks were already replaced. Im used to driving cars with stiffer suspension sports/modified. Come to think of it my old 1990 honda accord felt like a boat on the road lol. Reason i wanted to know was because i have to drive this car back to my place when i pick it up and its like an hour and a half from my place.