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Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

March 02, 2021, 07:47:45 pm

This morning after dry camping in 40 degree weather when I started the engine to warm things up I notice a ticking sound that I hadn't heard before. It is loudest in the passenger-side bay behind the front wheel, where one of the fuel fills is. In fact, if I remove the filler cap I'd swear the noise is coming from inside tank.

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #1 – March 02, 2021, 07:50:48 pm

That is the return fuel from the engine making the noise. I have heard on lots of the mechanical 8.3 Cummins

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #2 – March 02, 2021, 08:23:11 pm

Our 8.3 with the mechanical fuel pump does it all the time............ the lower the fuel level the more noticeable the clicking sound.
It has to pull harder plus the fact that the "echo" is louder in an empty or low tank level. If I don't hear the "clicking" sound......... then I start to get concerned. 

If you don't have a mechanical fuel pump then please disregard the above comment.
 

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #3 – March 02, 2021, 10:23:11 pm

Mechanical lift pumps do cause some pulsating. Maybe you need to replace the fuel return valve because of a weak or broken spring.

Tork Teknology OFV010 Adjustable Overflow Valve

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #4 – March 02, 2021, 11:18:54 pm

I don't believe installing the OFV010 adjustable overflow valve will make any difference in the fuel pump noise one hears in the fuel tank bay.

I installed one 7 years ago and it didn't change the sound a bit.  The mechanical lift pump is just plain noisy...end of story.

What the OFV010 did do was cure a low fuel pressure problem on my engine, and I highly recommend it for that purpose. 

Fuel System Science Project

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #5 – March 03, 2021, 06:29:32 am

Would also recommend carrying a spare pump,not that pricey.

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #6 – March 03, 2021, 09:22:26 am

Yep, replaced the fuel overflow valve a couple of years ago. Also have a pressure sensor installed between the secondary filter and the injector pump. It usually shows about 20 plus lbs at idle and around 30lbs at cruising speed.

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Re: Ticking noise from inside fuel tank?

Reply #7 – March 03, 2021, 09:28:50 am

I noticed a power loss when I had the Monaco 8.3 engine and replacing the overflow valve fixed the problem.

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