So my 88 GTA has been whining from the fuel tank for the most of the summer. It is really hot here in the desert and I think that has something to do with it. It has been happening when the tank has less than half a tank of fuel in it after driving it a while. The fuel pump and fuel filter were replaced in late 2008 and the car has only been driven about 9K miles since then. When this happens the car just whines, loud. There is no effect on the engine at all, It runs smooth always. Also I can smell gas when I get out of the car when this happens. I took off the fuel cap when it was whining and there was tons of pressure and heat that flew out of the filler neck, and I could see the fumes gushing out. What can I check? All of the emissions equipment is original untouched on the car. Thanks!

 

I have the same problem I think.I only get it after I park then it will whine for a few mins.The whine comes from a vent from the tank close to the fuel filter I think.I dont have the smell of gas.Hope someone will chime in that knows for sure. Dave

 

Thanks alot, I was thinking it was a vent on the fuel tank because of the pressure that comes out when I open the gas cap. The smell of gas comes from the back of the car I think, it started right after the car started whining. Hopefully I can fix this cheap and myself because I don't have money to take it it again.

 

I can always hear min kick on, until it builds the fuel pressure up (maybe 2-3 seconds), but can't ear it after the engine it started. Only time I've been able to hear it wit the engine running, was just before the pump went out.

 

Stephen My whine is not the fuel pump.It is coming from somewhere around the fuel filter.There is a vent there that is white and hooked to a hose and I think it goes to the tank I think that is the problem. I cant find the part and the dealer has no idea what im talking about.Dont know if GTA's is the same or not.It sounds like my problem except the smell of gas. Thanks for the help.Dave

 

The fuel pump whine is common. It is generally caused by a poor winding in the pump. It often precedes pump failure but can also go on for years without failure of the pump. The white valve you are referring to is the tank pressue relief valve. If its making noise and if your building excessive pressure in the tank, especially while the engine is running, Then you need to check the purge canister for being clogged and the fuel tank pressure control valve for proper operation.

 

ASE doc. my whine is after I run awhile and mainly when hot.I have also heard the noise after the car sits in the sun and gets hot and not been run for awhile.I know it sounds crazy but I am almost sure it is pressure in the tank.If the purge canister is clogged wont you have some other problems and not just the noise?Thanks for all the replys. Dave

 

mine is the same way, only when I have been driving for a long time and the car is hot. My fuel pump is still pretty much brand new, they dropped the tank to replace it. how would one go about checking the purge canister? When I open the gas cap when its doing this too there is ALOT of pressure coming out.

 

GTA I just noticed we both have 88's.The pressure coming from the cap I think may be normal.I have had 4 f bodys and all of them have had pressure when you take the cap off. Dont know for sure but I have had an85,87,88and 92.The 88 is the only one to make any noise out of them all.Would this do this if the pressure relief valve was bad and the only problem? Thanks Dave

 

If you take the gas cap off any 3rd gen & it doesn't hiss? There is vapor leak somewhere.

My 86 IROC, 87 GTA, 90 RS & 92 RS have all done it. It is perfectly normal & SHOULD happen.

 

Here's another thread that has more info on this issue. If you scroll down, there is a link that has the part number for the fuel tank vent valve.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tpi/...s-problem.html