I have 1986 and have noticed recently on start up, when I place the key in the ignition ,but prior to cranking, I hear a noise that sounds a little like grinding. My intial thought is perhaps the fuel pump? Does any one have any similar experience and/or solution? Thanks

you didn't state it but it sounds as if you are turning the key to the run position. it maybe the abs unit in the compartment behind the drivers seat. there is a tray that covers it and i believe there was a piece of insulation over it that usually masks the sound. a friend heard it and was told that it is normal for the unit to make noise when first activated. the only thing with his car is that he is missing the tray and i think the insulation. try seeing if that is the noise you are hearing and go from there. if it  is making an unusally loud noise you may want to have it checked. let us know how you make out.

If the noise is the fuel pump, it will stop about 5 seconds after turning the key to the "Run" position, without starting.
Don't know how long the ABS module does it's thing, but it's not long...just long enough to verify the reservoir is pressurized.
Turning the radio off before turning the key should eliminate/confirm the antenna as the source.
The fuel pump noise is normal. IF it is unusually loud, tho, the pump may be failing. You should be able to hear the pump run, but it shouldn't be loud enough for a "WTF?" moment.

too funny  a WTF moment....can I use that sometime.......??? again too funny!!!

too funny....     i had one of those a couple of months ago when the brake master cylinder failed!

 

I dropped off at my mechanic today. He just let me know it is the fuel pump. I will let you know if they find anything else. Thanks!!

[QUOTE=bobarino625]I dropped off at my mechanic today. He just let me know it is the fuel pump. I will let you know if they find anything else. Thanks!![/QUOTE]

But...did he say there was an actual problem with the pump?
Either way, it's prolly best to go ahead and replace it, as they do tend to fail at the worse possible time...like on a road trip....in the middle of BFE....at night....and you hear banjos playing....


The fuel pumps on C4s are simple to replace. Getting a decent price on one is harder. A normal, everyday type guy should be able to swap a fuel pump in an hour, at the most...just don't take any smoke breaks.