MkIV GTi fuel pump / A/C noise questions

[Arian]

SO I took my car for a longish drive to Canberra and back over this weekend. On the way back form Canberra I noticed a fuel smell and also some funny A/C noise when putting the car under load.

So two questions for you:

1.) Fuel car smell - I have noticed that the smell is coming from the rear wheel arch where the fuel tank/ cap is located. The smell is not coming around the fuel intake area, it is comign form aorund the wheel arch are on the same side where the fuel cap is located. After some research on the internet it looks like it is one of two things:

1.) Fuel pump about to go and spilling fuel, or
2.) Fuel pump seals (O Rings).

The car is running more boost just hit 100,000kms (upgraded ecu, intake (CAI), Exhaust, and Upgraded cam gear (i believe muller and muller have done the jobs) On this topic, I have also noticed that the cam gear is little wider than the normal one and the cam cover doesnt properly close, if I close it I hear the cam belt touching the cover while the engine is on... It would be good to hear from someone who has upgraded cam with same issue, on their workarounds the cam cover also....

Back to the fuel smell question... Knowing that I am running more boost and a few breathing mods I would assume that this could be to blame the fuel pump / seal problem... If I was to go for a new fuel pump should I

A) Aftermarketfuel pump with higher LPH reading or should I go for
B) OEM replacement and run into risk of damaging it again... Once again not sure if the mods are to blame... Any feedback would be highly appreciated...

To the last issue - the A/C noise when the car is under load.... I have noticed when I am driving the golf with A/C on, I occassionally get some vibration type sound when the a/c is on, if i stab the clutch it goes away, until i put load on the engine again... It has nothign to do with the air vent fan, as the issue doesnt occur while the a/c is off...

4th point - I live in Chatswood Sydney... I am after some trustty mechanics that aren't a rip off for my servicing.... I heard some bad stories about the VW and classic auto in chatswood so I am staying away form them... The other day I saw a "garage" with european car service signs on epping road close to longaville rd intersection... Anyone have any suggestions for good mechanics to keep my gti in good running order around the chatswood area.

I know that there are a few questions raised here, but any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advace guys!!! I will try and make an effort to come down to the next meet after the xmas holidays are over....

Cheers,

Arian

[gpk_gti]

just go to milan at TCCA motorsport ,http://www.tccamotorsport.com.au/

in artarmon,,,he is a member here and im sure once you tell him we referred you,he will take extra care of you...

[h100vw]

No need to get a bigger than standard pump. You access it under the back seat IIRC. There is a round steel lid held down with screws. Pull that up and then you can see if there is any fuel escaping. I'd be surprised.

You should also check the fuel filter which is just forward of the right hand rear wheel.

I have good pump if you do need one.

Gavin

[Jmac]

Yeah Gavin the filter is a common one thats where i would be looking for sure, weak clamps or loose common. Think you will find the AC noise is in actual fact coming from the gearbox, when you put your foot on the clutch you slow the box down, put the AC on and you are loading the engine and it shows up, ive just looked at one doing exactly the same. Loading the engine with the AC is drawing you to think it is coming from there. As a test stand at the left front guard with the bonnet open and listen with the AC on and have someone depress the clutch , noise will go away, its just a bit of chatter mate nothing to worry about.
Cheers

[Arian]

Thank you very much for the replies everyone!

I am glad I ain't the only person with the weird ac noise...
I'll book my car this week for the mechanics to look at it. Hopefully the fuel smell is due to the fuel filter....