Is it a common thing that the fuel pump makes some kind of this electrical buzzing noise or is it on the way out?

The fuel pump normally makes enough noise to be heard when you first turn the key on. It then turns off until you start the engine. At that point it shouldn't be heard over the engine.
If you can still hear it, it's probably straining/failing.
A clogged fuel filter or plugged fuel return line will make the pump strain and wear out quickly.

Its not this "loud" noise when I turn the ignition to on. Its more like a "buzz" from a bad speaker or when you stand near a power line

At least I think that its coming from this direction...

[This message has been edited by swisscheese (edited 08-28-2006).]

You should be able to hear a buzz from the center console when you turn the key on, yes. It's kinda hard to locate due to being buried. Kinda sounds below and behind you.
Only a problem if you still hear it after starting the car.

Put your ear on the center consol. you`ll hear it come on (key on) then stop, when the engine is started you`ll still be able to hear it, just won`t be as loud, once you have heard the pump , its kinda hard not to notice it---if you think it may be failing, check the pressure, then run a leak down test, this will pin-point any problem areas in your fuel system...

Most aftermarket pumps I've used are louder than the stock one, even when I replaced the pump in my pickup truck.

The walbro i'm using for the 3800sc for example, you can hear that thing whining standing next to the car at idle.

AC brand is a good quiet pump.As for quieting the fuel pump,sound travels through the body like electricity.Thats why the tank, has tank pads,some times when the fuel pump is changed the side pads will fall off (2 on each side).Most people are so buisy installing the pump that they forget to put the side pads back (use ruber cement to reattach).You can add more pads for better effect (top and sides).

Is there anything else, like the climate control stuff that can cause a buzz. My 85 GT has had a buzz since new that comes from the center lower dash area. It never goes away, just hard to here with the engine running.

I'm having my third "new" fuel pump replaced on my Mazda, because I can hear the buzzing sound consistently. Luckily, my mechanic has never charged me for the replacement. However, it does indicate that fuel pumps aren't made for peace and quiet, at least for my Mazda!

quote Originally posted by BJR: Is there anything else, like the climate control stuff that can cause a buzz. My 85 GT has had a buzz since new that comes from the center lower dash area. It never goes away, just hard to here with the engine running.

Sorry,there is nothing else,down there but the fuel pump.

quote Originally posted by James Bond 007: AC brand is a good quiet pump.

I'll second that. Last spring I replaced the fuel pump and pulsator in my Formula. (I used a Delphi pump ... excatly the same pump as ACDelco, just a different distribution channel.) The new pump is much quieter than the original pump, which had over 125,000 miles on it.

quote Originally posted by 3800superfast: ... once you have heard the pump , its kinda hard not to notice it...

Yeah, thats like this. This morning I didn't notice this buzz, was too busy watching traffic and thinking about the work and stuff. Its really not that loud.
Probably I was to picky or too scared on this one.