The fuel pump at the fuel tank - nasty clicking noise

[The Blue Van]

My 2015 T5 has recently developed a habit of making a rapid and quite loud rattling/clicking sound behind the driver's seat on start-up (just before or just after): goes on for a number of seconds then stops though engine start and driving seem unaffected; no EMS warning lights either. I believe this noise may be the fuel pump that sends fuel to the engine: and I assume this is separate from another pump on the cylinder block which AFAIK delivers the fuel at a higher pressure to the injectors themselves. The nearest symptom I have ever had to this - remarkably similar in fact - was in the late 70s with an old Wolseley 1100; where I knew it was the fuel pump (also didn't actually affect the running).

Does anyone have any experience/advice with this one? Does it indicate a faulty pump, or some issue with the fuel line losing pressure when it shouldn't with engine off? There is no sign of a fuel leak under the vehicle, nor the smell you might expect in that instance.

A general search (Google/You Tube) suggests the fuel pump is in this location, but the remedies involve cutting out carpet to access the pump: we have a hard plastic floor with runners, and no hatch. Having seen commentary on costs of changing the HP pump etc. I am rather wary either of plunging in ´but also wary of ignoring the issue.

Thanks in advance

 

[OGII]

It's definitely the fuel pump priming. It can be quite noticeable if there is no radio on or general noise. My T5 did it for 9 years, the whole time I had it, but it was a panel van we converted so less sound deadening etc.

I guess for you the issue is you have just noticed it/it may have got worse so is it a symptom of a fault? Not necessarily but only you know what your van sounded like before/now.