1990 Accord - Tank has been dropped on shop floor, fuel pump removed. Wired pump directly to the battery and hear a whining sound. No fuel is coming out of the pump. Can the pump fail and still make the sound?

 

Yes, particularly if it's been run dry before.
Either the pickup is clogged / blocked or the Pump is toast.
Make sure there is no indication of impact damage to the tank's bottom. If it gets pushed up, it could (and often does) effect fuel pump operation.

P

 

I just thought it odd to stop. The problem started when I discovered a fuel leak near the tank. I removed the tank and replaced the fuel lines. Before reinstalling the tank started the car to look for leaks. Everything ok. Installed the tank and then it would not start. Removed the tank to look for kinks in the fuel line. No kinks. Checked the voltage coming to the tank (thinking it is a main relay issue). Around 3 volts. So I connected a test wire directly to the battery and disconnected the fuel line directly on top of the tank. Definately hear the pump run but no fuel coming out of the pump.

 

Try changing the polarity when you retrace your pump test. It's a DC motor, so it could (concievably) run in reverse too.

 

The polarity was reversed. Pump works. Back to the original problem with the relay.
Thanks for the help

 

Lol, S**t happens I guess.
Glad I could help.

P