School me on fuel pumps.

[JPaganel]

I've never had a bike with a fuel pump.

A friend of mine is currently suffering with a Vulcan 1500, which does have one to feed the two carbs it has.

The automotive systems I am familiar with have return lines. How does a carburetor FP work with one line? I don't think there is any electrical means of stopping it when the bowl is full, so do the needle valves just stop the flow and the pump keeps running? Is it just that it's so low pressure, or is there some other mechanism they use?

Also, I vaguely remember hearing there is a generic pump that can be used. Prices for the Kawasaki pump are in the $250 range, and this guy isn't exactly flush.

[FJmonkey]

The fuel pump on an FJ is triggered to run for 3 to 5 seconds when the ignition is turned on, or until full pressure is achieved. Full pressure is the other pump control (about 5 psi). When the pump is not pumping it has a check valve to stop any gravity feed that might take place. There are other pumps that work for the FJ that won't break the bank if your pump craps out. If other pumps exist for the Vulcan, I would think any forum that discusses Vulcans would know about it.

[JPaganel]

I think fuel pumps are similar enough. That one also runs for 3 seconds on startup. The carbs are Keihin, and have needle valves very similar to Mikuni, and that seems to me to be the determining factor in pump operation.

I'm not signing up on a Vulcan forum - it's not my bike, and I like it here. 

[FJmonkey]

I think fuel pumps are similar enough. That one also runs for 3 seconds on startup. The carbs are Keihin, and have needle valves very similar to Mikuni, and that seems to me to be the determining factor in pump operation.

I'm not signing up on a Vulcan forum - it's not my bike, and I like it here. 

Google is your friend....

http://fjowners.wikidot.com/fuel-pump

[anson45]

Thanks for the information.
I have printed and bookmarked it therefore insuring I will not have a fuel pump failure.
I hope.
Anson