This part fell out of my instrument cluster, what is it?

[duanelr]

My bike is an '87 FJ1200. The gas gauge was broken, that's why I took apart the instrument cluster. This was rattling around in the housing. Should I be concerned?
I'm a new owner / first time poster. Thank you.
Duane

[FJmonkey]

That is a counter balance that fell off the speedo. It balances the needle. It can be glued back on when you have the cluster out.

[duanelr]

Thank you! When I take it apart, will it be obvious where it goes or is there a picture somewhere that might give me a hint?
On a related subject, my gas gauge moves around wildly, I've purchased an Ebay replacement and it does the same thing. This is common? What might the fix be for that.
Thank you again.

[FJmonkey]

Thank you! When I take it apart, will it be obvious where it goes or is there a picture somewhere that might give me a hint?
On a related subject, my gas gauge moves around wildly, I've purchased an Ebay replacement and it does the same thing. This is common? What might the fix be for that.
Thank you again.

I am not sure if I took any pictures but one may have been posted from earlier posts. But I remember finding the spot it goes just by looking for it.

The fuel gauge bounces due to a loss of damping fluid. Some have performed surgery to replace it but it is not a simple task for the average mechanic. The process involves making some room for a hole by moving/spreading some very fine wires/winding. Drilling a very small hole, adding a few drops of fluid and sealing the hole up. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2026.0

[Troyskie]

Mark, did you note the end comment from http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2026.msg75073#msg75073 ?

"This works a treat for the 1100's, since they have no extra circuitry for simulation of running out of fuel after which the 1200-owners flick the switch."

I've corrected the text from 'at leat' to 'a treat', but STREWTH! Simplest explanation of the 1200 reserve yet.

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, we know all about the electric reserve vacuum petcocks on the gravity flow 86/87 FJ's, but the question on the fuel reserve switch function on the fuel pumpers remains unclear...
Question being: When the fuel pumpers go on reserve and the engine begins to stumble, Is it a fuel pump interrupt....or is it an ignition interrupt?
CutterBill's most excellent single line diagram helps me understand the relationship of the fuel tank sending unit, the reserve switch and the fuel pump relay. (Scroll to the right)
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18991.0;attach=14020

[ribbert]

....but the question on the fuel reserve switch function on the fuel pumpers remains unclear...
Question being: When the fuel pumpers go on reserve and the engine begins to stumble, Is it a fuel pump interrupt....or is it an ignition interrupt?

Pat, this guy below seems sure he knows, ask him.

There is no discussion....we know what happens when the fuel pump FJ's go on reserve.......it ain't got nothin to do with no stinkin ignition interrupt.

Noel

[Pat Conlon]

It's about anecdotal evidence vs empirical evidence.
I know what happens when I turn on the reserve switch....now I can see why.

[duanelr]

I'm sorry, you might need to dumb down your conversation for a new guy.
With the ignition on, I've put my ear against the petcock/tank, flipped the reserve-switch back and forth, and listened for some kind of actuation, solenoid, or anything, I could hear nothing. I've looked at the schematic Pat linked to, I see a reserve-switch but not a petcock. What do the wires running to and from the petcock do? Thank you for your patience.

[Mike Ramos]

I'm sorry, you might need to dumb down your conversation for a new guy.
With the ignition on, I've put my ear against the petcock/tank, flipped the reserve-switch back and forth, and listened for some kind of actuation, solenoid, or anything, I could hear nothing. I've looked at the schematic Pat linked to, I see a reserve-switch but not a petcock. What do the wires running to and from the petcock do? Thank you for your patience.

Duaneir,

Sir, first the chain lube question and now this question about the reserve switch...?!

Okay, there is no solenoid that is activated by the reserve switch.... The reserve switch function involves the - well....

Anyway, please note Tuned Forks' comment about Pandora's Box & do not ask about that other topic...!

All in good fun!

Ride safe,

Midget

 

[Pat Conlon]

Duaneir, please disregard my post. Sorry about that.
My post, as well as CutterBill's diagram, was referring to the reserve function on the ('89/93) fuel pump FJ's and not to your gravity flow '87.
The only thing in common between the two is that the reserve function involves interrupting fuel.
Your '87 is interrupted at the petcock, and the '89/93's are interrupted at the fuel pump.

Cheers

Pat

[ZOA NOM]

Anybody recommend an oil for our newb yet? 

[Sparky84]

Anybody recommend an oil for our newb yet? 

Don't forget the grease 

[Pat Conlon]

Chain lube....it's all about the correct chain lube....

[1tinindian]

Come on guys, we all know it's all about the tires!
Contact patch and tire pressures is what keeps us alive!