Fuel gauge & Bagster tank cover

[Arnie]

For many years, I've been able to rely (?) on the fuel gauge being consistant.  At the half-way mark it was +/- 150km, and at the E mark +/- 250km.  Approx 50km further the fuel light would come on, and shortlly after the reserve switch would need to be engaged.  Safe fuel range of 320-370kms.

However, this has all changed.  It reads 1/2 at about 120, and E at 200ish.  I'm thinking that either the float arm has bent, or the float isn't floating as well as before. (haven't pulled it to check)

Yesterday, I rode until it quit.  I wanted to see if the fuel light would come on, and if the reserve cut-out would cut-out. (I had a container of fuel with me, so I wouldn't be stranded)
Neither the light came on, nor the fuel pump cut-out cut-out.  It just stopped @ 348km.

And, it was in the middle of a steep uphill bend :-(   (figures)
Anyhow, I was able to get the fuel container from my top box, and get most of it into the tank which was enough to get back home, but I did splash some on the tank cover in the process.

When I got home, I took the cover off the tank for the first time in 19years ! and ~120,000kms to wash the spilt fuel off the cover and tank.  I also too the opportunity to inspect the tank exterior.

Pleased to report that the tank appears to be (almost) like new.  see pics.  There are a couple of small 'rub spots' where the clear coat has been damaged, one is by the seat nose and the other on the lower right side by the cover.  Otherwise, its immaculate.  I did wash and wax it before taking the pictures below and replacing the Bagster cover.
So, for all those who have stated that tank covers can damage the tank, it was not my experience.
The tank was a bit dirty, but not escessively.  A quick wiper with a soapy sponge cleaned it off.




Arnie

[rktmanfj]

Glad you experience was great with the Bagster cover... mine with the Yamaha one was not so good.     

[FJmonkey]

I am thinking of trying this stuff...
http://www.eastwood.com/paints/elastiwrap-coatings.html

[cclase]

Arnie, have you had a chance to investigate your fuel gauge/low fuel light problem(s)?  My 85 is exhibiting eerily similar behavior...

[Arnie]

Arnie, have you had a chance to investigate your fuel gauge/low fuel light problem(s)?  My 85 is exhibiting eerily similar behavior...

No, I haven't bothered.  I'll pull the unit out of the tank the next time I have it off and empty.  It really doesn't bother me as long as I know that my fuel consumption hasn't all of a sudden gone haywire.  I reset the trip meter when I fill up, so as long as I know I've got 325-370kms range, I'm fine.

[Tony Mac]

Hi Arnie, All,
I have had this problem for a couple of years now and I use the 250 fill up method.
As you described Arnie, I also let mine run right out and got about 330 klms.
Unfortunately I haven't found anyone on the list that has been able to rectify the problem and I can't find anything about the fuel gauge or sender unit in my Haynes manual.
I think this can be discussed at greater length over a beer or 2 on Friday night.

Be Good.
Macca

[Arnie]

Macca,

Beer sounds good :-)

Cheers,

[red]

Arnie,

The fuel gauge and low-fuel light may be the same problem, twice - a flaky ground connection or bad connector.  In the process of removing, tinkering and replacing the fuel sender, you may fix the real problem without realizing it.  Before you get too deep into things, check that you have clean and shiny ground connections, including the engine ground.  Yamaha (and many others) can be a bit too casual about grounding the electrical things.

Cheers,
Red