Fuel pump clicks - Should I take it apart?

[dma251]

While working out my electrical-soup on my 1990 FJ1200, I noted that when I apply 12vdc to the fuel pump directly (not hooked up to tank and without fuel) I just get a click and nothing else.   Now I would never run the fuel pump without fuel present for more then a second or so, but I expect more than just a click....

I did some searching and found a little bit about the fuel-pump points kits.   Makes mne think I should crack it open and take a look inside...   

But I've gone down that road before...  Figured this time maybe I will ask first.

[movenon]

The only thing I can add is that the pump should "click" or run for about 4 or 5 seconds then shut off if it doesn't get a engine cranking / running signal from the ignition pickup via the CDI box to the fuel pump relay.
George

[ribbert]

While working out my electrical-soup on my 1990 FJ1200, I noted that when I apply 12vdc to the fuel pump directly (not hooked up to tank and without fuel) I just get a click and nothing else.   Now I would never run the fuel pump without fuel present for more then a second or so, but I expect more than just a click....

I did some searching and found a little bit about the fuel-pump points kits.   Makes mne think I should crack it open and take a look inside...   

But I've gone down that road before...  Figured this time maybe I will ask first.

The end of the pump is just a cap and can be removed to access the points without "disassembling" the pump. George is right about it only running for a few seconds when wired through a standard harness but I would think with power applied independently to the pump it should run continuously.
Take the cap off and clean up the points and see what happens. The points don't do much work compared to ignition points but they generally don't get serviced or replaced at regular intervals either and will still get a bit crappy over time. Start with the simple stuff. Clean them up with a bit of emery or sandpaper or file or whatever and see what happens.

Noel

[theLeopard]

ooc, what did you expect the fuel pump to do when independently stimulated?
(other than click)

[dma251]

ooc, what did you expect the fuel pump to do when independently stimulated?
(other than click)

My expectation is that it will hum/vibrate while power is applied.  Instead, my pump just makes a single faint click, like a relay.  One click. 

I have been busy with other things and haven't pulled the cap off the end of the pump and take a look inside, but I will later today.

[simi_ed]

We must give this Amerikan a wide berth.

[Flynt]

my pump just makes a single faint click, like a relay.  One click. 

Could be normal if you're float bowls are full or the hose to the carbs is blocked somehow.  The clicking will be really rapidly when the fuel is flowing, then slow to a stop when the float valves close fully.  Mine will click once or not at all if the float bowls are full.

Frank

[theLeopard]

My expectation is that it will hum/vibrate while power is applied.  Instead, my pump just makes a single faint click, like a relay.  One click. 

Why would you expect that?
Electricity gives the pump power, but isn't what makes the pump operate.
The fuel flow within the pump is what operates the pump (via a sensor); if that sensor reads the pump is primed and fuel is not flowing your pump shouldn't do a damn thing.
That clicking sound is your fuel pump priming the system. When the clicking stops, your pump is ready.

Others with more technical knowledge could clarify the matter further.

Examples are often helpful, maybe this will clear up any questions:
I was working on my bike and closed the petcock to remove the tank.
When I remounted the tank I had forgotten to open the petcock.
When I started the bike the pump clicked. And clicked. And kept clicking. I even got on and rode it for a bit when it sputtered to a stop.
When I realized my error I opened the petcock, could audibly hear the vaccum created in the line disappear as fuel filled it, and the pump clicked a few times and was ready to go.

If I misunderstood your inquiry I apologize but my impression is you're on a wild goose chase here.

[yamaha fj rider]

This is how I would test the fuel pump. Once the fuel system is up to pressure the pump shuts off until needed. Disconnect the fuel line from the pump to the carbs. Install a piece of fuel line to the pump out put port, direct this line into a container to catch the fuel. Now turn the key on or apply power to the fuel pump. It should start and run, pumping fuel out and making a buzzing sound. This may shut off after a few seconds but you will have fuel coming out of the line and all is well. If you do not get fuel, cycle it a few times. If all you have is a click and nothing else, look to a bad relay or pump. If the pump runs and nothing comes out, check for a blockage in the fuel system. Hope this helps.

Kurt   

[dma251]

I guess I need to clarify - there are no hoses hooked to it.  I hit it with 12vdc directly from a battery.  There is only a single faint click.

That sound right?  No fuel present, no hoses.  Just power to the pump = 1 click.

[yamaha fj rider]

One click is not right. Just turning the key on it will normally run for two or three seconds. The one click may just be the relay.

Kurt

[theLeopard]

How does the pump operate when no fuel is present?
I would think it would endlessly click like it did when I had my petcock closed, but then it wasn't sucking air either.
Does the pump detect air in the fuel line? If so, would that automatically shut-off the pump?
These are important questions, maybe someone has answers?

[dma251]

It's not the relay, because I gave it 12v directly from the battery.  If it has a pressure sensor in it, it would sense no pressure and turn on. 

I think maybe mine is seized somehow and the click is the motor.  I still haven't had the chance to dig deeper into it.

Whatever it is, I hope it's in the points mechanism and not deeper inside.  I really don't want to buy a new pump or roll the dice on a used one...

[yamaha fj rider]

Check the points and see if you can get it move, before getting in to it too far. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[Terry in Australia]

'Scuse my newbie ignorance men, but do all FJ1200's have fuel pumps? I don't think my 1TX has one? Cheers, Terry. (mentally preparing for a bashing.......)