Fuel pump running long time???

Tuneforkfreak · June 07, 2016, 09:32:50 AM

Had an issue with my bike shutting down yesterday and of course I was out in the middle of nowhereville. I noticed if I pulled the choke, it would try to start/fire so I figured lack of fuel. Gas tank topped I knew I had gas but when I turned the key on I could hear the pump running for what seemed like maybe 15 to 20 seconds and normally that pump just clicks one or two clicks and shuts off. I cycled the key a few times and the pump ran long each time but the bike would start then starve its self out of fuel again. I did that several times then the fuel pump did it's normal two click sound and the bike ran flawless again. I'm not sure how the pump functions? I was thinking it needed to build pressure then it would shut off, is it running a long time like that an indicator of bad pump or do I need to look into something further. I put the pump on the bike new when I built it a few years ago but I know that dont mean much. I'm unsure of the pumps origin as I got it on ebay so I figured I'd ask if anyone else has ever ran into this. Another thing I'd mention is that when I filled up, the lid shot gas out at me a little (like it was under pressure) and its never done that before, Is it possible my lid is not letting air in the tank? I'm not sure how that thing works either?

movenon · June 07, 2016, 11:41:05 AM

Is your tank vent plugged ? Next time it happens crack open the gas cap and see if it runs normally with the cap cracked. Be careful not to crash or slosh and spill fuel..... check out the term flapectomy in the files section.

George

racerrad8 · June 07, 2016, 12:05:29 PM

Quote from: Tuneforkfreak on June 07, 2016, 09:32:50 AM
Had an issue with my bike shutting down yesterday and of course I was out in the middle of nowhereville. I noticed if I pulled the choke, it would try to start/fire so I figured lack of fuel. Gas tank topped I knew I had gas but when I turned the key on I could hear the pump running for what seemed like maybe 15 to 20 seconds and normally that pump just clicks one or two clicks and shuts off. I cycled the key a few times and the pump ran long each time but the bike would start then starve its self out of fuel again. I did that several times then the fuel pump did it's normal two click sound and the bike ran flawless again. I'm not sure how the pump functions? I was thinking it needed to build pressure then it would shut off, is it running a long time like that an indicator of bad pump or do I need to look into something further. I put the pump on the bike new when I built it a few years ago but I know that dont mean much. I'm unsure of the pumps origin as I got it on ebay so I figured I'd ask if anyone else has ever ran into this. Another thing I'd mention is that when I filled up, the lid shot gas out at me a little (like it was under pressure) and its never done that before, Is it possible my lid is not letting air in the tank? I'm not sure how that thing works either?

Yes, like George mentioned it might be time to remove the tank vent valving. I had to do an 86 on the side of the road last weekend at the WCR after it would not vent enough to keep the carbs fed.

I am going to be updating that file this week. Someone had already removed the orange flappers, but they installed the white plastic part back into the cap incorrectly which blocked the vent. Thankfully we had a tool kit and were able to get it done in the side of the road in short order.

Pat had an issue with a eBay pump at the 2015 WCR that he installed onto Paul's 92/93 FJ. They were riding to the event and the fuel pump started having issues. It left them stranded and I think they had to bring the bike back in a pick-up. We installed the RPM fuel pump at the WCR and there has not been any other issues on that front.

Randy - RPM

Alte Fahrt · June 07, 2016, 01:21:52 PM

I had a similar incident last fall on mine. It turned out that the petcock was clogged from all the crud in the tank. Try taking the fuel line off the inlet side of the pump and see if fuel flows freely.

Tuneforkfreak · June 07, 2016, 03:15:52 PM

OK so I did a short test ride today and maybe 6 miles in it last power and shut off again. First thing I did was check the tank and as soon as I inserted the key gas came bubbling up out of the key hole. I opened it,closed it then the bike fired right back up and I brought it back to the barn. I'm thinking like you guys said ,I have a venting issue. I'll need to look into that and try and cure it. Thanks for the reply s y'all. Did I mention my front forks really suck? I gotta get those things rebuilt.

fj1289 · June 08, 2016, 09:45:44 AM

If the tank isn't totally full (so fuel won't slosh everywhere!) - try riding with the cap loose. Quick and dirty way to confirm a vent issue.

FJmonkey · June 09, 2016, 01:15:48 AM

Quote from: fj1289 on June 08, 2016, 09:45:44 AM
If the tank isn't totally full (so fuel won't slosh everywhere!) - try riding with the cap loose. Quick and dirty way to confirm a vent issue.

If you have a second key then ride with the key in the cap. When it starts giving trouble crack the cap open. If it clears right up then you have a cap/tank venting issue.

Tuneforkfreak · June 15, 2016, 11:44:52 PM

I removed the tank cap and disassembled, cleaned and lubed all the springs and such and that seemed to stop the gas from shooting out the key hole and I can hear it venting now when the bike is off. Rode the bike (close to home) and it took a shiot again. Put another fuel pump on it and it's been good for 150 miles so far. Gotta get the front forks fixed now, they're bottoming out and now a seal is leaking. Always something on a 26 year old machine.

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Fuel pump running long time???