Fuel Pump

[rougeray]

Yesterday after being gone for two weeks I tried starting my 07 RSV. Upon turning the key on I did not here the clicking of the fuel pump. Pulled out the choke and pressed the start button. Engine turned over, fired once then quit. Tried turning over some more but would not start. Pulled the side cover off and tapped on the fuel pump but no clicking. With the choke out I tried turning over again. It finally started and the engine idles fine with no choke after she warms up. Took it for a short ride on the interstate up to 80 mph no problems. Just tried it this morning. Still no clicking but started with choke.

 

Now my questions

1. Is the pump necessary once the bike is started? Tank is full so I have a good head pressure now.

 

2. If the bike is started everyday is there a need for a pump. As this is not a fuel injected engine, is the pump merely used to charge the carbs after extended down time due to evaporation of the fuel?

 

3. Does the pump ever run after the engine is started?

 

4. I'm ordering a Posi-Flo pump as per V7Goose recommendations. I have read of other pumps being used but if you look at the reviews on line there are lots of reported failures. What are some of your experiences.

 

I was planing on riding over to Austin, TX to watch the races this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas. It's around 500 miles one way. Don't want to take a chance on breaking down that far from home.

[muffinman]

Simple answer to all the questions Yes the fuel pump is needed at all times

Jeff

[LilBeaver]

Remember that the fuel pump does not ALWAYS cycle when you turn the key on. If the float bowls are full the pump won't cycle at all.

 

So just because you do not hear it when you turn the key on does not really mean it is not working...

 

You say your bike sat for two weeks and you tried to start it without the choke and hit had a hard time. In my opinion, that is highly inconclusive...

 

You can test your fuel pump by opening one of the carb drains or simply disconnecting the fuel line from the carbs and run it into a jug to see if it pumps or not. Granted this is not 100% conclusive either as if it pumps that does not rule out an intermittent problem but it would be a place to start.

[Kirby]

Ray, contrary to popular belief, you can run the RSV without the fuel pump so long as you bypass the pump and connect the line from the tank to the carb fuel line manifold. You will need to also disconnect the power to the fuel pump as a safety measure so it doesn't spurt out any remaining fuel that may be left in the pump and lines if it intermittently starts back up. You may can do this by pulling the fuel pump wiring coupler from the wiring harness. You wouldn't want fuel on a hot exhaust!! When the fuel pump on my 09 started acting up intermittently, I bypassed my pump, filled the tank, and ran it for 100 miles to the dealer for replacement and it never missed a beat. V7Goose had told me beforehand that this would work, so I tried it, and now if I'm ever caught away from home and the pump goes bad, I know what to do. You just need to keep the tank above 1/4 -1/2 full so there will be enough headpressure to gravity feed the carbs. What this means to me is to refill the tank after about 125-150 miles. I would also consider moving or at least adding a fuel filter in that bypass line to prevent possible other problems before getting the pump replaced. I hope this helps to answer some of your questions. Do a search for fuel pump problems and look at some of Goose's explanations, you won't be misled.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Kirby

[bikerjohn]

when my pump went out i had to run down to about 1/4 of a tank then fill up. Ran that way for several months before I put on a new pump.

[rougeray]

Thanks guys for the info. I wished I had posted sooner as I would have pulled the pump and made the trip. Guess I'll just watch the race on Speed Channel. My new pump will be here late tomorrow. I did buy a Posi-Flo 40105 as V7Goose suggest as an alternant pump. I'll let ya know how it woks out. Gonna change the filter while I'm in there. Thanks again!