Fuel pump question.........................

[DragonRider]

87 Venture, question is, when you turn the ignition on should you hear the fuel pump prime or even feel it vibrate when you turn it on. Bike wont fire, has gas, but I think the fuel pump is the problem.

[cowpuc]

Hi Lewis,, yeppers - that pump should run thru a "cycle" (not sure how long - couple seconds of run time for sure) every time you turn the key to ignition.. The only way that it should not cycle thru is if the bowls are full - must have a some kind of a pressure switch in its design.. If the bowls are not full, I like to turn the key on - let the pump cycle thru, back off and repeat until the bowls are full - you should be able to clearly hear the pump slow down when the pressure builds..

[cowpuc]

By the way, a real easy way to check for fuel in the carbs is just open a drain screw on one of them (get a little bowl to catch it in - put it under the corresponding drain hose). Open one on the left side of the bike (closest to the pump), hold a bowl under the drain, turn the key on to ignition and you should easily be able to hear pump run and have fuel come out of bowl drain.. Make sense brother?

If you need me to I can make a quick video and post what it should sound like?

Might try tapping on the fuel pump a couple times if its not cycling - see if you can jar the points loose if their are stuck..

Edited August 21, 2015 by cowpuc
mispelled "loose" - spelled it "lose" and it didnt look right for some reason

[DragonRider]

Thanks Scott, will try the drain method, I have tried tapping on it to no avail. I am about to give up for the night, will do that tomorrow.

[cowpuc]

You are more than welcome Lewis - anytime,, best of luck tinkering with the ol girl!!!