SpencerPJ Posted February 13, 2017 #1 Posted February 13, 2017 So it's warming up here in the Midwest, and put the battery in my 83. Turned key, no fuel pump clicking. Turned the switch on handlebars off/on a few times, viola, clicking and primed carbs. Would you guess it would be possible fuel pump, relay, or connections? This happened a couple times last season, and off with the key, back on, clicked and worked fine. I have looked at, messed with connections, all seems fine. 30k miles, but it is an 83. Any suggestions? This might not happen again until after 20 more rides. Never has let me down, and it's only happens first ride of the day. (after that I never get clicking, my fuel line is great about keeping prime).
snyper316 Posted February 14, 2017 #2 Posted February 14, 2017 Sounds like a weak relay possibly, But when I ride at least every 2 days my fuel pump don't click and it fires just fine. Now if it sets for a few days it will click....
bongobobny Posted February 14, 2017 #3 Posted February 14, 2017 OK, the switch on the handlebars you are referring to is most likely the kill switch. If the contacts are dirty it certainly WILL kill the fuel pump as it supplies the power to the fuel pump relay!! That switch is easily disassembled and the contacts can be polished up to like new status! Hopefully, you are aware that the fuel pump relay has a special circuit to it that only allows the fuel pump to run for a few seconds and then turns it off UNLESS the bike starts and is running...
snyper316 Posted February 14, 2017 #4 Posted February 14, 2017 OK, the switch on the handlebars you are referring to is most likely the kill switch. If the contacts are dirty it certainly WILL kill the fuel pump as it supplies the power to the fuel pump relay!! That switch is easily disassembled and the contacts can be polished up to like new status! Hopefully, you are aware that the fuel pump relay has a special circuit to it that only allows the fuel pump to run for a few seconds and then turns it off UNLESS the bike starts and is running... Dang when mine got dirty I would have to hit the start switch a few times for it to engage the starter, I didn't even think of that switch... I pulled mine cleaned it up and it cranks everytime.. so yeah a very high possibility on that Bob.
SpencerPJ Posted February 14, 2017 Author #5 Posted February 14, 2017 So, it's not my kill switch, turning over is never the issue, it always turns over. The fuel pump doesn't always run, or click. I'm just like snyper316, So if I get in a situation and it doesn't click after sitting a couple days, is there a way I can determine if I'm getting power to the relay, and then power to the fuel pump. I'm jus a tick above dangerous with a meter. Also is there a way to possibly clean the relay?
bongobobny Posted February 14, 2017 #6 Posted February 14, 2017 Other than the connector to the relay, no you can not clean the internals of the relay. With a voltmeter, measure across the fuel pump first. you should see 12 volts for about 5 seconds or less when you first turn the key on and then zero volts. If you do and no clicks with empty fuel bowls then your fuel pump itself is bad, but on 1st gens that is a little rare. If your fuel bowls are full to the top it will not click... It is possible that there is some corrosion on the relay connector considering how old the bike is...
SpencerPJ Posted February 14, 2017 Author #7 Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) Sounds like a plan. One last question, if I don't hear clicks and it has sat a couple days and I should have, if I turn key off, and go to measure across fuel pump as suggested, will there be any other special circuitry that will interfere with the 12v reading I should get for the first few seconds, after I turn the key on once again? Edited February 14, 2017 by SpencerPJ
bongobobny Posted February 15, 2017 #8 Posted February 15, 2017 Nope! Even if the fuel bowls are filled preventing the pump from pumping anymore (you may hear one click) you should still see 12 volts for a few seconds...
snyper316 Posted February 15, 2017 #9 Posted February 15, 2017 Those clicks you would hear are the points in the pump pushing plungers with no resistance of fluid flow. Living life one curve after the other. Vroom scooting, thru the countryside.
Condor Posted February 15, 2017 #10 Posted February 15, 2017 I've never had a 1stGen fuel pump apart, but if it's anything like a 2ndGen the pressure cut off is mechanical and part of the point set. It may be getting stuck every once in a while due to old age??...
snyper316 Posted February 15, 2017 #11 Posted February 15, 2017 I seen someplace we could replace the points but never did find any to do it with. I figured I would take mine apart if it ever quit. Living life one curve after the other. Vroom scooting, thru the countryside.
bongobobny Posted February 15, 2017 #12 Posted February 15, 2017 I seen someplace we could replace the points but never did find any to do it with. I figured I would take mine apart if it ever quit. Living life one curve after the other. Vroom scooting, thru the countryside.Not 100% sure but I think that is just for the 2nd Gen Ventures only. The fuel pumps are not the same as 1st Gen...
snyper316 Posted February 15, 2017 #13 Posted February 15, 2017 Not 100% sure but I think that is just for the 2nd Gen Ventures only. The fuel pumps are not the same as 1st Gen... Yeah I am thinking that too. Living life one curve after the other. Vroom scooting, thru the countryside.
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