Fuel Pump issues

shannonnunley · 06-09-2003, 10:59 AM

My bikes been in pieces for a couple of weeks now. I installed a new fuel pump (there was a post about a month ago or so) and the fuel pump quit pumping about 120 miles or so after the install stranding me in Prescott, AZ. After taking it all apart again all the clamps (recycled) were still holding, but the fuel pump didn't turn with power directly to it.

Hammersly was kind of enough to offer to send me a replacement, but here's my question. Is there any way that my install could have lended to this issue or do fuel pumps sometimes come defective?

Any accounts by someone with experience a similar issue or something that can shed some light on this situation would be appreciated.

I'm tempted to just take the new pump, gas tank and rest of the assembly to the local shop and make sure it is done correctly for peace of mind, but would like to save the cash if this is no fault of my own.

roger albert · 06-09-2003, 11:45 AM

A pinched line (or other restriction including filter, or reversed connection etc) can overload a fuel pump, even a new one. Normally, the fuse will blow, but sometimes the pump will instead. I've had a pump blow fuses while working on a K with clogged injectors and a temporarily restricted fuel return blow fuses as recently as 9 days ago.

Not common though.

This is more likely a case of infant mortality on the pump's side
(if you can't think of anyway you could have had it restricted.

good luck
roger

shannonnunley · 06-09-2003, 11:54 AM

Roger... I was hoping you would get in on this. As an amatuer mechanic, I was very careful to return everything to it's previous state, but I could have mixed something up on the reinstall.

No crimping, but there's a possibility I reversed a connection. Would you reccommend I spend the money and have a professional do it?

EZ-RIDER · 06-09-2003, 01:39 PM

Hey Gang;

I would check the fuses like Roger said, The way the pump works it's a continous flow fuel pump to the pressure regulator.How many miles on the fuel filter? That maybe the problem!!!
I think if I was you, I would do it myself.

EZ-RIDER

shannonnunley · 06-09-2003, 02:00 PM

Fuel filter was replaced at time of fuel pump install (100 miles or so). It can't be the fuses... had it outside and independent of tank and would not respond to power input from a charger.

roger albert · 06-14-2003, 05:50 AM

What sort of charger. A small charger will not power the pump. At least not under laod. Even a good pump will blow a 7.5A fuse under load. Assuming a light load of only 1/5 that would still put you above the nominal 1.25A of a battery tender. Plus, if it was a smart charger of the tender's ilk, they often put out next to nothing when not connected to a battery. You need a big ol'd dumb charger for that use.

shannonnunley · 06-14-2003, 11:26 AM

I don't recall what kind of charger it was, but it was throwing some sparks. The gentleman who helps me with this kind of stuff certainly thought it should wind up.

shannonnunley · 06-17-2003, 06:07 AM

was a 10 volt charger...

Installed the fuel pump last night and it fired right up. Replaced all the specialty clamps with reusable hose clamps.

It sure was nice to hear it prime up after turning the ingnition. Those guys at Hammersley really took care of me and traded fuel pumps with me, no charge.