R1100S Dying Intermittently - What Possible Causes

[ckcarr]

New fuel pump, Petrol gauge, hoses, tank clean.

When put back together, it started right up, sounded perfect.

Took for a trial run, made it around 28 miles away, then it dies. Spring break traffic flying endlessly by. Fuel pump not making any noise. Then around 15 minutes later, I turn the key and hear the whirring of the pump, and bike starts up. So I turn around, and almost make it back home. But it has to die one more time... So, sat on side of road for around 10 more minutes, then turn key, pump whirrs, and I make it home.

At first I was placing blame on the fuel pump?? But started thinking, could a bad ignition switch cause this? Are there any electrical parts that might heat up and fail intermittently?

Any ideas? I mean it could be the fuel pump, but seems unlikely, as the first one did die and this was the replacement they sent me. On the other hand, it could be a bad batch of little pumps?

Thanks!

New on bottom, old on top with decayed wiring...

[ergbert]

How’s the battery? Mine behaved in a similar fashion, replacing the battery cured it.


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[ckcarr]

Had not even considered that since the starter turned... But, you might be onto something.. 04/20/15 battery. PC680

There's no feeling quite like having the bike suddenly stop all functions...

Originally Posted by ergbert

How’s the battery? Mine behaved in a similar fashion, replacing the battery cured it.


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[N41EF]

When it dies, do the lights stay om and engine just stops? Or do the lights shut off too?

[ckcarr]

I wish I would have looked but I didn't.

The bike is in the garage now and has been on the battery tender for a couple hours and yes, the fuel pump energizes... And it starts.

I wonder how independent everything is, the fuel pump, lights, starter... Like the starter might turn but not enough to turn on the fuel pump? That seems a little weird, but seems the pump is OK.. Since it's running. Unless it gets tired and takes naps...

I should probably replace that battery anyway. Since it's six years old, and maybe sat in a warehouse for a couple more.

I had forgot how much fun that bike is!

[Groceryrun]

Check the fuel pump fuse also.
It might be fuse number 2 depending on what year
R1100S.

[JimMoore]

Bad kill switch or wires? There was a batch of bike that had problems because the wires to the handlebars were overtightened at the factory. I'd also take the housing apart and see if there is corrosion on the switch components.

Bad sidestand switch? Easy enough to jump.

[Roger 04 RT]

Since it happened right after you replaced the fuel pump plate. I would consider the connection to the fuel pump inside the tank and the fuel pump connector outside the tank. Maybe one or the other has a defective pin or one that's not making good contact with its mate.

[Chris Canning]

Plenty of info on here already to check, the fact it starts after the bike has been standing...breather pipe clear? Vacuum in the tank, or as a quick fix try riding with the filler cap open.

[BikerMiker]

Is there a relay for the fuel pump? Pretty sure there isn't on the 11?

[Groceryrun]

Good suggestion.
Yes there is a fuel pump relay .
The Haynes Manual said it's on the left hand side, second from the rear.
So, on the left hand side, first from the rear is the Turn Signal Relay.
Then, second from the rear is the Fuel Pump Relay.

[wswartzwel]

How much would you take for it today?

[ckcarr]

It's very shiny!
And they'll be collectables someday too!!

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

How much would you take for it today?

[brentw1]

classic clogged fuel tank vent.
try opening the filler cap see if it runs again.

[ckcarr]

You may be onto it too Brent.

I did open the cap while sitting there, and then it did start back up after sitting a bit. Could be that my internal hoses are too long and kinking somewhere?

[RBMann]

In normal operation the fuel pump is triggered by the key being turned on and runs for a few second. After that it requires a signal from the Halls sensor that the engine is actually rotating. if you don't hear the pump when you turn the key on it rules out a vacuum lock in the tank.

Start by replacing the fuses, easy and cheap. There is one on the left side that powers the fuel pump. Remember TOR 2011? See post #416 and #430.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/583441-2011-top-rockies-rally-7-28-7-31-a-21.html

I am also a fan of Halls sensor failure. The fact that it works after cooling down has been electrical problems for me.

Good luck.

[flatbutt]

Any verdict CK?

[ckcarr]

No verdict because it starts right up now and say's "ride me!" and I need to ride for a while until it fails. Which means I get stuck somewhere and it will say "Oh, sorry... I'm tired".

Starting to think I'm putting off a strange aura that's creating mayhem. Because then I took my R1200S for a long ride and suddenly a "brake failure" light came on.

Then suddenly my Pioneer Elite SC 07 system now keeps turning off whenever I turn the sound up, it just started that two days ago. What good is it if I can't crank up the volume?

And then yesterday went Jeeping way out in the middle of nowhere by Hanksville with a friend and got a flat. I've never had a flat in 20 years here....

[RBMann]

All three of my F650GS failures happened within 50 miles of Grand Junction. Maybe that aura has moved west.

[duda]

Fuel Filter!