Fuel pump question

[kallyjk]

So really dumb question here. When I turn the key on, the fuel pump starts and keeps running. Once the float bowls are filled does it stop? It was doing this before I had taken the carbs off and cleaned them. Just got them put back on but I am waiting for the battery to charge before I can test again. I was thinking one of the needle valves was stuck open and thats why it kept pumping fuel.

Should the fuel pump stop once the bowls are full?

[squirrelman]

Could be!
The internal pressure regulator will stop the pump when carbs are full and floats seal.

other factors which can keep a pump clicking are very low fuel level, petcock OFF, clogged fuel filter, kinked fuel line, or debris in either of the 2 internal pump valves....,..or leaky float valve.

[Kilroy_]

On the same note, I have a '85 VF700F that I am rebuilding. When I turn the key on, and switch the run switch to "Run" the fuel pump only blurbs for a split second... Shouldn't it come on and run until it get's up to pressure???

I hope that the fuel pump isn't bad, or the fuel relay/cutoff module isn't bad!!!

(Note - I have the pump removed, but wired properly for test, and hanging of the side of the bike to test. the bike is stripped down right now, awaiting the tank to return from being dipped.)

[CARMINE]

Hi Kallyjk, try to read the post I sent to Kilroy about the same question. Maybe you'll find the answer to your problem.
Lamps,
Carmine.

[squirrelman]

NORMALLY the pump will click once each time the key is turned from off to on

it will click continuously as long as the "Start" pushbutton is pressed

and pump will click automatically as long as engine is running and carbs demand more fuel.......

If your relay craps out just connect a jumper wire between the 2 wires that plug into it......

[kallyjk]

Thanks for the replys. I am thinking it was the low fuel issue. I only had maybe 1 gallon in it if that.

I got the carbs back on and was able to take the 87 vfr700 on its maden voyage. Allbeit to the end of the driveway cause I had the kids today. But, got it up to about 40 or so and everything was running pretty good. Just need to sync the carbs and get the idle worked out. Couldn't get it to run with less than half choke. I had it running about 5 minutes to get all the smoke out and burn off the fuel that was on the headers. Ran it to the end of the driveway and back but the temp gauge barely got above the first mark. So I need to get it warmed up good at some point and see where I sit with the idleing.

This site has been a great source of info for me so far. This is my first "big" bike and I am pretty stoked about it. Love the sound of it with the Yoshimura 4-1 pipes that are on it too!

[CARMINE]

WELL, REMEMBER THAT IF THE PUMP NEEDS TO BE CHANGED IT IS POSSIBLE TO FIT A PUMP SUITABLE FOR SCOOTER HONDA FORESIGHT 250 (CHEAPER THAN VFR'S PUMP...) OR IT IS POSSIBLE TO FIT A PUMP HAVING THE SAME SIZE (12 v. - CARBS.TYPE, THAT IS A PUMP WITH ALTERNATE CYCLE, NOT AN INJECTION TYPE WITH CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONING).
lAMPS,
CARMINE

[squirrelman]

IF you need partial choke to make it run you likely have clogged carb jets, and a can of Sea Foam is the standard remedy............

[kallyjk]

Will Berryman's B12 carb cleaner work as well? From what I have read it is one of those things that is personal preferance. Some prefer Berryman's, some prefer Seafoam. It says to add 1 ounce per gallon of fuel in the tank. I was going to do that once I get to the DMV and get it legal. Even though there are no cops around, my luck one would be lost and be back by my house