1994 Fuel Pump-->Do I Need It?

Bought a 1994 VFR that had been sitting for the last 8 years inside of a shop building. In going through the revival routine, I found that the fuel pump wasn't spinning up. I pulled the fuel line from the 'out' side and cranked the bike, but no fuel flow. So, a piece of 3/8" fuel line is now feeding the carbs directly.

My question: I've been running like this for the last 2 weeks without issue, so why is a fuel pump needed? Gravity seems to be doing the job just fine albiet, I haven't figured out how to incorporate a fuel filter yet.....

So what is the consensus here? Fuel pump or no? Aftermarket or genuine? Source?

Please help the new guy. This is my first Honda/VFR/V4 & I'm lovin' it

 

the fuel pump was put there for a reason.... replace it with either a OEM or look at the "mr gasket " line of fuel pumps. yeah it will run without one , but you won't be able to get all the fuel out of it. you have nuetered your fuel tank.....

 

Wut der Krusty one sed aboove, :loco: At some point, the petrol gets lower than the feed for the carburetors, then you need a gentle low psi push of the fluid, thats what it duz. http://www.ebay.com/itm/291122625952?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

try it and let us know! :vtr2:

 

I agree that the tank is neutered - meaning you can't empty the tank on gravity feed.
However, I have been running a year or more with no pump. I set the trip meter and fuel up after 120 miles or so.
I would say it depends on your type riding, is your riding style impacted by the reduced range?
If so, put in a pump. Its not hurting the bike to run on gravity feed.

 

Thank you for the link, it's on its way!

Now, where do I find an OEM fuel filter?

 

Well, I know that it will go 131 miles.....I've been riding it to work which is 20 miles each way.

I'm really glad that everyone posted here. I was using a flashlight in the tank to judge fuel remaining -vs- distance to travel. I would have been really wondering why I still had fuel and it wasn't running

The first tank got me 40.9 mpg. I'm hoping that it comes up a bit after a few tanks with Sea Foam. It seems to be gaining power the more that I ride it.

The headlight doesn't go to bright, so I suspect a relay or whatever it uses for high beams. Can someone tell me where I find it?

The LH lower fairing panel has one small crack coming from one of the mounting holes. I'm thinking of using some epoxy for plastics along with some fiberglass matting to repair it; and then drill the hole out once the epoxy sets up. Sound correct?

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

 

I guess you couldt fit a fuel pump and only use it when the fuel level gets low and won't gravity feed, sort of a second reserve, flick a switch and the pump kicks in

 

If it were me, I would bite the bullet and pop for a new one. Thats just me and my views are a little wacked oot, not to the point where I look at expiration dates on Locktite or bearing grease :loco:

You don't re-use your motor oil from the car/bike, to the lawn mower, to the squirt bottle do you?

 

Come on somebody run with me on the idea of only using the fuel pump when the fuel level gets too low in the tank, I thought it was a great idea, only issue would be preventing the fuel from pumping straight back into the tank, would need some sort of shutoff solonoid that shut when power was on or the switch to turn the pump on also shut power to the solonoid at the same time therefore closing it. Come on you smarties there is a way of doing this

 

The pump that I bought using the previously posted eBay link is new.....so I'm not quite sure what you are referring to here?

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Never blame a pump for not working until after you've done the PUMP RELAY bypass routine, as relays fail more often than pumps themselves and can be fixed with a single short wire !!

 

Since it is already off of the bike, is there any reason why I can't bench test it by jumpering straight to a 12v battery?

.

 

Yes, and another way to test is using a multimeter on the 2 wires, where a good pump is about 3 to 5 ohms. If ohms are infitite, pump is probably shot, but you can inspect/clean the contacts points before binninit.

 

Thank you. Excellent info on the resistance.

Physically, where do I find the fuel pump relay?

If I turn the ignition switch to 'On', should I have 12v to the + side of the fuel pump?

 

First, glad I could help you oot regarding the purchase on the link. I buy OEM, not a snob mind you, I just get a deal on parts a little over dealer cost. If I did not, I would consider aftermarket. I was asking if your penurious because you were coming across as cheap. Not an insult, just a question, maybe a non sequitur but valid, and the "thing aboot the oil, was me painting a picture" :loco: :crazy: AnywhoO-good luck with the pump and let us know how it works oot, I stumbled on that on Ebay and saved it! :thumbsup:

 

No worries.

In your post where you gave the eBay link, I figured that this is what was recommended.....so I jumped on it. If these are junk and going to leave me along side of the road broke down....by all means....point me towards OEM.

Can someone point me towards a good source(s) for fuel pump and headlight/dimmer relays? Well, that, and parts sources for 94s in general?

As always, thanks to everyone for the excellent advice.

.

 

That looks like a brilliant pump and at a good price