'86 VFR fuel pump relay question

On my '86 VFR700, the fuel pump didn't seem to be working as it was starving for fuel. I could hear it "pop" just once when I turned on the ignition and that was it. I unplugged the fuel pump relay and used a jumper wire as outlined in the service manual. Now when I turn on the ignition, the fuel pump runs like crazy "pop pop pop" ect. and the bike runs great.
My question is this: Do I have to use the relay? Will my fuel pump burn up if I don't replace my relay and just use the jumper wire? Just what does the fuel relay do anyway??
Thanks,
Ed

 

It stops the fuel pump working when the ignition is on but engine not running. So there is a risk the cabs can bleed ower.

 

Ed, look at your fuel pressure sensing switch as well. The relay allows the switch to be run with smaller gauge wire; notice that the leads from the relay to the pump are heavier than the one to the pressure switch

 

Thanks Waldrm, but where is the "fuel pressure sensing switch"? I know where the relay is but don't see a "switch". I looked in the service manual and didn't see anything there.

-Ed

 

Sorry, Ed, but when you said fuel pump relay I was thinking VFR800 with FI. Don't think your bike has a fuel pump; it is gravity fed from the petcock on the left side of the tank. Check your system for blockage or pinched hoses; especially the screen inside the tank on an older bike.

 

All VFR:s do have a fuel pump!

 

By the way Kenny, the 1986 Vf500f is gravity fed, as in NO pump. Just FYI. I am an owner. Coincidently, the fuel petcocks for 84-85 are different than 86 too. Again, just FYI.

 

i have an 86 750 and the fuel pump does not run like that of a fuel injected bike. Mine just clicks a couple of times when the ignition is turned on and that's it. I don't really think your pump is bad if it runs when you jump it. Is there a fuel filter on the bike? That's the first thing i'd replace.Can you run the bike from an alternate fuel source using the pump? Just run a line from the inlet side of the pump to a gas jug and see what it does. Does fuel flow freely from the tank with the fuel line disconnected from the pump?

 

i've been using the jumper wire on my '86 700 since the relay failed in '91 with no problems.
just be sure to turn the key to OFF if the bike happens to go on its side.....

 

Old thread, but I don't have a manual, and my relay appears to not be working. Has voltage going in on two wires, and none coming out to fuel pump. Where do I place jumper to make it run?

 

I completely removed the pump and relay on mine and went to gravity feed, but here is the answer to your question.

 

So your saying i could use an 86 gas tank on my 84 vf500 if i short the fuel relay bypassing the fuel pump?