Talk to me about the fuel pump and relay (1985 VF500). When I put the bike back on the road the fuel pump wasn't pumping. I just bypassed it. Works OK, but I can feel a surge at sustained highway speeds, or after really wailing on it. Like the bowls get a little low. Reserve seems to come on really early, too. Like there's not quite enough weight of the fuel when it's nearing the reserve level. While I had the side cover off today to change the coolant, I put a jumper between the BLACK and WHITE wires on the relay connector and the fuel pump runs. When I plug in the relay, it doesn't. Does that indicate a bad relay or are there other factors involved? All the stock fuel line is still there and I'd prefer to run the pump if I can. If it's the relay, where can I get one?
Like what was said on another site. Ebay. Or bypass. But it is a safety feature so it won't keep pumping in an accident or something. I keep my relays (they are a weak link and often fail), but I wire in a parallel toggle so I can override the relay if (when) it fails on the road. And also so I can prime the system after storage without having to crank and crank to get the fuel system filled. Keep in mind the pump won't automatically start pumping with a good relay plugged in. It has to be cranking or running.
Relays are like $8.00! Go to NAPA or U.S. equivalent. Or online, try a place called "Cycle Terminal". http://www.cycleterminal.com/
