98 fuel pump question

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by TahoeJim, Jun 5, 2021.

  1. TahoeJim

    TahoeJim New Member

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    Hi.
    I have a '98 VFR which has been sitting for a few years (job, kids, overseas assignment....).

    Have done careful bootstrap (new battery, drained all fuel out, oil/filter change, little bit of oil in cylinders, manual turnover... all good so far).

    Put in a gallon of fresh gas. Starter is turning it over easily but it's not firing. I'm assuming no fuel, but I'm guessing.
    Seems like connectors to the fuel pump are getting voltage when I turn it on (2 sec of 12v, then drops off which I've read is the right behavior? IDK).
    I'm not hearing any sound however when I switch it on, which from memory... I remember I'd get a short whine of the pump priming the gas when I first turned it on.

    Does the pump just gum up and totally stop working if it has sat for years? Is the next step to replace the pump and filter? Anything else I can do/test before throwing money at it?
    Anyone with more smarts to me know what a next step is? I hate to just start replacing stuff but that's kind of where I'm at.

    Here's a photo looking into the tank.
    Thank you!
    gastank.jpeg
     
  2. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    The pump should prime after ignition is switched on and youll hear a 2 second whine. I suppose the pump could be gummed up with old fuel. Id leave it for a few days while keep cycling the ignition in the hope it unclogs itself. Not sure if it could be back flushed by spraying carb cleaner down the fuel line off the tbs ? Then what state are your injectors in?
    Ethanol free fuel or drained if its not going to be use for a length of time .
     
  3. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    1. Can you smell fuel from the exhaust?
    2. how many years since start?
    3. Whats the state of the plugs?
     
  4. Derek A Sinclair

    Derek A Sinclair New Member

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    Yes, I'd say the pump is gummed up. Im surprised it isnt blowing a fuse. Try adding some seafoam to the fuel tank and cycling it on/off every couple of hours for a day or two to see if it frees up. I would not trust it long-term. I'd be looking for a new fuel pump.
     
  5. TahoeJim

    TahoeJim New Member

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    Took me a few days to get to this...
    Pulled the pump. Looked rotten, so decided to go the new pump route.
    Attached are old and new pump photos. I also cleaned out the tank... was full of little bits of whatever... looks like some of the plastic and wiring looms on the pump had disintegrated into bits floating in the tank.

    HOWEVER, the tank/pump seal is leaking fuel. I've tried re-seating, put the old seal back on (it was in good shape), tried more torque, tried less.
    I've also put some Permatex PermaShield fuel resistant gasket dressing on the gasket... still has a small leak so I'm letting it dry more before trying to tip the tank over again.
    Anybody have experience getting this seal to, well, seal? :) When I turn the tank over to remount it, it starts dripping fuel.
    Thank you!
    J

    A piece of advice for whoever finds this looking for fuel pump solutions: you should also order 12mm crush washers for the banjo bolt. You aren't' supposed to reuse crush washers. This cost me an extra day once I realized.
    oldpump.jpg newpump.jpg
     
  6. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    did you test the pump?
     
  7. TahoeJim

    TahoeJim New Member

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    Hi Pete-
    New pump is working! Unfortunately I can't turn the tank over as I get a gasoline shower if I do. :)
    I briefly tried to get the old pump going... sprayed carb cleaner in it and tried to bench power it... nothing. At that point I gave up on it and ordered the aftermarket replacement.
     
  8. TahoeJim

    TahoeJim New Member

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    Okay got the pump on and no more gas leaks. Yay!
    Added injector cleaner and a couple gallons of gas and turned it over a bunch. However, it still isn't firing up. :(
     
  9. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    If the pump was gummed up then its a fair chance to suggest other stuff is too.. Pull your plugs? Are they wet? If not then injectors need cleaning.
     
  10. TahoeJim

    TahoeJim New Member

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    Quick update.... didn't have time to work on it for a while.
    Tried to start, pulled a couple plugs, seemed dry. Great spark however.
    Picked up some starter fluid and sprayed into the intake valves... got it firing enough to burn out the staring fluid.
    SO.... is there anything else I need to check/do before I go after pulling the injectors? Pulling the throttle body to get to the injectors looks like a bunch of work so I'm looking for an easy way out. :)
     
  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Next on the list I believe is the FPR - I'd test that
    . However, as I mentioned earlier, once one part of your system is gummed up, then work on the basis that the rest will be. You now know that fuel is getting from the tank and being pumped. Follow the stages in the manual - Your Fuel Pressure Regulator is a common fault on these.
    The reason I would pull the injectors is: The bike is over 20 years old, they are a precision item, there is not a chance in hell they are NOT going to benefit from a cleaning and the engine will thank you for it.
     
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