1998 VFR, fuel pump crackles when turned on

1998 VFR bought as a project bike, has been sitting 2 years +. No fairings or gauges. Tank was dry, put in two gallons fresh fuel.

Instead of the 'fuel pump priming' sound when the kill switch it set to 'operate', I hear a crackling noise coming from under the tank. Sort of like interference from a speaker. No ozone/burning smell, thankfully. Persists for a couple seconds then stops. Also a faint click sound in the tail.

The engine does turn over if the starter is held. Fuses look good. Bank angle sensor is zip tied facing up on the front of the bike. Battery is charged and good. Headlights, turn signals, brake light operates fine.

Where should I start? Is there a flowchart process someone can link me to of what to look at first? Thanks guys.

 

FSM :eagerness: It has what you need.

 

Well, you know what they say about assuming things. Just because the tank is on the bike doesn't mean it's hooked up. :hangme: After connecting the fuel hose, sensors and pump lead, yeah, it runs much better. It was still making that strange crackling noise near the front cylinder heads of the bike for a bit, but I did a couple test rides and the bike runs without complaint.

So I'm pretty happy that it does indeed run (I bought it without proof it ran.) :star:

 

Odd electrical crackling sounds can be related to the vacuum solenoid for the airbox flapper valve. Not sure if this is what you hear, but can be caused by a dirty clutch switch on the bars. IIRC the flapper should be held open in neutral, and closes in gear unless the clutch switch is engaged or rpm is >5500. You can test operation in neutral on the centrestand, if you first pull the neutral wire off the terminal near the clutch cover.

 

Awesome, thank you for that, I'll start there.