VF1000R fuel pump not heard anymore, but working?

Just curious, if anyone has experience on what symptom a failed fuel pump on an '85 VF1000R might cause... Mine used to be audible (cli-cli-click for a few seconds with ignition on before starting), but now it's silent (or not running). The bike runs fine at all speeds, and it idles, but it has a bad hesitation off the line. I have to baby the throttle or it will falter and not take off from a stop. I've been chasing potential carb problems (checking for stuck slides, diaphragm holes, etc.) and have removed and cleaned the pilot screws and reset them per the factory manual. The carbs were also professionally cleaned and checked within the past couple years, and the bike has never quite gotten rid of this hesitation. But to be clear, it was better after the last carb work, and has deteriorated a bit as of now. No bad gas/no tank crud, and always a clean new filter.

My memory is clouded as far as exactly when I stopped hearing the pump. It seems like it could be related to the beginning of the hesitation, but in no way am I sure.

In searching and reading the EXCELLENT knowledge base here for several years before I joined the forum, I've read that the fuel pump can simply be removed and bypassed for normal riding on this bike, due to gravity feed being enough. But I hate taking that seat cowl off, as the 28 year old brittle plastic is still in excellent shape, and I know that there are only so many takeoff/reinstalls left before I hear "crunch" and see a shower of plastic tabs on the ground .

Thanks for any input!

Charles

 

Hello, owned an 86 1000R for years. The only time I can recall the fuel pump ever making noise was when it was very low on fuel. A repetitive clicking sound like your describing, which is pretty normal. I've heard other pumps from different applications make similar noise when their low on fluid, air in system, etc. I'm guessing at this but it would stand to reason if the pump was bad or going bad you would experience more problems at higher engine speeds when there is more demand for fuel. I understand your point about not wanting to dismantle your VFR, however you have an 85 & 86 1000R listed in your profile. The fuel pumps are most likely the same. You could switch them and see what happens. Hope this helps.

 

I would think the same (poor performance at higher speeds, etc), but other owners have made me question that. I'll try to get the courage up to pull the bodywork and tank this weekend if I get a chance, and check the pump. I believe the pump is NLA, but I would assume that any low pressure inline pump would work for testing purposes at least, or I could try Jamie D's idea of bypassing the pump. Thanks for the input on it, and I'll post when I have any findings...

Charles

 

It's been over a year since I had my R but I don't recall the pump making noise like my '99's powering up. I tried gravity feed on my '85 but couldn't get it to run from the tank, just an external fuel reservoir. Replacement pumps can be had fairly cheap, also I'd suspect gummed up carbs. Try some Seafoam in a tank of gas to clean out the fuel system and carbs maybe?

 

IF you've heard the pump clicking after the key is turned on and BEFORE pressing the starter butten, then a PO has installed the pump relay bypass wire on your bike !

In normal operation the pump only clicks when fuel in the carbs starts to run below the float level setting.

Since the pump has inlet and outlet check-valves, i don't believe there is any chance that fuel could be getting to your carbs with a dead pump, so your low speed hesitation is probably (imo) not related to pump problems.