Fuel Pump?

[Scooter]

Evening all, got a confusing problem (for me)

Right, I start the bike up, have to use the choke for a fair while otherwise she just dies, then pull off and ride some 100m down the road. It then feels and sounds like the bike is struggling for fuel, starts to stutter and takes on a really jerky motion. If I give it loads of throttle it just struggles with more noise, but if I slack off completely it's kind of ok, idles at a normal speed. Whichever I do, the bike just cuts out. Coast to the side of the road and then turn it over a few times and presto! No problems at all and off I go with a normal bike.

This only happens first start of the day (or when the bike is very cold) and once it's cut out and started again, there's no problem for the rest of the ride. If the bike just sits it will idle for ages, it only happens when I actually ride it (throttle used). It's also only started fairly recently and nothing had changed to bring it on.

My thought is the fuel pump as the bike has 42k on what looks to be the original.

Any ideas / hints most welcome (even the unhelpful ones ). I appreciate this is not the best description but I don't know how else to put it.

Thanks

Scooter

[StumpyFingers]

First off, remove and clean the fuel tap strainers.
If that does not cure it try bypassing the fuel pump to see if that cures it.

[francis_geoff]

If the tank is full it is unlikely to be the fuel pump.
Put your hand on the pump - with the ignition on - the pump should "clic" every 10 seconds (ish).
From the problem you describe it is either "sticky choke" or the carbs are out of balance.

[Scooter]

Thanks guys. Something else I forgot to mention - fuel economy. Used to get about 330km before going on to reserve, now I'm lucky to get 280. Not sure if that helps...

[kennymact]

bin the pump and replace it wth a facet one available from this website

[meljordan]

YUP i think Geoff has it, now do a search on choke and spend an hour or so working out how to avoid fixing/removing the choke...mel

[Scooter]

Thanks for the responses guys. Had a bit of a check - seems to be time dependent (i.e. I fibbed last time). If I leave it to warm up for a while it will cut out, but then start again. If I ride without leaving it to warm up a lot, it cuts out. Does that make a difference to the diagnosis? Still a choke problem?

[StumpyFingers]

Thanks for the responses guys. Had a bit of a check - seems to be time dependent (i.e. I fibbed last time). If I leave it to warm up for a while it will cut out, but then start again. If I ride without leaving it to warm up a lot, it cuts out. Does that make a difference to the diagnosis? Still a choke problem?

I would still go for clean the fuel tap strainers and check, if hey are blocked the fuel may only trickle though, causing the engine to die, same for the fuel pump if it is faulty it will not deliver enough fuel to the carbs.

[Scooter]

Thanks for the responses guys. Thought as an easy first option I would replace the fuel pump first, especially since I don't have a garage to work in and it's quite cold outside. Very, actually.

Anyway, finally managed to get the rubber collar on the Facet (key is to not use too much lubricant otherwise putting the collar on becomes like wrestling an eel) and pump installed. It seems to have fixed the problem as the bike runs fine now (which means it doesn't cut out at inappropriate moments), much more responsive as well.

Given what you've written about the chokes, I think that will have to be checked as well. The exhaust if very black and will have to see if the fuel economy improves, but they point to a choke problem too.

Baby steps....baby steps...

Thanks for your help.

[kevsky]

Hi scooter,ive just had the same problems as you just described and the bike mechanic i use traced it to the connection plug between the alternator and the rectifier.it was corroded and shorting out.he cut off the plug and soldered the wires and taped and waterproofed area.it cured problem and ive had no bother since.worh a try mate.kevsky.