Donvito

You are right. There is a timer in the relay that will shut off power to the pump until the engine is running then power is restored. I am aware of that and it isn't my problem. But, thanks for the info.

To try to resolve an intermittent pump problem, I took some advice and cleaned the points. The points looked to be in good condition so I lightly sanded the surfaces and sprayed with contact cleaner. Then, with the cover off, I used the pump to pump gas into a container while I observed. I worked correctly for most of the tests but, when it didn't, it seemed like the points remained in contact with each other and the pump would cease operation. I am attaching pictures and a video. The video was taken while the pump was pumping into a gas container and turning the key on until it timed out and doing it again. I did this many more times but didn't film it all but couldn't catch it not operating. The way I believe they are supposed to work is one point is attached to a fixture that moves and engages the other point when the chamber has been pumped out which energizes a coil and pulls a plunger filling the chamber with fuel. On the return stroke, a spring pushes fuel from the chamber to the carbs. Once the chamber is empty, the points engage and the process repeats. On my pump, when the points do not disengage, the voltage drops and nothing happens. Until, after some period of time or other event, it will resume operating and work fine for some period of time until the next event. Should I do anything else to try to adjust the points or is it another part of the pump causing this to happen? I am attaching some pictures. Here's a video of when it was operating properly I think:

In the 28 years I've owned my bike, I wondered if leaving the plastic covers off would cause some drastic consequence but never had the nerve to try so I have always reinstalled them. I guessed they were there for some reason possibly air flow or insulation. So, maybe, the next time I have to remove them, I may leave them off. Nahhh, probably not. I don't remove mattress tags either.

On my 87, I did the cable upgrade and the AGM battery and haven't had a hot start problem since. I was lucky.

I have had fuel pump problems on my 87. I believe it is a little different on an 83, but as Marcarl said, there are many different components to the fuel delivery system. On my bike, I used a jumper wire to the final connector before the pump or at the relay connector, and, if it operates properly, you know the problem isn't the pump. Then, if the problem isn't the pump, you can test the other components. Fuel flow to the pump can also have an effect on the pumps operation so a clean fuel filter and petcock filter may help.

Each carb has a drain screw. You could open it on the carb that isn't firing to see if it's getting gas if you haven't already. Stuck float?

Got back from our ride and had a great time. Thanks for all the road suggestions, they were all fantastic. Living in FL, it's been many years since riding in country like this. The weather was great too. Can't wait to do it again.

Thanks for all the great advice. I will open the pump and clean the points to see if that solves the problem. If not, I'll be looking for a new pump. Thanks again.

I have been dealing with an intermittent fuel pump problem for the past year. I thought I had it fixed several times but it continues to appear. The problem happened four times on a 1,500 mile trip last week, twice at start up and twice while riding at about 75 mph on an interstate resulting in a stall. Since I thought the problem was located in the ignition circuit, I had a jumper wire ready to attach to my terminal block which worked initially but even that wound up failing. When it wouldn't start one morning when the gas tank was low, I had to pour a couple of gallons of gas in and the pump began working again. It seems like the level in the tank has an effect on the fuel pump and it is more likely to fail when the level is low. When I got home, I tested the pump by pumping into a gas can. The tank had about two gallons in it. I ran the pump it through the relay, through the ignition system but bypassing the relay and directly from the battery and the pump failed in all scenarios. So, I thought the problem may be a restricted fuel supply to the pump so I drained the tank, cleaned the petcock and replaced the fuel filter. After doing this, I ran it through a bunch of tests and the pump didn't fail. While working on the tank, I tried to operate the pump with the petcock closed and this resulted in the same condition as when the pump fails. This condition is a drop in voltage to about 10 volts and the relay buzzes and vibrates. This is the same problem for the last year but I think I have it narrowed down to a bad pump or a restricted fuel supply. So, has anyone experienced pump failure from restricted fuel supply resulting from a dirty fuel filter or dirty petcock screens? What should the pump do if it is operated with the petcock closed? Should the voltage drop? I have read about similar failures in 2nd Gen. bike's fuel pumps but not very common in 1st Gen. Is there a way to test the fuel pump or should I rebuild it or replace it? Pumps for 1st Gen. are pretty scarce so will a pump for a 2nd Gen work? I have searched many times for answers but I apologize if I missed one. Thanks for your help.

I need the answer to a simple question. On my 87 VR, the petcock has On, Off and Reserve. Reserve is on top, Off to the right and On is at the bottom. There are two openings inside the tank for gas to flow through. The ON opening has a tube extending about 3 or 4 inches from the bottom of the tank and this prevents the bottom of the tank from being used. When switched to RES, the gas drains from the bottom of the tank. The question is, when set on RES, does gas flow through both openings or only the bottom one? I assume only the bottom but I need t confirm. Thanks.

Great reminder. I used to have a lot of play in my side stand until I replaced the bolt. It requires some drilling, a new bolt and two nuts but it is well worth it. One of the best mods I have done. No more worrying about a broken bolt. Here is a link to the instructions: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?48342-Side-stand-bolt-solution&highlight=kickstand+drill+bolt And thanks to Dingy for describing his fix.

Current plans are to be there the week of May 10th. Although, a family member is in the hospital in NJ so going to have to wait and see how he does.

Planning a ride to NC and Tenn in May and I'm wondering about a few of the roads I'm considering using. I'm primarily interested in Rts. 143 and 294 in NC and Rts. 165, 68, 315 and 360 in Tennessee. Looking for condition, rating, places to avoid or watch out for, etc. I plan on taking 129 from south to north and looking for roads to loop around on. Any opinions? Thanks.

Currently going through an issue with Pinwall regarding an item I returned. My tracking shows them receiving it three weeks ago but they didn't process a refund. I contacted them and they asked if I had a tracking number. I sent them the documentation so now, maybe, I'll receive my refund. They did ship real fast but I can't comment as to condition of the part as I didn't open the box. Their communication isn't very good. I sent them a request to cancel the order before it shipped but they shipped it anyway. Now, it's taken them 6 days to reply to my message.

The plug on the left side of my bike with the 3 white wires that I think connects the generator to the rectifier/regulator is in bad shape. I've cleaned it but I'm thinking about eliminating it. Since I don't solder, I am wondering what would be the next best way to connect these wires?

I normally check tire pressure with the bike on it's centerstand. This is just me wondering about something but, why doesn't the pressure vary when there is weight on the tires? I know the shock pressure will be higher if the bike is on it's sidestand vs the centerstand but the tires don't seem to vary or the change in pressure is so small that I don't see it. Inquiring minds want to know. I run 38 lbs front and 40 lbs rear in my E3's.

I just ordered two 8 oz bottle of Ride-On for my 1st Generation, Dunlop E-3 tires. Front tire is MR90-18 and rear is MU90-16. Dosage, if I calculated correctly, is 7 oz for the front and 9 oz for the rear. Is that correct? Also, will have the bike on it's center stand while I add it. Should I elevate the front tire while I'm working on that one? Any other advice, tips or potential problems with the process from members who have done it? Thanks.

23rd is the start of Memorial Day weekend so traffic may be worse. Also, anyone planning on getting a hotel may find it more difficult or length of stay minimums imposed. I'm on vacation the prior week so really can't take off another Saturday. One of the others Barry mentioned would work better for me depending on the date. Sundays are always better for me.

Just wanted to conclude this with the mount I ultimately went with. Cost and ease of install were two concerns. I purchased a handlebar mount with a case for the GPS to fit inside. It was cheap and mounted to the right handlebar just by moving the rubber cover that is located where the horizontal piece meets the vertical piece. It also provides some protection from rain or other damage. It only cost $9.00 and I have only had it installed for a few weeks so don't know about how long it will last. http://www.ebay.com/itm/231367236154 I wired it directly to my auxiliary circuit and hid the wires. The mini usb plug stays inside the cover. I also use the Gamin 765 for it's mp3 feature and play music through it. It allows installation of a memory card so I put a 16 gb card in it just for music. I also hid the wire that goes from my cassette converter to the GPS. This is the wire I purchased to supply power to the unit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/190554543018 So now when I turn the bike on, the GPS turns on also. I can operate it through the plastic cover. I wish it was about 1/4" wider as, with the plug going to the headphone connection on the unit it is a tight fit. The other good thing about the Garmin 765 is if you are using voice directions, the music will be interrupted while the directions are playing then return to the music. It also has a transmitting feature where you can play it through your FM radio but I haven't tried that yet. Also, thanks to everyone for the helpful advice. It is appreciated.

I'm up for a ride. Seems like I've been working on it more than riding. Pretty busy the next month or so but will do my best to get there. Then, in May, doing a run up to North Carolina for 6 or 7 days. I'll check back.

The rubber cover on my sidestand switch was in bad shape so I decided to replace it cheaply. Bought some Neoprene gloves at Home Depot for about $5 and cut off a finger to fit over the plunger and a portion of the switch. Secured it with a cable tie. Now I have 9 more covers when this one rips. I bought size large gloves but size medium would probably work better. Here's some pictures:

Bought new cables from Dingy and in the process of installing them. Would like to relocate the main ground due to the difficulty of getting the wire into that space and my fear of breaking that bolt and the problem of removing it. Has anyone moved it and to where? I am attaching a picture of the original ground wire.

Kudos to Prairiehammer for finding this tool and posting about it. I purchased one from a company called ToolTopia for about $25 plus shipping. Free shipping on orders over $75 so I ordered some other things I needed. Good company and fast delivery. Used the tool and real happy with the results. Made a big difference in my electrical system after cleaning the connectors. Here's the tool: http://www.ipatools.com/products/index.php/ipa-8040.html And, here is where I bought it: http://www.tooltopia.com/innovative-of-america-8040.aspx Also, thanks to Prairiehammer for the sidestand switch cover idea. You guys rock.

Thanks for the update. I was thinking of something made of rubber that would fit over the entire sidestand switch. Like a condom or a balloon only stronger. Maybe a thumb from a rubber glove. If I find something that works I'll let you know.

Thanks for the reply but I don't understand. Item 56 is the sidestand switch, item 5 is a Hose but neither are available anyway. Did you mean something else or am I not understanding you correctly.