Fuel pump whine ?

[redjay]

Hi All,

I was getting an odd noise on the bike today. It sounded like the noise you occasionally get from the gas tank but with the engine running and the gas tank cap open it was still there. I am thinking it is the fuel pump in the tank (05). When I stop the engine and turn the key on the fuel pump makes its sound as normal then stops. When I start the engine the whine starts.
Any ideas ? Thanks.

[dogdoc]

wow redjay: from what you describe it could be fuel pump.

[macmac]

if you were in the habit of riding with that yellow light on for so long as you could, the pump may have heated itself too much, or it might be normal.

The pump does make a noise anytime there is demand, which is always when the engine runs.

The way the fitting is made the best i can do is send you to a dealer, and hope they have the tool to test system psi.

So far as I know the fix is a new pump, 'IF' it isn't normal.

How many miles are on this pump?

[redjay]

Hi.
The bike has 40,000 kms on it. I never let the fuel run really low and always fill before the low fuel level light comes on. I had filled the gas tank about half an hour before I noticed the unusual noise. The bike is running fine, no problems at all, just the noise. Could the fuel level sending unit make this noise ?

[jesse]

I also have the same problem. Noise comes and goes will almost drive you crazy, then will go away for sometimes weeks at a time. Noise usually is worse right after fill up. Suspect sound carries better through fuel than air. Runs fine, have not checked pressure. Does not go away with cap open but sounds like vaccume whistle. I will be waiting for suggestions. Thanks!

[redjay]

Hi Jesse. Your description sounds just like my bike. The noise was there for the first hour today then went away for the next 3 hours. The bike runs fine, just the noise.

[ringadingh]

I get a distinct whine from my pump when I first turn the key on, and the system is pressurizing. After that you don't notice it.

[redjay]

Hi. I also get the noise as the system primes itself. Then it stops as it usually does after a second or so. The noise I am describing is not that. It sounds more like the vacuum whistle but opening the gas cap while the bike is running does not stop the noise. It made the noise for the first half of the ride yesterday then stopped.

[macmac]

Well on the 1600 the fuel pump is partly external, and I forget about where it is on the 1500..

I might suggest placing a 3/8" extention to it both when the pump is and isn't making these sounds.

The 1500 if not in part exposed, has a mounting plate under the left side of the tank too, where the extention can be placed.

Of course you place an ear to the rod, or buy a stethascope for techs to hear the best.

These motors have bearings and any bearings can wear. What I don't know is if you can replace these bearings, or if they are the sealed type where a new pump is required.

[ringadingh]

The pump on the 1500 is in the tank, nothing exposed. I think the only way to fix one is by replacing it completely.