Help: Another TFI question

[egetaseb]

Hi,
I just installed the TFI two days ago but my bike will not run since the installation. The engine started and ran for about 5 minutes the first time I tried but since then, the engine only runs for about 15 seconds then shuts off and the FI light is on.
What could be causing this?

Thanks

[cactusjack]

Did you remove the tank to install it? Did you get all the lines hooked back up to the tank, especially the fuel line? That's where I'd start looking. If that all looks good, then check to make sure the connectors that plug into the injectors themselves are tight. If that checks out, then I'd disconnect the TFI and re-connect the injectors like they were originally. It is possible you got a bad unit, but more likely that something didn't get connected properly during the installation. It sounds like you're not getting enough fuel. The 5 minutes it ran immediately after installation was probably the residual fuel in the system.

Since it ran before the installation and not after, you need to backtrack and check your work.

[kenb]

Got fuel? All injector connectors on the correct injectors and locked? Wiring safely routed? Ground wire connected to a good ground and tight? Adjustment pots at recommended settings? All connectors, hoses and other items disconnected or removed for TFI install all replaced and reconnected?

I just installed a TFI yesterday (on a California emissions model) and all is working fine. I double checked all wiring and routing, before installing the tank, for any interference. Ran the ground wire directly to the battery. Started and made adjustments and allowed to run several minutes before mounting the unit and installing the seats.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Very good advice from both. They pretty much covered it. Unless you do have a bad unit something was not connected back correctly. Since it ran for five minutes it seems the unit is or at least was working. I would say something happened with the gas line. Seems it just isn't getting gas now. How low was the gas in your tank when you installed the TFI? Is it possible that the tank is empty?

[egetaseb]

Thanks for the responses. I am currently out of town but when I get home, I will remove the tank again and recheck all the connections although I thought I was very detailed in checking all my connections the first time. lol

[sharps45100]

Make sure that the gas line is not kinked. Easy to do when reinstalling tank.

[egetaseb]

I started with a full tank and I refilled the tank after installation, so it is not the fuel. However, fuel line might be pinched somewhere. I hope it is not a bad unit because I bought it used. The seller is a nice guy but how will I prove that it was already bad when I bought it?

[kenb]

Originally Posted by egetaseb

Hi,
I just installed the TFI two days ago but my bike will not run since the installation. The engine started and ran for about 5 minutes the first time I tried but since then, the engine only runs for about 15 seconds then shuts off and the FI light is on.What could be causing this?

Thanks

If the FI light comes on WHILE the engine is running, then suspect an electrical issue. It sounds like the FI light comes on AFTER the engine stalls. I think this is normal. As stated the engine ran for 5 mins. Unknown if the engine stalled after the 5 mins or was shut off. Seems to be no concerns of poor running during the 5 mins or the subsequent 15 second runs. Just runs and stalls. I would wager on a kinked or pinched fuel line.
Each time I have had the tank off, I check the fuel line on the left side of the tank. It did not go where it was supposed to go the first time. I can't tell you if it kinked. I noticed and corrected it before I started the engine and have checked it ever since.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by sharps45100

Make sure that the gas line is not kinked. Easy to do when reinstalling tank.

I would zero in first on what sharps suggested. When I lowered my tank I noticed that the HP fuel line was kinked about an inch from the connector. I was able to reach in and release the hose from where it had jammed without lifting the tank. Luckily, I noticed it before cranking and getting paranoid over why the bike wouldn't crank or run very long. The next item would be the electrical connectors under the seat at the tail end of the tank. I'm pretty sure one of these powers up the fuel pump. Do you hear the pump pressure up the line when you turn on the ignition switch before hitting the starter?

[ells]

My fuel line kinked too when letting the tank back down, per Mitch's TFI instlall technique. Is easy to straighten it out.

[kudzufarmer]

let me know how its going with the install.....the Dobeck was working when I removed it from my bike......it was on an 05 nomad.....what year is yours. let me know when you double check everything.....the fact that it ran for a little while prior to cutting out seems to indicate that it was working when installed.....I would guess it sounds like a fuel supply issue.


Also you probably already checked it but make sure the adjustment pots are set to reccomended numbers.

[macmac]

The TFI fits other bikes as well. If scotch locks were used in the install I would suspect them highly. I would check all connections. What year won't matter a bit, since the TFI we use will run on 1500's and 1600's, and if it ran one of these types Nomads before it will run the other.

Do any leds flash? Is this plug n play?

[jandreu]

Just a suggestion...turn the idle up....I was messing with my TFI and got the bike too hot running a fast idle to set pot 1. I set pot 1 and lowered the idle. After the bike cooled off it started and stalled then would fire but stop immediately. I turned the idle up, the bike started, I reset the idle and it's running great now.

[kudzufarmer]

Originally Posted by macmac

The TFI fits other bikes as well. If scotch locks were used in the install I would suspect them highly. I would check all connections. What year won't matter a bit, since the TFI we use will run on 1500's and 1600's, and if it ran one of these types Nomads before it will run the other.

Do any leds flash? Is this plug n play?

Yeah Mac...it is a plug and play unit.....it plugs into the connectors on the injectors. When I had it on my bike, I really don't like the idea of splicing into a stock wire (area for a problem later).

[macmac]

Well before there was plug n play I had a TFI, and it was soldered on to the ECU with a pig tail each. Done correctly and cleanly this can be a good solid connection. The pig tails I did ended in shielded connectors, so as to be able to remove the TFI just unplugging them.

Soldered joints sealed in di-electric grease and heat shrink tubing are not very apt to be the first connections to fail.

One plus is having a way to get rid of excess wire as well, but in my case i wish I left an extra foot or so. I left under 4 inches. Oops. Just being a little too clean. The next bike I did I did leave that bit extra, so the unit could be held in a hand seated on the bike if the owner wished.

Tucking in that much wire isn't too bad, but i can't and need to get down a deal with the TFI faced on, when I need to tinker with it.