Fuel pump

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

I tried to remove the fuel pump the other day so I can dress the points, but it would only come out an inch. Looking from the other side I see hoses entertwined with each other preventing the pump from coming out.

Here is my question: How far out and in what position must one hold ones' tongue in order to get the pump out so one can get to the hose clamps?

[Charlie from Illinois]

Here is a link to a place where it shows how to remove the pump. Even with pictures. Thanks to Rick in NYC
http://www.abbikeboard.com/forum/viewto ... ?f=4&t=784

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

I've seen those and studied them Charlie, but like I said mine only moves an inch. I suspect the last person who was in there thought they would be funny and decided to braid the hoses. Looking from the coolant tank side it looks like a rats nest. I said some unkind things to her Saturday and she kicked me out of the shed. I thought I would go back tomorrow and see if she has forgiven me. Plus I brought a very long pair of needle nose pliers home from work to see if I can reach some of those (insert your own adjective) clamps.

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

Remember there is no shut off petcock on the bike.
When you disconnect the line from the tank to the pump gas will flow.
Try to siphon out and or drain the tank before pulling the pump.

Nah, I just use hemastats on the hose that needs it.

[TN Ron]

Hi Rusty. Have you tried taking off the coolant tank on the left side to reach the fuel lines and pump? Carl showed me that- -makes it much easier. The first time I did that I kinked the fuel line, but Carl got me straightened out. TN Ron

[Charlie from Illinois]

Sounds like the Previous Owner Syndrome! Bummer. Hopefully you can get it routed correctly. Let us know how it turns out if you would.

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

Finally got the pump out, and I never would have if I didn't have a pair of long needle nose pliers. Popped the cap off of the pump, and well I guess it's true that God looks out for fools. There is nothing left of the points to dress. Why it kept running I haven't a clue.

[frank in ohio]

Rusty, what model year are we talking here? I thought I read where this fuel pump problem isn't a problem after a certain year. Only reason I ask is that I never looked at mine, I have an '01.

thanks
frank

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

From '86 to I believe '88 the fuel pumps were not sealed. Starting the last of '88 or in '89, the fuel pumps were sealed (glued together) in hopes of prolonging the life of the points. The idea was to seal them better from moisture, etc. However, that still doesn't mean you don't have to worry about them anymore, and in fact pumps that were sealed, sometimes still had problems at some point, and would have to have the points cleaned and dressed. It is possible to take apart a sealed pump.

[The Masked Rider]

If any one is interested, this is what I did and how I re-routed my fuel lines so as to make working on the fuel pump and lines much easier. 5 minute job to pull the pump. I did have to order two of the special 'U' shaped fuel lines as used in the stock set up. Very easy job to change the fuel filter now.

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

OOOOh Fritz does that look good! I will do something like that to make it easier, but it won't be this winter.

I have an '87 with 86K, or is that 186K? After tearing into it, I am kind of leaning towards the higher number.

[Larry in Iowa]

Rusty - you stated there were no points left to dress. What did you do about that? replace the pump? somehow replace the points?

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

Rusty - you stated there were no points left to dress. What did you do about that? replace the pump? somehow replace the points?

I called Carl and asked him about replacing just the points, and he said no. That's too bad, because I've replaced hundreds on tractors over the years. My neighbors even call me to change them in their tractors. Carl is sending me a used pump, a new one is almost $200. When I hit the lottery I'll buy a new one.

[Chris near Kansas City]

When you hit the lottery, will you buy me one too?

[Rusty - SC Iowa]

When you hit the lottery, will you buy me one too?

Sure, after I pay for the new radiator I just bought!