Fuel pump or filter?

[Tdubb]

So my fuel pump would start screaming whenever my tank started getting low. Did this since I bought the bike in May. After 4000 miles this year and no issues it started to stumble like it was running out of gas. It died a couple times at an intersection too. I brought it home and took the tank off thinking it was time for a new fuel pump. I noticed that a very small area near the pump in the tank lining is bubbled up and a smaller area is peeled away. I also noticed that the fuel filter bag is about the same color as the tank liner and looks like some accumulation in an area in the bag. Very little debris in the tank however and virtually nothing larger than a grain of sand.

So I have a few questions.
1. Could it be just a fuel filter clogged?
2. Can the pump be rebuilt or cleaned?
3. Should I strip the liner out? Other than the small area that's bubbled, it all looks solid from what I can see through the panel opening.
4. Should I replace the pump.
5. Where is the best place to buy the parts?

 

[Tdubb]

Here's a couple photos. One of the bubbled liner. The other is the filter bag.

 

[pknowles]

do a search on here for EFI and you will find your answers. it's a common problem with the liners.http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/387287-post3.html

 

[Tdubb]

So it looks like a Waldorf pump will work. I need to disassemble the new pump and use the existing housing?

 

[pknowles]

Buy the new pump and see what comes with it. Can you clean the filter? and you need to get all the loose liner out before installing the pump I would think. Some guys have used a box of screws dumped into the tank to break up the old liner. I had mine replaced under warranty before they went under.

 

[ksmike]

I replaced my pump a few months ago because it was screaming so loud you could hear it over the exhaust! I had some hesitation problems , but I it was another issue.

Definitely replace the filter, I think I got mine from BDM. Not a cheap item itself.

I think the new pump will mount in your existing housing, regulator assembly. but you will need a new clamp to hold it on, so don't overlook getting that before you get ready to put it back together. (a regular hose clamp will not fit properly, too wide) Take pictures of the orientation of the pump filter assembly so you get it back in the tank in the correct placement.

 

[ground pounder]

fuel pump and parts

V.E. Peterson sells the filter and walbro fuel pump cheaper than anyone else. the phone number is 1-800-537-6212. Better check your fuel injectors as anything larger than 30 microns or bigger will plug up the nozle openings. The filters in the tank do not stop the small particles that pass through that filter. Put a 30 micron fuel filter for a fuel injected bike in line and save yourself some headaches. By the looks of your tank, I would reseal it. Hope this helps!!!:flag:

 

[Tdubb]

V.E. Peterson sells the filter and walbro fuel pump cheaper than anyone else. the phone number is 1-800-537-6212. Better check your fuel injectors as anything larger than 30 microns or bigger will plug up the nozle openings. The filters in the tank do not stop the small particles that pass through that filter. Put a 30 micron fuel filter for a fuel injected bike in line and save yourself some headaches. By the looks of your tank, I would reseal it. Hope this helps!!!:flag:

I'll give it a shot. Thinking it will be on hold until December. Getting swamped with life - wisdom teeth, truck tires, wedding, vacation....

 

[Tdubb]

Okay, so I'm going to proceed with my repair over my Christmas holiday - I get a couple weeks off. I initially thought I'd just replace the pump and filter and live another year with the liner. I thought maybe I'd throw some wood screws in there and shake it up for a few minutes to just get the loose stuff out. I had investigated relining my tank and found a company that would do it for $500 - too much in my opinion. I'm really nervous about doing it myself. I fear I'll make all sorts so mistakes, the worst being damaging my paint job. I could use some advice and encouragement on proceeding. Anyone want to provide a step by step in excruciating detail?

 

[pknowles]

If you want to stay on the cheap side, do the screw thing and get all the loose stuff out and try to find a source for gas without ethanol and just keep the tank full this winter. There are some on here running unlined tanks. Thankfully, I had my 07 Bulldog relined under warranty in 2010. Hope this helps.

 

[Tdubb]

Finally received the last of my parts yesterday. Put it together this morning and fired right up! New pump from VE Petersen (probably didn't need it). New filter from The Vic Shop. Oetiker clamps from Belmetric.com. Gonna take it for a short ride at halftime to make sure all is well.:up:

 

[Tdubb]

Thanks for everyone's help! The feedback and answers on this forum are much appreciated!:up: