Bike not starting after putting tank together

[dimitre977]

Started taking the bike apart last week to begin going naked after it went down a couple of weeks ago. I removed the tank and took the fuel pump out so I could take things to my buddy to start painting things. I had some problems getting the fuel pump out and after read that it can be somewhat sensitive so today I decided to put the tank back together and make sure I didn't damage the fuel pump when I took it out. I have everything back together but the bike won't start. When I turn the key it sounds like the pump turns on and after I try starting the bike it sounds like the pump runs. I pulled the hose off the fuel pump and I get fuel. Kind of at a loss as to what to check next. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Wavex]

What happens exactly when you press the "start" switch?

 

[dimitre977]

Turns over but wont start. Once you let go of start switch it sounds like pump is running. Also when you first turn on the key pump runs for a few seconds.

 

[Wavex]

So you just swapped tanks right? any other work you did to the bike recently?

Here is what I'd look at:

1) you're getting fuel from the fuel line, so it's not kinked (common problem), but I would check it carefully anyway, as it may be kinked after you drop the tank down (look at the routing of the cable)...

2) I don't know if you messed with your airbox at all, but check that you did not leave a rag in the nozzle

3) Defective pump (I know you hear it, but it may be something else)... you broke it!

You could also take a look at your spark plugs...

 

[maverick1970]

I had a similar problem when I took my pump out to paint the tank. After I checked ensuring I had everything hooked up right, I simply kept the ignition button pushed in till it started. Not sure if that was wise but it worked.

 

[dimitre977]

Thanks guys. I found the problem. I dont have time to explain it all right now but I will post what I found when I get to work.

 

[sxty8goats]

Are you a news anchor? "Solution at 11:00"


j/k Glad you found it, looking forward to hearing what it was.

 

[fz6nick]

is your kill switch in the right position?

 

[dimitre977]

Well this experience taught me one very important lesson: always check this great forum before doing something to find out any problems other people run into and how to avoid them. :spank: When I was taking the fuel pump out I was having trouble getting past the one little tab/stop for the float that measures level. I noticed that the upper part of the fuel pump was a little bit smaller in diameter than the bottom of the pump. I also noticed that the pump could be separated into two parts. So I separated it thinking I might be able to get past the tab/stop that was keeping me from removing the pump. This is where things may get hard to explain and I will do the best that I can. If you were to separate the two halves of the pump housing you would see that there is a nozzle with an o-ring in the upper half of the pump that fits into a round opening in the lower housing. When I put the two halves of the pump back together I didn't line up the nozzle with the opening so it turned the nozzle sideways which must have been starving the bike. Once I straightened the nozzle out and put everything back together the bike started up fine.

 

[ELIZABETH]

YAYYYY!!!!So glad that you were able to fix it. Now what to do with that "extra" $300 you won't have to spend at the repair shop!! Good job! :cheer: