How To Test A Motorcycle Fuel Pump? 6 Reasons Why You Should

  • A motorcycle fuel pump is an important part of a motorcycle’s carburetor system. It ensures that sufficient amount of fuel reach the carburetor at the appropriate time. For a motorcycle to work optimally, you need a good fuel pump, but how can you be so sure of the one you are getting? So, here on this page, I’ll explain everything you need to know on how to test a motorcycle fuel pump.

Motorcycle fuel pumps are a critical component for good operation and performance. If the fuel pump is bad, you may get too little fuel to operate your motorcycle and cause engine issues like misfiring, sputtering, and stumbling. The best way to fix the issue is to test the motorcycle fuel pump.

Why Is It Important To Test Your Motorcycle Fuel Pump?

Your motorcycle fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If your fuel pump breaks, your motorcycle will not run- it’s that simple.

Why Is It Important To Test Your Motorcycle Fuel Pump

There are many warning signs that your fuel pump may need a test or attention from a professional. You will be doing a lot of good if you constantly check your fuel pump, and below are some of the benefits.

Prevent Damages To The Fuel Pump

Over time, the fuel pump in your motorcycle can get clogged with dirt and other particles, which can ultimately damage the pump. Testing your fuel pump will allow you to determine the pump’s condition and replace it if necessary.

Replacing a damaged fuel pump is not easy and costly, so it is strongly recommended that you test your fuel pump regularly.

Prevent Engine From Overheating

Testing your motorcycle fuel pump allows you to prevent overheating and other serious issues. If your fuel pump maintains the correct pressure, you will be safe from overheating and other issues. If not, the chances of overheating are high and can affect the motorcycle engine.

Helps Prevent Sputtering Engines

Testing your motorcycle fuel pump prevents sputtering engines and other serious issues. A sputtering engine means that the engine is not getting full combustion. If you notice something like this, the fuel pump is likely gone bad. Therefore, testing the fuel pump will help detect early and prevent the issue.

Helps Prevent Power Loss

A failing motorcycle fuel pump can result in power loss and leave you stranded. Using a fuel pressure tester will help prevent the problem, verify repairs, and ensure proper fuel system operation.

Helps Prevent Low Fuel Pressure

A faulty fuel pump can negatively impact your ride by causing low fuel pressure. It is important to test your motorcycle’s fuel pump to ensure that it properly provides fuel to the engine. Following a simple fuel pump test, you can determine if fuel flow is reduced, and it will help you provide a solution early.

Helps Prevent The Decrease In Gas Mileage

Also, testing and servicing your fuel pump helps prevent a decrease in gas mileage, improve the overall performance of your motorcycle, and also help the engine start regularly. In addition, testing your fuel pump will help you assess how much life is left in it. If your pump is not performing up to expectations, you can replace them before they go bad.

How To Test A Motorcycle Fuel Pump?

Whether you have a carburetor or fuel injection, you will be able to test your motorcycle fuel pump for leaks, flow, and pressure. A bad fuel pump can cause interrupted airflow, which can cause engine backfires. So, it is important to know how to test a motorcycle fuel pump to maintain it and avoid future problems.

Testing the fuel pump on your motorcycle is not as hard as it may seem. If you have the manual for your bike and a basic set of mechanics tools, you can test the fuel pump in about an hour.

How To Test A Motorcycle Fuel Pump

To test your fuel pump, you’ll need-

  • Working syringe,
  • Vacuum line, and
  • A piece of paper.

To test your pump with this method, you need to detach it from your motorcycle and ensure it doesn’t have any gas in it. You need the right size torque wrench for motorcycle work to remove the pump.

Here are the steps you’ll have to follow:

1. Connect The Syringe And Vacuum Line

First, you need to connect the vacuum line to the syringe at one end and the other to the pump opening. You can see this from the image above.

2. Place A Paper In Front Of The Pump Hose

The mechanism of this method is to help you test if the pump is working well as it should. So, it is expected that as you pump the syringe, the air should pass through the vacuum line to the pump hose.

If the air is coming out and you get to see it blowing against the paper, it shows that the pump is working well. If the air does not come out, it shows that the pump is not working as it should. It may get clogged, or it is bad and needs replacement.

With proper monitoring, you can prevent your motorcycle from breaking down and keep it running at optimal levels.

What To Do If Motorcycle Fuel Pump is Going Bad?

If your motorcycle fuel pump is going bad, it will often start to make loud whining or grinding noises while the motorcycle’s engine is running. Upgrading to a high-performance fuel pump can help you get the most out of your motorcycle.

What To Do If Motorcycle Fuel Pump Going Bad

However, before you jump to a conclusion on getting a new one, you can test your pump to confirm its condition. Sometimes, a pump that is going bad might be because it requires servicing, and you failed to do the needful.

You should allow your mechanic to test the pump for you, and if the outcome shows it is bad and beyond repair, then get a new one.

Is It Safe To Ride With A Faulty Fuel Pump?

If your fuel pump is faulty, it may be safe to drive for a short period, but eventually, you will need to replace it. The sooner you get your fuel pump replaced, the better. If your fuel pump goes bad totally while you are on the road, you could potentially coast to the side of the road and have it towed.

But if you wait too long and it is running inefficiently, that could cause damage to your engine. So, apart from the fact that it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your motorcycle. Your chance of damaging your motorcycle engine with a faulty fuel pump is high.

You might as well find it so hard to notice your fuel pump is failing or faulty. But these signs such as-

  • Low fuel efficiency,
  • Power loss,
  • Sputtering engine fuel tank noise, and
  • Difficulty in starting the motorcycle-

are an indication that the fuel pump is faulty or failing.

How Expensive Is It To Replace A Fuel Pump?

The fuel pump replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can face. Generally, the part will cost between $100 and $900, while labor costs are normally between $50 and $200. In total, you are looking at a repair bill of anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on your specific motorcycle.

Conclusion

Knowing how to test a motorcycle fuel pump can not only help prevent damaging the pump itself, but also the overall motorcycle performance as well. There are many advantages you will get from testing your fuel pump like I mentioned above.

You do not get to know the importance of testing and servicing your fuel pump until it gets damaged and you are forced to get a new one. But, you can always save yourself the stress and money of buying a new one by keeping a monthly test or servicing routine with your mechanic.

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