1150GS Whine from under the tank

[Bikermike1411]

Hi everyone,

I've noticed that there is a very noticeable whine from under the tank on my GS- it sounds like the fuel pump priming, but it continues for about 20 minutes after i've started the bike up. It's not as noticeable once i've been out for a while though. Is this normal, or something I should investigate?

Cheers
Mike

 

[srao]

Same with mine. Steptoe had advised me to change the fuel filter. Did that and sound seems to have reduced, but still does it, not as noticeable as before.

 

[Bikermike1411]

Cheers bud, i'll order a fuel filter and change it when i've got my tank off to wire my TomTom in the next couple of weeks. Just another thing to add to my growing to-do list!

Did Steptoe give any indication why the filter could be causing the noise from the pump? I'll go with the pump sounding like it's being overworked, but I'm pretty sure the filter wouldn't be clogged, and if it was disintegrating i'm pretty sure i'd have bigger issues!

 

[fatnfast]

When you remove the flange on the tank that holds the filter and pump, go easy on the little nuts. It might be worth giving them a soaking with plus gas or wd40 while you do you sat nav. If they shear the studs then it could be very difficult to reseal.
There is also a large rubber ring gasket that tends to swell. Leave it in the sun and it should reduce back to its normal size, or better still get a new one when you order the filter.
Finally, have a good look at the internal fuel hoses and pump strainer sock while you are in there. Old hoses eventually perish.

 

[Bikermike1411]

Thanks for the tank-related advice fatnfast! I'll have a good look at the workshop manual (still need to sort out a Haynes one though, the shysters on Amazon cancelled my order for the last one I bought) before I start. Are there two filters then?

I've also just realised i'm going to have to drain the tank as there's no tap. Best go out for a ride, you know, just to empty it.....

 

[Chris600v]

Hi Mike,
Looks like you've really got into it!!
I've still got a Haynes manual & a manual on CD if you're still looking.
Give me a bell & we can meet up?
Chris

 

[fatnfast]

Just one fuel filter, but it lives inside the tank. You can see the metal flange on the right side of the bike with the tank on.
With the tank off I lay it on an old bike tyre to support it.
Once you access the filter/pump have a look at the fuel line clips. They are likely to be the squeeze together clamp type, but you can replace them with your normal worm/jubilee type (stainless).
The pumps do whine a little bit and are worse as the fuel level drops, but it shouldn't be loud. As the filter slowly clogs up, the pump works harder to push the fuel through it, hence the noise. Filters I have changed have the date stamped on them, so you may find it hasn't been done for a long time.
It's a simple job, just a little fiddly. Don't pull the flange all the way out as it can bend the fuel float arm or pop the fuel cap and tip over breather pipes off. Just out enough to do the job. .

 

[srao]

Cheers bud, i'll order a fuel filter and change it when i've got my tank off to wire my TomTom in the next couple of weeks. Just another thing to add to my growing to-do list!

Did Steptoe give any indication why the filter could be causing the noise from the pump? I'll go with the pump sounding like it's being overworked, but I'm pretty sure the filter wouldn't be clogged, and if it was disintegrating i'm pretty sure i'd have bigger issues!

Fuel filter needs replacing every 24k anyway (somebody correct me if I am wrong), perhaps a bit earlier if debris has some how found a way into the system or been ridden in dusty conditions? Don't know why that would cause the noise at the moment.