Cutting out?

[Possu]

Got a problem with my 63,000 mile 2001 R1150GS:

Few weeks back, it cut out on me on the way home from work after being left outside during heavy rain. Got the bike home, noticed the drain around the filler neck was blocked. I cleared it out, drained the tank thinking water had got in & fitted a new filter. Fresh fuel & starts up immediately, runs fine - problem solved.

Couple of days ago, same happens again. Bike re-starts fine, runs for a few seconds & then either cuts out or runs rough & then cuts out. It had been raining again (it is the UK after all), so today I repeat the process. Fresh fuel & filter, bike starts fine, idles for 10 seconds before cutting out.

I was about to replace the plugs when I doubted they were at fault as I can't see both failing at the same time.

I drained the tank today by connecting a length of fuel pipe to the outbound fuel line via a quick fuel disconnect. This emptied 95% of the tank. I had to keep turning the bike on & off to keep the fuel pumping out. This surprised me as I thought with no pressure building up in the system, the fuel pump would pump continuously until the tank was drained?

I'm beginning to suspect a faulty fuel pump as it would only pump for a few seconds at a time - can anyone confirm my diagnosis re: the fuel pump. Getting another (used) pump is not a problem BTW.

Any other thoughts?

 

[Womble]

Running and then dying is a symptom of problems with the Hall sensor.

 

[Possu]

Literally just found that out on AdvRider - thanks anyway.

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

Also - are you able to run it, and then 'force' it to cut out by moving the handlebars from lock to lock? Rain could be a red-herring...

See here.

Pluck

 

[beermonster]

Cutting out

You got it sorted yet, I had similiar trouble last Winter, the culprits are not likely to be the source of your problem, but if you run out of the obvious you never know.

Regards

Simon

 

[Possu]

Fired bike up in garage last night, ear pressed to right hand tank lobe.

Sounded fine for 20 seconds, pump whirring away, it then ran very slightly rougher for a second before cutting out. I'm sure that I also heard the sound of electrics shorting from under the tank or behind the black panel?

Checked tonight, no loose connectors or frayed loom around headstock? I've removed the Hall Sensor & would have fitted a spare that's been lent to me if I hadn't left it at work today.

I'll have a go tomorrow night, will post the outcome.

 

[Steptoe]

. I'm sure that I also heard the sound of electrics shorting from under the tank or behind the black panel?

.

One of the sure signs of sensor failure.

 

[Steptoe]

When the bikes dies, with the ignition on, put it in gear and turn the engine over by hand, can you hear the fuel pump prime at certain points during the engine being turned by hand ? You should hear it coming on and off as you rotate the engine - No pump noise = Hall sensor U/S.

 

[Possu]

Went to replace the Hall Sensor with one I'd been lent but the part # was different & it had 4, not 5 wires like mine, going in to the connector block.

Cleaned & refitted the original, same symptoms as yesterday. Couldn't se any sparks even with garage lights off. Engine cut out but I left everything turned on, suddenly the fuel pump started whirring for 10 seconds by itself.

I replaced the fuel pump pump relay with one from Ela's bike & the bike ran perfectly? Last few nights, it hadn't ran for much more than 20 seconds max. Went for a spin, long enough to reach 5 bars on temp gauge, ran well & sounded good. I'll fit my relay to Ela's bike to see if the problem is transferred.

Thanks for the help.

Steptoe - any idea what model the other Hall Sensor with 4 wires is off? Any idea where the sounds of electrical shorting would be coming from if not the relay?