K11 Owners Group

garydi · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:27 pm Post subject: Loud fuel pump

I ran my fuel to the last gallon of gas today and heard a loud whine like a loud bee from somewhere on my bike. I opened up the fuel tank cap and found the noise to be the fuel pump. Without the fuel covering the pump it really is loud. The bike runs fine and responds accordingly. Is this normal? I'm still learning my K11s ins and outs. Only have 1000 miles on it since I bought it last month.
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k1100lt 94 46000 miles
harley elec glide classic 08
honda v750s sabre 82

michaelcurrin · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject:

That's how you know you're running low on fuel,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Mike Currin
20 BMW R1250RS
93 BMW K1100RS / EML Speed 2000
06 Ducati ST3
67 Triumph 650 chopper

garydi · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

That loud huh? No wonder the fuel light comes on so soon! It needs a gallon of fuel over the pump so it won't distract you.
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k1100lt 94 46000 miles
harley elec glide classic 08
honda v750s sabre 82

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject:

The fuel also helps cool the fuel pump so I usually fill up soon after the light comes on to hopefully make the fuel pump last longer.
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jr'sbmw · Big Brick Rider Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 54 Location: Fl

I agree with the above, but I would also check the fuel filter which is located in the tank. Run the fuel level down, remove the filler cap, and filter. You should be able to blow through the filter easily. If the filter is plugged some, it will make the pump work harder and make more noise. Also, the pump has a sock filter on it for intake. Mine was so old and dirty, the pump started making noise.

I have an old K100RT, that I had to replace the fuel pump on many years ago. When the fuel level got low and hot, the bike would surge and quit, just like a vapor lock. Add cool fuel and it would run fine. I installed a permanent fuel psi guage for troubleshooting and a new pump to fix the problem.

Most new vehicles do not have a fuel return to the tank, which keeps the fuel cool and less vapors. Our older bikes have a return, which heats up the gas in the tank.

miKeinWIs · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:06 am Post subject: noisy

Gary,
Yes, ALL fuel injection in-tank pumps make noise when low on fuel. Cars and trucks just aren't as noticeable. Deep in all car manuals it will say to keep a 1/4 tank of fuel to cool pump. Had a Tuarus yrs ago that definately let you know when it got down to about an 1/8.
Heard my K once--was enough to follow FD's recommendation. Keep 'er above the red.
Good Luck
Mike
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'97 K1100LT
Bought 6/30/09 w/26,750 miles

garydi · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:25 am Post subject:

Thanks guys. As it turned out, I took 4.8 gallons of fuel. To coin a phrase from this site, Holey Dooly! I wont let that happen again just for the sake of overheating the fuel pump. it quieted right down after a fresh tank of fuel.

Im planning on a lot of work on my 94 with 46000 miles this winter and want to make sure I cover everything. Broken fairing frame, paint, new tires, spline adjustment, speakers, steering bearings, valve check just to name a few. I've been pretty comfortable reading all the posts on this site and am anxious to tackle the job. The PO didn't do very much with it in the past 5 years and the PO before him at least had mtc records so I know where I stand.
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k1100lt 94 46000 miles
harley elec glide classic 08
honda v750s sabre 82