Hi All,
Trying to get my son's cane running and found that the fuel pump doesn't click/or run when I turn on the ignition switch. It does, however, pump when pushing the starter button and while running. Really odd! Shouldn't it click a few times to build up pressure when you turn the switch on? I've cleaned the points on the pump and it seems to put out quite a bit but don't think it's getting enough gas. Starting to think the kink in the fuel line maybe starving the engine in stead. I'm also thinking of going to gravity feed but don't you have to re-route the fuel lines to do that? Keep in mind that mine doesn't have a vacuum line on the petcock.

Other item is the firing order. Take a look at this pic of the wiring diagram of the coils from the J, K models. It shows firing order on my 1988 being 1,4,3,2 but the manual says 1,4,2,3! Am I just reading the wiring diagram wrong?

Thanks in advance!

 

The pump is functioning properly. Also, the points can be replaced.

(see the how-to by wheelnut)

 

#1 & 4 fire at the same time.
#2 & 3 fire at the same time.

For emissions they do that.
There are 2 coil packs with 2 plug wires each.
Each coil pack fire 2 plugs at the same time.

The firing order is 1&4,2&3,1&4,2&3 (1,2,4,3)

Go with gravity feed and install a shutoff.

 

Thanks TimBukTwo! I would like to go gravity feed; doesn't this require changing the fuel line routing or something?

 

As noted before, the fuel pump doesn't click like a car one does prior to hitting the starter. Conversion to gravity feed can be done, but you need to keep a close eye on the fuel run, there is only minimal height difference between the fuel outlet and the carb inlets. It would seem that little bits of copper tubing out of an old refrigerator may be your friend. They are around about the right size, and they are preformed to do 180 deg turns in a very short space.

 

Thanks Kiwi TK! I switched to gravity as the bike wouldn't start (wasn't getting enough gas). Only problem is that the petcock didn't completely shut off so I filled my crankcase with gas! Someone had mentioned some type of vacuum valve should be used if going gravity? Have any details on that? Also, bike almost starting now but not quite there even after thoroughly cleaning the carbs twice. Draining the bowls shows gas in each of them but I'm still wondering if it's getting enough gas??? The crappy original hose routing is nearly kinked off. Also, I didn't notice the AF mix screws when the carb was off but I'm thinking I should pull the carbs again to have a look at them. Any more tips would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Make sure the enrichment (choke) lever and the plunger to the carbs is functioning correctly. Cold start is full choke, no throttle and she should fire and idle.

They also need max battery charge to start from cold. So repeated cranking can discharge your battery just enough before you realize the actual fuel problem. New battery and/or good charger will give you the oomph to get some life. If you get a massive backfire. Go no choke, no throttle, and she should start. Getting her on the idle will be the first step. If you can get there, be patient. Don't play with the throttle until she's warmed up.

In my experience, on my old bike, most of my starting problems have been more battery related than fuel related. Be patient and avoid the risk or flooding.

Also, I'm not a big fan of starting fluid, but maybe some judicial use might work for you.