I am struggling with an issue on my 97 f3. Started late last summer when the bike sat for several weeks and was not started. Tried to start and would only turn over. So I replaced the spark plugs, thinking maybe I had fouled a plug. This changed nothing.
Now that riding time is here again, I got anxious and had help cleaning the carbs. Still no luck. While I had the tank off, I added a UNI filter and a fuel filter. Nothing. Next, I thought maybe it was getting no gas and removed the line from the fuel pump. No gas coming out while turning over…thought I had found the problem and ordered a fuel pump. Replaced and still the bike will not run. I feel that the pump is working because when I put my hand next to the pump and turn the bike over, it is vibrating. I know there is spark, but feel I am getting no gas. Any suggestions???

 

Had same problem with mine. As you will find out, the first suggestion is to take carbs off and clean them. If you never have or dont know how there is so much information on here that makes it so easy. On mine i took a look at plugs made sure they all had spark, mine had a little gas on them so when i put them back in i only hand tightend them as hard as i could without a socket wench. Try that. Put a drip feed on, bypass fuel pump and crank it. Take off air filter too so you can look in carbs to see if gas is coming out. You might need to hook up to charger so you can have strong battery. Try that for a while if nothing still, spray a little gas in carbs to see if it tries to start. If it sounds better then your carbs are clogged. Just a few things i went through to get mine to fire up and run !! Hope it helps you.

 

Now I have removed the fuel pump and added a straight through connector. The engine is getting fuel and starts, but sounds really bad. Also, it is backfiring and stalling unless I hold on the gas. What can I do for further testing.

 

Are you positive that you put your spark plug coils in the right locations?

 

It's been a while, but as I recall it would be difficult to confuse these.

 

After running the bike for several minutes with a straight feed (bypassing the fuel pump), the bike started to sound better. I think it was just struggling from the lack of fuel due to the carb cleaning.
Now I am just trying to figure out why the bike gets no fuel when the pump is replaced.
I think I need to find the fuel pump relay...can't seem to find details in the manual. The pump sounds like it is trying, but no fuel is getting to the carbs.

 

Its on right side inside tail, between r/r and ignition. Your tank might also be clogged, creating vacuum and not letting gas flow. The fuel relay can be bypassed to check also.

 

Fresh gas?

 

The gas tank was drained, and fuel seems to flow very well when I remove the line from the pump.
Can you explain how to bypass the fuel relay and see if this is an issue.
Thanks

 

Fuel cut off relay test. Its in the clymers shop manual. You can download one if you dont have one, there should be links to one on here.