[align=left]My 1998 F3 used to emit a "pump up" pressure sound when the ignition was first switched on. Our 1997 unit that we picked up a few weeks ago doesn`t do this. I hear one click sound only, when ignition is first switched on. So, is the `97 version defective? Does the lack of pumping sounds to build up pressure a concern? [X(][/align]

 

To be honest, I've never heard anything when flipping the switch on my 96. Hmmm, sounds interesting, though.

 

Iwas told only the 97 and 98 F3`s have fuel pumps....yes?

 

Yes they do, the pump on mine does not make an audible sound, (unless I forget to turn on the fuel & then it sure does) & its the 95-98 models the have em

 

No. My 96 has a fuel pump under the tank in the open space above the engine, in front of the subframe.

 

The answer is, no our bikes do not "Prime" when first turned on. With FI bikes, you will hear the pump turn to prime the injectors. Our version of that is a choke. All F3's have fuel pumps, the F2's do not, they are just gravity fed.

 

The fuel pump on F3s doesn't run when the engine isn't turning. This is designed that way for safety reasons. Like when you're in a accident. If it does something is wrong or somebody was bypassing it(not good idea)
The sound you heard was probably the air valve-relay opening on the low speed air intake system

 

Mine is a 97. The pump puts outa very small "click" (you can barely feel it) once about every 20-30 seconds with the bike running. It's my understanding the pump is only needed at high RPM's so the motor dosn't lean out and detonate. It will not run with the key turned on and the motor not running.