| Author | Message | ||
     Dalurker |
Hello everyone, I just recently went from a XB9SX to a 2007 Uly and I am loving it. I am still learning all the kinks of that year and doing lots of maintenance to it. But I have a problem that just started with it. When I turn the key to on and it goes through its normal start-up procedure and there is a high pitch whining that will normally stop. I'm guessing its the fuel pump before start-up? Now that whining doesn't turn off, it will just keep going until I hit the start button. Any ideas what could cause that and how I can go about fixing it? | ||
| Ratbuell |
How long are you waiting? Are you letting the engine light go out before you press the start button? What's your fuel level? Same on hot start versus cold start? Is it running OK? | ||
| Froggy |
The whine should stop after a few seconds, if it does not, then your fuel pump is in the beginning stages of failure. | ||
| Dalurker |
The whine will keep going after the engine light turns off on cold start and hot start. The bike seems like it is running fine. It has 15,xxx miles and the TPS hasn't been reset, if that has anything to do with it. As far as fuel level, the fuel light isn't on, but I will fill it up again and see if it does it. So it could be the fuel pump even with that mileage? | ||
| Froggy |
Yes | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Low miles are worse than high miles. Especially with the grain alcohol they foisted upon us. | ||
| Froggy |
The issue is likely the wires in the pump assembly chaffing and getting exposed, while I personally recommend replacing the pump, it can be repaired. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442427.html?1236781570 | ||
| Dalurker |
Damn. That looks like my problem. Thanks for the help! So I have a couple hundered mile ride planned for tomorrow, think I should call it off? | ||
| Froggy |
Honestly I can't say for sure, but if it is the wires getting slowly rubbed, it eventually will break. You could go 10 more feet or 10 time around the Earth before it fails. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Take your tools and materials on the ride. Run it out of fuel. Make the fix, fill, ride, and enjoy  | ||
| Dalurker |
Well I took the pump out and the wires were definitely worn, but not all the way through. I shrink wrapped them individually and put it back together and it's working like it should. I feel like I didn't fix anything but the problem went away. I might be purchasing a new fuel pump soon if the problem comes back. Thanks again for the help | ||
| Uly_man |
"I feel like I didn't fix anything but the problem went away". I think you are being a little hard on yourself Kyle? You found a problem, asked advice and then acted on it. The result was that you fixed the problem, we hope, and it cost next to nothing. I congratulate you on your efforts. Ok so you may need a new pump, although I do not think so, but the point is that you went through the numbers and fixed the issue. Continue to do things that way and the only problem you will have with the bike is how much it is going to cost, for the surgery, to have that "MAD" smile removed from your face. Something few bikes can do these days. | ||
| Dalurker |
You are probably right about being hard on myself, I just get worried if my poor Uly is going to make it through...such a trooper. This is a damn good forum though. It is definitely the best one I am a part of. | ||
| Uly_man |
"I just get worried if my poor Uly is going to make it through...such a trooper". I am a mechanical and electrical engineer and fixing things is my work. Anything from a tap to a gas turbine. The Uly though has been something of a challenge so I can understand how much of a problem some may have with the bike. I have, over the past six years of ownership, formed an opinion on the ownership of Ulys in the UK at least. I watch the sale sites and it is rare to see one with more than 10k miles on it. So why would that be? I think, but just my opinion, is because most of the time these bikes are not running or set up right. A good one is a dream but a bad one, as said, is a devil. | ||
| Dalurker |
What other potential problem should I be looking out for? I checked out the new owner information. Anything else? Also, why is it essential to let the engine warm up before riding it? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I don't do anything special to let any of my Buells warm up. Fire them up, start riding, but ride sanely for the first 10 minutes (don't wind the RPM's up to the rev limiter). | ||
| Etennuly |
Most of the 'o6 and '07 Ulys that I know of will 'pop' or backfire a mile or two into a ride if you take of with a cold engine. I know mine will every time. I simply prefer not to have any backfiring, it just does not do it if warmed up, so why not? Kind of like going to the doctor and saying my finger hurts when I hit it with a hammer.....I still have to give him the $100 when he says "quit hitting it with the hammer". Duh! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
The reason to warm these engines up at least a little bit is the same as the EVO engines: It's made of aluminum and held together by long studs that go from the crankcase to the head. Aluminum expands more than steel with heat. Therefore, when cold the gaskets aren't mashed together with as much force. I don't typically warm mine up before heading out unless it's really cold but I also don't romp on it til it's good and warm. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I know which turn as I leave my house will get the stumble if it's a cool morning. | ||
| Britchri10 |
My start process is: Key-needle sweep-kill switch to run-start-put on helmet & gloves-drive off. Keep rev's down for first 3-5 minutes of riding. Mine "always" coughs after .08 of a mile on cool mornings. It only coughs once & always does it on the same corner. YMMV Chris C |
