Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Chris-G5 on September 27, 2009, 02:42:12 am

Title: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on September 27, 2009, 02:42:12 am
Alright, here is what happened on the way back from the rally. I was cruising around 70 mph when the bike started to cut out. I pulled over and it had died by the time I stopped. Tried to restart and nothing. I turned the run switch off and then on and the MIL light lit up for a few seconds like normal but the fuel pump didn't come on and of course it didn't start. Tried a few more time with the same result. After 5 or so minutes the fuel pump did come on but sounded weak. The bike started and I took off and went back to cruising around 65 mph. After a few miles it started to cut out again and died. Again no fuel pump. After a few minutes the fuel pump worked but sounded weak (The more I tried it the better the fuel pump sounded) and the bike would not restart.  I checked the fuel level and you could see some fuel in the bottom of the tank and the low fuel light was not on. Normally I wait till the low fuel light comes on then I refuel. Tried repeatedly for a half hour to start it but nothing. A guy pulled up and went and got me gas. I put in about 2 gallons and tried to start it and after 5 or so tries it started up and I rode home.


P.S. Thanks for the sticker, Dannie, love your C5! Enjoyed meeting everyone at the rally!
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: r80rt on September 27, 2009, 03:13:01 am
Chris, sorry you had trouble, your gas light might be burned out or something simple like that. Your bike is way too clean!
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on September 27, 2009, 03:28:36 am
Yeah I'll have to check the light, but the the fuel pump wasn't coming on when it first died both times. Seems like the fuel pump would still come on even if the tank was low on fuel. In the future though I am going to rely on milage, around 210 miles, to tell when to refuel instead of the low fuel light.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Ice on September 27, 2009, 11:42:04 am
 I very vaguely recall some one having the same problem and it was caused by a loose connection of something or other. I do remember the fix was squeeze on the connector with a pliers.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chasfield on September 27, 2009, 06:34:46 pm
RE must know that there just isn't any scope for random electrical glitches on this generation of their products. The electrics just have to be rock solid on the UCE models.

In general, are they?
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: The Garbone on September 27, 2009, 06:59:34 pm
In the other thread it was discovered the side stand interlock switch disables the fuel pump...  You could try bypassing it.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: r80rt on September 27, 2009, 07:07:13 pm
I just got through pulling that switch off of mine ;D
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: clubman on September 27, 2009, 08:40:39 pm
RE must know that there just isn't any scope for random electrical glitches on this generation of their products. The electrics just have to be rock solid on the UCE models.

In general, are they?

There have been quite a few threads here over the last few months that would indicate not. The good news is there don't seem to be any breakdowns from really serious stuff like bearings or siezures, just low level electrical niggles - loose connections, that kind of thing. When I get my Clubman I feel tempted to go over all that stuff. On the other hand, sometimes taking everything apart for inspection can do more harm than good.

As for when I get it, there is some good news at least. After a hold up in production related to finding someone reliable to make the tank they are now making them. I won't tempt fate by saying any more than that though!
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: r80rt on September 27, 2009, 08:46:55 pm
I've had no problems with the electronics on my C5, I just took the switch off so I could let it warm up in the side stand.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on September 27, 2009, 10:34:13 pm
With the side stand down the MIL light and the fuel pump don't come on. With my problem the MIL light came on but the fuel pump did not.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on September 27, 2009, 10:55:50 pm
I just went out to verify that the MIL light does not come on with the side stand down. Put down the side stand and turned on the run switch and the MIL light and the fuel pump came on and the bike started. :o If you move the side stand a little up from the down position then the switch works and neither the MIL light nor the fuel pump come on and the bike won't start. So yes there seems to be some problems with the electrical on these new bikes. ???
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: clubman on September 28, 2009, 01:00:12 pm
The second post in a week where the sidestand switch has been found at fault. :'( I am definitely removing mine as soon as I get the bike. I prefer to use the centre stand anyway.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: ScooterBob on September 28, 2009, 08:58:21 pm
I just went out to verify that the MIL light does not come on with the side stand down. Put down the side stand and turned on the run switch and the MIL light and the fuel pump came on and the bike started. :o If you move the side stand a little up from the down position then the switch works and neither the MIL light nor the fuel pump come on and the bike won't start. So yes there seems to be some problems with the electrical on these new bikes. ???

The sidestand switch (Federally required, I might add ....) is NOT the greatest piece of engineering on the bike, for certain. You can check it by unplugging it. I also prefer the centre-stand, as it keeps the bike level side to side for the best oiling whilst warming. I'm betting the switch will the way of the PAV valve ....... everyone will have one .... in their bottom tool box drawer!  ;) Glad you made it back in one piece, CJ - You are a LEGEND at CMW! Hahahaha!!
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on September 28, 2009, 11:57:18 pm
"LEGEND" eh? Is that CMW code for complainer/whiner?  :D
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: doomed1 on September 29, 2009, 04:47:08 am
"LEGEND" eh? Is that CMW code for complainer/whiner?  :D
i would imagine it more to be a LEGEND like you find on maps, as in where they should look for nooks and crannies when checking things. basically, you're taking one for the team ;)
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: ScooterBob on September 29, 2009, 01:01:12 pm
i would imagine it more to be a LEGEND like you find on maps, as in where they should look for nooks and crannies when checking things. basically, you're taking one for the team ;)

That would be legend - kinda like on a map ..... you know - you'll find CJ everywhere ON the map .... on the Enfield! I am guilty of just riding mine to work and back and the occasional trip to the grocery or hardware store - but CJ RIDES his! It's what we USED to do before we got all caught up in "being responsible" with work and home maintenance and what not. I'm glad that ONE of us will still go on a whim with a clean pair of sox and a hundred dollar bill in our pocket! Hahahaha!! - YOU DA MAN, CJ!!   ;D Legend, indeed! (the pressure's on NOW, isn't it?? Heeheehee!!!)
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on October 03, 2009, 01:34:29 am
Found the problem with the intermittent fuel pump failure. It was a badly crimped ground wire on the big cream colored connector that connects the fuel pump to the main wire harness. I could move the connector back and forth and the sound of the fuel pump would change pitch like it was cutting in and out. The wire was just barely connected to the spade and popped right of with a light tug to check the connection. The wire was basically connected to the spade by the water seal. The spade was not reusable as it could not be un-crimped with out breaking the spade. So I eliminated the connector all together and soldered the wires together. Whenever I have to remove the tank for some reason I'll have to cut the wires and then with better access to the wires I'll put on a new 2 pole connector. So if your having a problem with your fuel pump and the MIL still comes on and shuts of like normal when the run switch is turned on then check that connector. Thanks to ScooterBob, Slam, and Kevin for their help and quick responses.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on October 03, 2009, 01:48:28 am
"LEGEND" eh? Is that CMW code for complainer/whiner?  :D
I miss read ScooterBob's post. I thought he was calling me the legend at CMW. That's why I said the above quoted. I tend to complain a lot, too much of a perfectionist I guess, and I know CMW has taken quite a bit of complaints from me. My apologies to CJ if you thought I was calling you a complainer. I mean I barely know you, but I do know you like BLTs even if you have to wait the longest to get yours. :D (Feed Store)
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: r80rt on October 03, 2009, 02:15:18 am
Chris, I'm glad you found the problem, I was sure it would be something simple.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: t120rbullet on October 03, 2009, 02:46:45 am
Good find G5.
Mine might be the exact same thing except it's at the fuel injector connector.

I do like BLT's. The Feed Store is becoming the legend.
Every year we seem to congregate there. Probably more Bullet pilots ate there than any restaurant in the US.  We should get em a sign to hang on the wall.

Complainer/Whiner? Yup, that's me!
Maybe CMW will start screening calls from anyone named Chris eh?

See ya at next year's rally.
CJ
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: ScooterBob on October 03, 2009, 07:49:38 pm
You Chris's and your green bikes with fawlty wiring!! Dang UTT!! - Oddly - I did a little digging for the factory fellows (gREat guys, all, BTW!) and found that YOUR green Classics and MY little "shop mule" probably TOUCHED each other other going down the assembly line ... Go figger. So if anyone ELSE named Chris wants to buy a V.Green Classic with a chassis number of between 500450 and 500499, I'll file a formal protest .... Heeheehee!!   ;) BTW - That was good find on that goofy wiring connector - and an easy fix after all! Thanks for all the valuable input on this.
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: Chris-G5 on October 03, 2009, 09:22:16 pm
You Chris's and your green bikes with fawlty wiring!! Dang UTT!! - Oddly - I did a little digging for the factory fellows (gREat guys, all, BTW!) and found that YOUR green Classics and MY little "shop mule" probably TOUCHED each other other going down the assembly line ... Go figger. So if anyone ELSE named Chris wants to buy a V.Green Classic with a chassis number of between 500450 and 500499, I'll file a formal protest .... Heeheehee!!   ;) BTW - That was good find on that goofy wiring connector - and an easy fix after all! Thanks for all the valuable input on this.
Mine and CJ's bikes are black. ScooterBob are you wearing your glasses? ;D Mine is 500483, is that number showing a green bike?
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: t120rbullet on October 03, 2009, 11:27:48 pm
You Chris's and your green bikes with fawlty wiring!! Dang UTT!! - Oddly - I did a little digging for the factory fellows (gREat guys, all, BTW!) and found that YOUR green Classics and MY little "shop mule" probably TOUCHED each other other going down the assembly line ... Go figger. So if anyone ELSE named Chris wants to buy a V.Green Classic with a chassis number of between 500450 and 500499, I'll file a formal protest .... Heeheehee!!   ;) BTW - That was good find on that goofy wiring connector - and an easy fix after all! Thanks for all the valuable input on this.

And mine is 500478.
I guess that even though they are black they should be green eh? (old biker superstition)
CJ
Title: Re: Problem on the way home from rally
Post by: ScooterBob on October 04, 2009, 01:26:23 am
Green? Did I say green?? I KNEW the 500478 part ..... I did some Dubble Naught Spyin' - Heeheehee!! You know - I'm always tryin' to add two and two and come up with five.  ;D