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Almost all new motorbikes sold today are equipped with an injection system for fuel supply. This system relies on the fuel pump to draw gasoline from the tank and spray it into the injectors. Considering its vital role, it is important for us to recognize the signs that a motorbike's fuel pump is starting to weaken.
Fuel pump damage in motorcycles can occur due to two factors: usage age and the habit of letting the fuel tank run almost empty. Generally, a fuel pump can last up to five years if properly maintained by keeping the fuel tank from running empty, at least half full.
Unlike carbureted motorcycles, fuel-injected motorcycles require a fuel pump to draw fuel. For frequently used motorcycles, this pump usually needs to be replaced after five years of use.
According to Pepen, the fuel pump also has an important function to ensure optimal fuel pressure to the injector. If its performance decreases, the initial symptom is the motorcycle's pull becomes uneven. Often, the motorcycle may stop operating because there isn't enough fuel for the combustion process.
Here are some signs that your fuel-injected motorcycle's fuel pump may be nearing the end of its life:
If the motorcycle is difficult to start even though the starter is functioning normally, there is a possibility that the fuel pump is weakening. An easy way to check if the fuel pump is still working is to listen for a humming sound from the fuel tank.
If there is no humming sound or it is very faint after turning on the ignition, it indicates that the fuel pump may be weak. For comparison, a fuel pump in good condition will produce a clear humming sound immediately after the ignition is turned on.
If the check engine lamp flickers, it clearly indicates a problem with the motorcycle. However, a damaged fuel pump is not always indicated by the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument panel flickering.
The MIL is an indicator light that detects motor damage in the injection system. The MIL is located on the motorcycle's speedometer and is orange in color. If there is a problem with the sensor or injection system, the MIL will light up and flicker.
When the ignition key is in the on position, the MIL will light up for about 0.3 seconds and then go out again. When the MIL is on, the ECM will detect any damage in the sensor system. If there is no damage, the MIL will turn off.
If this light flickers along with some of the above symptoms, it is clear that your motorcycle's fuel pump needs to be replaced. Replacing the fuel pump requires removing some screws and covers on the fuel tank.
You can replace the fuel pump at your usual workshop or even do it yourself at home. As long as you have a complete set of tools, the process is not difficult because there are many tutorials on YouTube.
In the era of carbureted motorcycles, fuel supply was controlled by a membrane drawn by the carburetor and gravity to create pressure. However, in modern fuel-injected motorcycles, the fuel supply system heavily relies on an electric pump located inside the tank. If this pump fails, the fuel-injected motorcycle cannot be started.
It's important to note that genuine or original fuel pump prices are quite high. Fuel pump prices for Honda or Yamaha motorcycles start at Rp 450,000. Unfortunately, a damaged fuel pump is usually difficult to repair and often needs to be replaced with a new one.
Fuel-injected motorcycle pumps are expensive because they are original products usually sold as a complete set (assy) including the fuel filter and its seat. If damaged, the entire set is generally replaced because the rotor components are not sold separately. However, for customers accustomed to shopping online, they often choose to buy only the OEM version rotor, which is more economical.
For comparison, many online stores on marketplaces like Tokopedia, Shopee, and others now offer OEM fuel pumps. This type of fuel pump is often referred to as 'Local Original' and is offered at more affordable prices, around Rp 100,000-200,000.
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