| Author | Message | ||
     Xb9 |
I wonder if anyone else with a Firebolt is experiencing excessive intermittent noise from the fuel pump. It seems more frequent & loud when the fuel level is less than 1/3 full. You know the sound the pump makes when you turn the key on? It's that same noise, but continuous with the engine runnning, and at varying decibal levels. And it comes and goes. I would think the sound level the pump makes would stay fairly constant, but when I described it to the Buell Area service representative, he told me they ARE noisy. Although he authorized a fuel pressure check under warrenty, he said that if there was a problem, it would cause drivability problems. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I've got 4K on mine, seemed to start doing this around 1,000 miles. Runs good though. | ||
| Anonymous |
Below 1/3 tank? Fuel sloshes around and uncovers the pump. When the pump is submerged, the fuel reduces the sound. You are hearing the pressure regulator relieving pressure, not the pump. The pump is virtually silent, the regulator is not. Does that help? | ||
| Xb9 |
Yes, i've theorized that is the case. And I agree with the idea that the regulator is making the noise. Is the regulator in the tank at the pump? The fact that I still can't get my hands on a service manual (backordered till Aug., last I heard) leaves me in the dark on the design of the system. A few things go against the low fuel uncovering the pump theory, though. I can ride it five minutes home from work, and it's noisy pulling into the garage. Come out 45 minutes later, start it and it's quiet for the ride back to work. Without adding fuel. I can't explain that. Any suggestions? And is anyone with an XB experiencing the same? | ||
| Xb9 |
And I've also experienced riding into a small town and hearing the regulator/pump at a loud level, and as I sit at a light, engine idling all the while, it slowly quieted to nothing. This went from a loud level (like turning on the ignition) to quit operation within 10 seconds. | ||
| Chainsaw |
XB9 I haven't noticed any noise from the fuel pump. My low fuel light pops on when there is still 1.1 gallons of gas in it though. (got 63 mpg this weekend!) I also have a non-functioning low beam light. It's not the bulb! I'll pull the fairing off tomorrow, hopefully, something is just unplugged, the high beam works and the fuses are intact, so I don't suspect a short. Bike is only 5 days old with 590 miles on it. Don't want to take it to the dealer so they can sit on it for a week. WIsh I could get a service manual! (also heard the August rumour) What did your dealer tell you the first service was due? 500 or 1000 miles? Mine said 500, owners manual says 1000. ChainSaw | ||
| Anonymous |
The sound is a function of the fuel flowing out of the relief port on the regulator. If the demand for fuel is low (low speeds and idle) there is more fuel being vented out of that relief port. The regulator is mounted to the pump assembly. Many things can increase the level of sound. Nothing to worry about. Service manuals should ship very soon. The owners manual is right 1000 miles. | ||
| Ferris |
thank you Anonymonster! FB  | ||
| Cro13 |
Anon, Thank you, you have answered one of my nagging questions: Why, when I flip the kill switch to ON, does the fuel pump make louder noise one time and not the next. XB9, I haven't noticed any fuel pump noise after the initial ignition. But... I do think that I hear the fan running sometimes but I thought that I read that it only ran when the bike was off. I need to look in the owners manual, It's just been real busy latley. When do you get the fuel pressure check? I doubt that I am alone in wanting to know the results. Thanks, Carter | ||
| Darthane |
I have had my XB9R since last Friday, and I've also run across the pump noise issue. Obviously, it'll kick on when the ignition is first turned on, but I've also noticed it at odd times - when cruising at about 50 on a road, sitting at lights, etc. I have noticed that it only seems to do it when I'm getting closer to my reserve kicking in, so I think Anon's got a point. My low fuel light and reserve counter have been kicking in with a little over a gallon left too. I managed to pull 58mpg out of it the last tank of gas. Still not sure just how far I can drive it before running out (and I don't plan on finding out soon). Bryan | ||
| Xb9 |
Thanks, Anon. Carter, Thanks for your input. The fan will run while riding if the engine temperature gets high enough. The sound of the fan is different than the regulator (you KNOW when the fan is running while riding, and it has a high/low speed). The fuel regulator noise is more like a buzzing noise. You can also feel it vibrating if you put your hand on the frame midship, especially when it's in it's "loud" phase. I'm going to make an appointment today for the fuel pressure check. The Service Operations Manager said he would do it under warrenty, so I will go ahead and have it done for piece of mind. | ||
| Xb9 |
Bryan, Thanks for the reply. Your description also matches mine. Varying noise level at odd times. When I had low miles, it would only occur when nearing the reserve,like yours, but as the miles pile up (4K now) it seems to do it with a greater fuel level and greater frequency. It seems to be getting gradually worse, that's my concern. | ||
| Court |
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| Darthane |
XB, I'll definitely keep my ears peeled as I pile more miles onto my 'bolt. I'm planning on putting a few hundred more on it over the weekend as I shuttle out to my uncle's house on the lake and back. Any change in behavior and this baby's getting a checkup. I'll probably have them check it when it goes in for 1000 mile maintenance. Let me know what they say when they check yours - mine will probably go in for the maintenance mid next week. Bryan | ||
| Xb9 |
Bryan, Thanks, I'll post the finding on the fuel pressure test, it's going in for the test on July 13. (at least it isn't a Friday  Anyone had any experience with the service dept. at SouthEast Harley-Davidson in Cleveland? I went in to talk the service manager about getting the Firebolt serviced, he acted like it was the last thing on earth he wanted to be bothered with. Said to drop it off next Monday, we'll look at it. Wouldn't even write me down for an appt. Wouldn't look me square in the eye - I got a problem with A__holes like that  . I've had to try three different dealers to find one that seems remotely interested in helping with a simple Fricking fuel pressure test. The dealer I bought the bike from is great, but 140 miles away! One of the things BUELL ought to do is clean up their dealer base. It might help the name. Sorry for going off...... | ||
| Christos |
Luckily the dealer I go to is Buell friendly, I will stop in on Friday and ask the service techs if they have any info on this matter. I ride an X1 but the Thunderbolt is the buzz right now. Scranton, PA is not very affluent, we may have a manual sitting around somewhere. I will def check it out. | ||
| Darthane |
Just as an update - I had my XB in for his 1000 mile check-up on Wednesday. I haven't noticed any unusual noise from the pump for probably the last 600 miles or so. I'm wondering if perhaps it was just something that needed to be 'broken in' a bit. XB, is yours still acting up? Bryan | ||
| Xb9 |
Still comes and goes, I'll get the Fuel pressure test on Saturday. | ||
| Xb9 |
Fuel pressure test did not show anything abnormal, although the Dealer admitted that my XB was noticably louder than the four they have sold. Also said that the pump might actually be contacting the frame intermittantly? They will talk to the Area Service Operations Manager and let me know the course of action. | ||
| Xb9 |
Buell agreed to replace the fuel pump under warranty - although the dealer tech seemed to indicate they were less than convinced there is a problem. They just about croaked when they found out I have over 5K miles on it. (5400 as of this post). |
