No power to fuel pump

[cwbenton]

I have a 1986 GL1200 Aspencade it has now power to the fuel pump. When I first got it I had smoke come outfrom under the fairing when I turned on the key. Turned the key off, and turned back on and it blew the Fuel Fuse. I think the smoke might have been from the fuel pump relay, but I can not find it. Any thoughts?

[WingAdmin]

I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that you have a problem with either the fuel pump relay or the wiring leading to or from it. The fuse blowing was a good thing, it kept further damage from occurring. I'd pull the fuel pump relay out, replace the fuse, and see if the fuse still blows. If the fuse still blows, the problem is in the wiring between the fuse and the relay. If it doesn't blow, check the relay (outside the bike) for proper operation. If it is not working correctly, replace it. If it's working correctly, then the problem is probably the wiring between the relay and the fuel pump.

[virgilmobile]

Is it possible the fuel pump locked up?This will cause high current draw.
Side note:When troubleshooting a blown fuse,if the short is not easily found,I will attach a lamp in place of the fuse.With a short,the lamp will light,when the short is removed the lamp goes out.this prevents burning wires and a hand full of blowing fuses while trying to find the short.Of course the lamp I use will depend on the circuit.eg.head light draws about 6 amp,brake light bulb about 3,marker light about 1/2 amp.For a 10 amp fuse circuit I would use a head light.this will allow a fair amount of current to operate the circuit.When the lamp goes out or dims,the blowing fuse problem is located.Virgil

[cwbenton]

Thank you both. I will start looking for the relay. Any easy way to get to it?

[86GW1200]

No easy way that I know of. I had to pull the false tank, tool tray, air box, filter and coils. Then I could barely reach the relay. Do a search on this and you will find where someone posted a picture for me. I found that my fuel pump was locked up, maybe because the p.o. let it sit 7 years with the fuel line open? I replaced the pump with a used one I got for 45.00 It lasted for a short while and has quit. I also had to replace the relay. I've been out of town for work this week, but now I'm back and gave picked up my new (62.00) 1985 prelude pump. I will be installing it soon and will report on the success (sp?) or failure....

[virgilmobile]

Be aware,I have determined that electricity is really just compressed smoke.Makes sense,if something lets the smoke out,it usually is bad.I also might mention that smoked wiring may melt through to another wire and cause other problems.(happened on a 360 honda twin,blinkers came on with brakes).Peeled the wiring apart and replaced the burnt wires.