Cal. EV fuel problem

[Rolf Halvorsen]

upload image


A friend of mine sent me this picture - asking me if a broken rod (shown in picture) can cause a fuel pump problem.


I ask you to help me. I do not know the function of this rod, but since all things has a function, it seems to be logical that a broken metal rod connected with a red wire on one end and a possible condensator on the other end - may cause a fuel pump problem.


What says you?


Rolf

[fotoguzzi]

That's a fuel pump? Looks more like a filter. I've seen a few EV pumps and that isn't it.

[Nick]

That's a fuel pump? Looks more like a filter. I've seen a few EV pumps and that isn't it.

It actually is  . The fuel filter is being held by a plastic zip tie to the fuel pump assembly, inside the fuel tank. I think it's for 2003 and later EVs.

[Nick]

upload image


A friend of mine sent me this picture - asking me if a broken rod (shown in picture) can cause a fuel pump problem.


I ask you to help me. I do not know the function of this rod, but since all things has a function, it seems to be logical that a broken metal rod connected with a red wire on one end and a possible condensator on the other end - may cause a fuel pump problem.


What says you?


Rolf

I think, but I'm not positive, that is the fuel level sensor. I'm sure someone more mechanically inclined than I will chime in soon 

[Wayne Orwig]

That IS the fuel level sensor. If the fuel filter comes loose, it move around and can break the sensor. I repaired one with some brass tubing and soldered over it. A broken sensor simply means the light won't work right.

Most of the 'problems' inside the tank though are from the fuel line blowing off.

[fotoguzzi]

It actually is  . The fuel filter is being held by a plastic zip tie to the fuel pump assembly, inside the fuel tank. I think it's for 2003 and later EVs.

i see now, duh! I was Looking for the external pump.

[Rolf Halvorsen]

Thank you all. Yes it must be the furl sensor rod that is broken. Is this an ordinary brass rod - (that can be welded) or a special rod?


Will a broken rod make trouble? I think that the rod is fed with a specific current, and that the fuel level is given based on how much of the rod that is submerged in fuel.
A broken rod will make on/of contact based on vibrations. I do not know how the ECU reads the signal. A broken fuel sensor should not inflect the rest - but who knows.


Please comment if you can.


Rolf

[Rolf Halvorsen]

Problem solved.

The bike had problem running. We decided to take out the fuel pump (inside) and clean. There was a lot of water in the tank. When we removed the pump/filter-unit, it was discovered that the fuel sensor was broken, and that was the background of this thread.

Early this morning my friend went to get the rod welded. THEN he detected that the fuel pipe (rubber) was totally cracked (see picture). He had not seen this the day before.


This must be the reason for the engine not running well.


My friend will change the filter as well. The filter is Mahle KL145. BMW RT 1150 uses the same pump and filter. The filter can be ordered separately but I have no Guzzi number for it.


Rolf

[antmanbee]

I just did this same job on my Griso.

Some of this will apply to yours.
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=101652.msg1609578#msg1609578

[KJRJ]

Hi.
I broke mine some years ago, trying to fix the fuel pipe issue. For an EV the sensor is only available (UK at least) as part of the whole assembly. I was able to buy a new Breva 750 sensor. Fitted, although I remember it was not a direct swap - different length. Now that the fuel pipe problem is fixed I now have my fuel idiot light back. It may now operate at a slightly different level but I have yet to run dry. I just am not sure if the 'reserve' is smaller and by how much.

[Mr Revhead]

A broken sensor simply means the light won't work right.

Most of the 'problems' inside the tank though are from the fuel line blowing off.

You presume it works accurately to start with! 

Yep fuel hose popping off from two causes, 1: wrong hose used and it swells 2: Those silly crimp ear clips, replace with proper EFI hose clamps.

[Wayne Orwig]

You presume it works accurately to start with! 

When I repaired the fuel level sensor on mine, I also modified it.
On the 4.7 gallon tank, the my light originally came on with 1.4 gallons remained. That is about 60 miles remained. So I bent the sensor a bit. Now it is closer to 1 gallon remaining, or maybe about 40 miles when the light comes on. I prefer that. Still to small a tank though IMHO.

[MGrego]

When I repaired the fuel level sensor on mine, I also modified it.
On the 4.7 gallon tank, the my light originally came on with 1.4 gallons remained. That is about 60 miles remained. So I bent the sensor a bit. Now it is closer to 1 gallon remaining, or maybe about 40 miles when the light comes on. I prefer that. Still to small a tank though IMHO.

I need to replace the thermistor/sensor on my EV.  Anyone know a good source for a replacement ?

[adaven]

Both MG Cycle and Harpers have them. Part # Part Number: 03103000

[Rolf Halvorsen]

My friend (the owner of the bike) had ordered a fuel filter (MAHLE KL145).


He received a filter in a plastic house. The benefit is that one can see if the filter is dirty. The negative is that you cannot see anything when the filter is placed inside a tank.

AND we are critical to use a plastic house instead of a aluminium house - when we are talking about fuel with 3 bars pressure.

Anyone likes to comment?

Rolf

[Rolf Halvorsen]

I am trying to post a picture.

Rolf

[pat80flh]

Here in the U.S. our fuel is 10-15% ethanol. This mixture will attack and weaken the plastic,  eventually causing it to fail.  I would not use that, and find an all metal filter.

[antmanbee]

He got the wrong filter sent to him. The Mahle is all metal. Only use the all metal.
Also the hoses need to be the fully submersible SAE 30R10 spec, otherwise they will swell and leak and you will be doing the job again on the side of the road pretty soon.