Question about fuel injection scoots

[Snoopzilla]

So this Like 150i is my first fuel injected scooter.  And was wondering if the same rule that applies to cars applies to this about not letting the fuel tank getting below quarter tank (I usually stick to half) for the fuel pump to be not over taxed (cooling).

[Stig / Major Tom]

My LIKE200ILX has such a small tank - so I  keep it at least 1/3  full for my peace of mind.
Your concern for keeping fuel pump submerged might be a good idea.
I dropped a larger Yamaha motorcycle pump in there 4 yrs ago, when trying to solve what turned out to be a failing TPS. ( dealer was brain-dead at the time - I diagnosed fix after reading a bike forum and testing with Kymco diag. tool from crossbolts)
Stig

[Forbes1964]

While it’s always nice to keep a full tank and it COULD lengthen fuel pump life, MANY automobile drivers drive with low fuel levels regularly with no ill effects getting 150,000 miles + out of their oe fuel pumps. With a scooter , I see no problem with filling it up and letting it get to 1/4 tank, so you’ll get the full use of your fuel tank. There’s no need to to through the inconvenience of constantly topping off a small fuel thank .


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[Forbes1964]

The main issue with fuel injection is to make sure you use clean , quality fuel. Every so often I’d recommend using a few ounces of fuel injector cleaner


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[Snoopzilla]

The main issue with fuel injection is to make sure you use clean , quality fuel. Every so often I’d recommend using a few ounces of fuel injector cleaner


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. But doesn’t most top tier fuel already have injector/system cleaner already mixed in?

[Forbes1964]

. But doesn’t most top tier fuel already have injector/system cleaner already mixed in?

Yes, they do. But scooters sometimes operate under different conditions than automobiles, their injector is smaller. And minor deposits have a greater effect . So every so often a little extra cleaning additives may help. Not every tankful. But maybe every 5 or so. The cost is minimal given the small size of a scooters gas tank.


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[MJR]

I'm not sure where this started but most have in tank fuel pumps yes but the fuel is pumped through the pump cooling it so being submerged isn't all important.

[Forbes1964]

I'm not sure where this started but most have in tank fuel pumps yes but the fuel is pumped through the pump cooling it so being submerged isn't all important.

I fully agree. Running low is not really harmful. Just don’t run dry.


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[MJR]

I fully agree. Running low is not really harmful. Just don’t run dry.

Even if you did once the engine computer no longer sees engine rpm (crank sensor) it will shut off the fuel pump within 5 seconds.

[Stig / Major Tom]

 â€¦.the fuel is pumped through the pump cooling it so being submerged isn't all important
Even if you did once the engine computer no longer sees engine rpm (crank sensor) it will shut off the fuel pump within 5 seconds.

And that MJR....is exactly why we keep you on such a hefty retainer!
(See Bernice on the 3rd floor - he has your check)

I am sorely impressed with how little I know about how things work!
Stig

[MJR]

I am sorely impressed with how little I know about how things work!
Stig

As long as you have a pit crew you only need to drive!

[Forbes1964]

Even if you did once the engine computer no longer sees engine rpm (crank sensor) it will shut off the fuel pump within 5 seconds.

True. If a pump fails after running dry once, it was just about to die anyway.


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[David E]

I throw in two cap fills of cleaner every so often.   I never let the tank go below a 1/4 either.   One thing I’ve also done is keep a 2 gallon gas can with fuel in it for the Like.   That 2 gallon can gets fuel stabilizer in it as well.   Gets used monthly.   I don’t always get to refill the can but I do once in a while.  That’s just me. 


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[Forbes1964]

All in all, I believe you’ll find fuel injection to be more reliable, less finicky, easier to start under all conditions, and just all around better than a carburetor. The Xciting 500 with fuel injection seems to be known for cold start issues. But it’s an exception. Most of us have romanticized the carburetor because we can take it apart and fix it ourselves. But on balance, if you use decent fuel, drive it regularly, and use a little additive every once in a while, a fuel injected system is usually very reliable. Yes, IF they do give trouble, it can be a challenge to diagnose and costly to fix. But they simply don’t then to give trouble that often.

With cars, think about it. When’s the last time you had to pump the accelerator to start the car? And how often do you have a problem that’s actually traceable to the fuel injection? We used to rebuild carburetors REGULARLY.


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[hypophthalmus]

I've come to realize that fuel injection actually offers quite a wealth of information for diagnosis.

Not really that costly to fix either, if you can diagnose and replace the part yourself.

For my van, all I needed was a $10 OBDII bluetooth device and $5 of software. I think I could have gotten nicer software for $30 if I weren't so cheap.

It sounds like motorcycles come up a bit short with regards to this though -- I think the proprietary Kymco tool is some hundreds of dollars for something that probably isn't as good.