Hello all. Does anyone know of a replacement sensor that will work instead of the Ducati sensor. The one that sits in the generator cover for crank timing? Also, my fuel pump in running but the bike won’t start. The tank was drained over winter and since refilling with fresh fuel won’t start. Could there be an airlock? Many thanks. Hursty
What is the problem with your sensor? Obviously if the crank sensor is faulty? Then you will have no spark so the fuel system may well be fine? Best to whip out a spark plug and check things there first!
Look on link below - Post #21 https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/alternatives-to-the-genuine-ducati-parts.594/
If a simple problem then first checks to confirm you have "fuel and sparks":- Check to see if you have fuel getting to combustion chamber (sparkplugs will tell you this if you remove immediately after attempting to start(wet/smell of fuel)). Use a "slave" known-good sparkplug connected up to front pluglead and rest on cylinder head or good earth, and then attempt to start to confirm "sparking".
Right. I’m getting a spark. No fuel in the cylinder so I think I may have a knack erred fuel pump. Tried some easy start and it fired.
You said the pump runs - does it run consistently/does it sound laboured? Could be many things at this point. Depending on whether you have service history to show fuel filter has been changed*, it's probably worth pulling the pump assy out to check hoses, which ought to be changed anyway just for good measure (if not*) as another popular favourite due to fracturing with age along with filter and possibly pump. Conversely, if the system was dry then there is a chance that injector line needs purging of air - they often purge themselves but worth checking as you suggested.
The pump will purge any air in the system, it can take a number of key on and off's but you'll be able to hear it as the pump loads up once all the air is gone.
clogged fuel filter is a possible problemseen it on a few ducatis , , or a kinked or blocked hose .even seen a feed hose inside a tank of a 996 that had broken due to age , that meant no fuel flowing ... ,,
Pump is running but is it pumping? Is there a split hose inside the tank meaning the fuel just circulates internally? If all that appears good, I'd remove the tank and power the pump whilst depressing the flow on the fuel output feed, though you will need something to connect to the tank outlet to do this.
Thanks all you guys. The hoses were new last year as was the filter but not the pump. What’s the easiest way of removing an airlock?
You can remove the tank, turn it 180 and reconnect everything. You can see if the injectors are working and the bike can run like that when everything is ok.
Maybe worth swapping the two relays under the seat. One is for the fuel pump and the other for the injection system (can't remember which is which). Mine had an issue years ago in that it would cut out a low revs (low revs=low voltage). It turned out to be the fuel pump relay. So perhaps, your pump may be running when you turn the key but when you press the starter the relay is dropping out! Just an idea! Ps a standard relay of the correct amperage will work!
Indeed, like this; Also, it's not important to connect the hoses, flow (M) & return (R) to the specified fitting as it is just a 'loop' with the regulator being in the tank so you don't need to 'cross' the hoses over (may not be long enough?). Which is one reason I can't see an airlock happening as there are no restrictions in said 'loop' so the pump should purge all the air.
