Which power probe?

[CornishPete]

Wondered if anyone has any recommendations for an automotive power probe? I'm having some problems with my bike and would like to test some components off the bike. Would also come in handy in the future so I don't mind spending a bit for a half decent one! Thanks in advance.

 

[Ruffian]

The power probe 4 is awesome as has built in lights and voltmeter but is £140ish

Sealey did similar with led lights on there's to check voltages also and that' about £35.

What's your problems on the bike and what would you feel comfortable spending?

 

[CornishPete]

£140 doesn't seem too bad for a decent piece of kit but I already have a fluke for voltages so if the sealey will do a job for £35 then even better!

As for the bike: fuel is draining from the tank into the crankcase. I've taken the carbs off and they're clean, not gunked up at all. I suspect the solenoid is not closing the diaphragm in the fuel pump and gravity is pulling fuel through the carbs, down the cylinders and into the crankcase. It's a 95 fzr 600r 'foxeye' so fairly old school sports bike!

 

[Ruffian]

That should be an intermittant presure pump though like the old f/g/j zx6''s just to tickle enough pressure to fill the carbs not flood them.

With lcd voltmeter etc very nice but pricey
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/371684382383

Cheaper led voltage display style
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/142370942791

 

[CornishPete]

Cheers for the info ruffian. And yes I believe it is the intermittent type just to fill the floats. If you don't think the pump is causing the problem what else could it be? I would really appreciate any help/suggestions!! I might create a separate "help my bikes knackered" thread!

 

[Ruffian]

It probably is the pump as the pressure side of it might not be shutting it off but a probe won't be telling you that, you will have to run a remote tank and investigate flow out of the pump when pressure is aplied to the fuel line to see if it shuts off.

 

[graffian]

Thats a bit new for me, but it has a petrol tap doesn't it? So no vacuum it shoudln't move petrol
I had an exup that did something odd, can't for the life of me remember what, well it was 1990.
The pumps a simple diaphram pump, like an SU pump, isn't it? I added a diode to the pump, I
guess the contacts burnt or got stuck. I cured whatever the problem was?

Don't need a the on off handlbar switch do you?

 

[8ob]

Wondered if anyone has any recommendations for an automotive power probe? I'm having some problems with my bike and would like to test some components off the bike. Would also come in handy in the future so I don't mind spending a bit for a half decent one! Thanks in advance.

Pete you really dont need to spend much on a probe, I bought one for £30 over twenty years ago which is 12/24v and later on for some strange reason convinced myself I needed another one for north of £140. Because the £30 one does everything you could ask of it the fancy one has never been out of the case. Whichever way you go you wont regret buying one.

Bob

 

[keithski122]

Good upgrade on a basic power probe is an o ring to hold the power button down.I upgraded to a powerprobe 3 a few years back,great tool but I don't do electrics anymore.

 

[Robotstar5]

I bought the Powerprobe 3 a few years ago and found it's ability to provide power the most useful bit still use a Fluke meter if I need to take accurate readings.

 

[Turbo]

I picked up this Power Probe 3 at an auction for less than £10.

Only used it a few times but it is extremely useful. The minimum voltage setting is great for diagnosing a duff battery. Not sure if I'd pay over £100 for a new one though.

 

[fzr phil]

Awesome bike!
I had exactly the same problem recently. it stunk out the garage with petrol fumes forcing me to put the bike outside. When i tried to start it wouldn't turn over and locked up.
Bit more time inbetween i managed to rock the engine to free it and started up (an almighty back-fire). Took it for a bit of a ride and some fresh petrol and hopefully it's ok again.
Put it down to a sticky float after a bit of discussion with a mate (who had a similar prob on an sv650 where he had to change carb).
Stripping the carbs off is big job, admire the commitment.

No fuel tap on our bikes, fuel pump and switch for reserve.

Good luck with it

Phil
95' FZR600R

 

[fzr phil]

I don't use a power probe, always have several dvm's around.
I Use fluke voltmeter and clampmeter at work
Did get myself an ac/dc clamp recently which is quite versatile.

You might pick up something in maplin if you're lucky before they close down all the stores.
Thanks
Phil

 

[CornishPete]

Cheers for your replies!
As for the bike I'm confident it's not the carb floats as they were all clean and free moving when I stripped them. I refitted them and put the bike back together. I put about 5 litres of fuel in the tank then next morning opened the sump plug and about 2 litres of fuel drained out. As there's no fuel tap on this bike this makes me think there's something stuck open in the fuel pump that should close when the ignition is off and gravity is pulling the fuel through the carbs, and down cylinders into the crankcase. Was thinking to take the pump off and use the power probe to power it to check it.

It is a great bike for the money just don't get enough time to ride it, to many planets need to align (wife, kids, work, weather etc...!)

 

[Ruffian]

If that''s all you want it for then just get 2 pieces of wire and jump it off a battery.

A volt meter would let you know when power is there.

If you just disconnect the battery overnight that will stop any power to the pump,

And if you remove the tank and pump and lines then you can see if the pump seals have gone.

 

[Agrismith]

As above the power probe 3 is ideal cant see needing any more features than it has
And for anyone that hasnt used one on automotive diagnosis it is so much more versatile than a test light and pluging into both sides of the battery makes life a lot easier than a multimeter and much more handy to use and diagnose problems with would definitely recommend trying the power probe 3 for thoose that think it will bring nothing to the table