K died on the side of Route 2.

[beemrdon]

A couple of days ago I was flogging my Kay 11 on Route 2, a divided 4 lane highway in Massachusetts, (average speed 70) and smelled burning brake. I didn't know where it was coming from since there was a fair amount of traffic so I pulled over to check out my brakes. It wasn't me but when I went to start "her", it was a no-go. So I was thinking...now what?
After a few minutes I tried again with the same result. So after about five minutes, I pressed the starter button a third time and also twisted the throttle like in the old days of carbs ...and vroom. I made the 60 mile trip home with a few periods of hesitation to make it interesting but got back without further incident.
Later in the driveway with the K on the center stand and in neutral, I turned the key several times so as to listen to the fuel pump. It squealed weirdly and made a different noise each time I repeated turning on the key.
So next I replaced the fuel filter. That seems to have made a difference. The fuel pump was back to making the regular sound that a fuel pump makes. But now I don't trust it.
I just bought a replacement off of Ebay for $17.99 and free shipping. The thought is that because it is much smaller than the stock unit, I will keep it in the tail section along with the tools...just in case.
BUT, before I do that I am going to test it out to see if it works by installing and going for a ride.
The link to this unit is here...http://www.ebay.com/itm/331387290009?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
$17.99 and free shipping...such a deeeeeal........ :deal:

[Martin]

Don have you got the filter screen fitted, sort of sounds like you might of sucked up a bogey. When you get it out try reversing the polarity a few times, short bursts.
Regards Martin

[beemrdon]

Hey Martin, thanks for the polarity reversal idea. Awesome tip. I am going to open the tank up again tomorrow to investigate further and this time remove the FP and do the polarity reversal. The screen may be dislodged, who knows?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

When you pull the pump you might want to install some blade connectors in the wires to it.  The OEM pump has ring terminals, but your new replacement has 1/4" blades.  Cutting the wires and putting blades in to splice the rings back on will make a roadside changeover a lot easier.  All you will have to do is pull the ring terminals off the end of the wires.

[alexis291]

Good idea about the terminals because when I removed my pump recently the terminal post which is in the plastic housing at the top of the pump spun round and broke the wire internally. I couldn't tell this was happening until it was too late.
I did manage to open up the casing of the pump, solder the wire back on and reassemble the pump but it wasn't easy. Certainly not a roadside repair. I have spade terminals on my pump now.