Fuel Pump fuse kept blowing

[Speedy1959]

Hi all,

This morning I gave my bike a quick wash down with a fibre mitten and bucket of hot water as I usually do.. Rinsing the shampoo off with a spray from a hose (NOT A PRESSURE WASHER), then drying with micro fibre towel.

Then I got all togged up ready to go and meet some mates about 20 miles away for our usual Sunday ride out.
I nonchalantly pressed to starter (clutch in obviously) and she did NOT fire.
Started spinning but zero firing..

When you made arrangements to meet up and the bike doesn't start its tempting to panic..

I put my ear to the tank and switched on the ignition.. NO FUEL PUMP sound!

I whipped off the side panel cover and saw a 10 amp fuse (Red) marked FUEL..
I pulled the fuse and sure enough it had blown..
I put the spare fuse in, Pump running and she started right up instantly.
I rode the 20 miles and didn't think any more about it as I just thought (Hoped) it was "one of those random one off events"..
About half a mile from the meet up place is a small garage where I usually fuel up on a Sunday ready for a decent ride.

Got the fuel and hey presto she didn't start!!
Same symptoms again..
I pushed her off the forecourt out of the way of the Pumps and went into the garage and asked if they had any "mini fuses"..
They had a box full of various rated mini fuses.
I bought another 3 of the 10 amp fuses and 1 x 15 amp fuse..

I replaced the fuse but this time with a 15amp version and once again she started right up.
We did about 60 miles without an issue.
We stopped at a biker meet up place (Dick Turpins on the A59) for a brew etc..
I was holding my breath when it came time to start the bike..
She has since started a further 5 times without any issues (with the 15amp fuse fitted).
I know I shall be roasted for fitting a fuse of a higher rating..
But it only seemed to blow when turning on the key (sometimes).. It NEVER blew when I was actually riding.
Its as though the initial surge of the pump starting up blew the fuse (Sometimes)!!
Has anyone any suggestions or areas to investigate?

Would a dodgy Earth cause a fuse to blow?
I did feel the wired that lead to the fuel tank Pump / levewl sensor and they were NOT hot..

Any ideas?

S.

[Hooli]

I've had the wires under the tank snap once, so worth checking. I'd also check the multiplug to the tank and the big grey one under the side cover to check they are dry. Mine used to get wet from rain so a hose is more than enough.

Other option is the pump seizing and using too much current, but I've never heard of one failing on a 14 so I'd be very surprised if it was that

[Speedy1959]

Brilliant Holli
Thanks for such a thorough reply.
I will look at all your suggestions tomorrow in daylight.
Thanks again.
S.