Went LED - Lights flicker

[JimF2424]

Just installed LED Headlight and side lights from Eagle Lights.  They work good.   When the bike is running, I get a small flicker which is from the fuel pump.  You can notice it a lot when I first turn the key on, but not as much once it's running.  When running, you can notice it a little.  Does anyone have an ideal how to eliminate it all together.   The fuel pump is connected to the spare connection above the relay which runs from the key switch.

[Avanti]

Do you have a belly tank?

[JimF2424]

Yes, I have a belly tank.

[Avanti]

I would start by checking the charging system with a test meter. Also verify a good battery along with making sure the system is grounded properly.

[Jess from VA]

I'm an auto electric idiot, but I've been told that problems with LEDs are very often grounding issues. 

[JimF2424]

There's nothing wrong with the electrical or fuel pump.   I can unplug the fuel pump and start the bike, it will run for a while without the pump running, I kown that for a fact, because I've gone about two miles before it runs out of gas in the line and floats.   I unplug the pump, start the bike and the lights don't flicker.   Searching you tube and for vehicles they have Anti Flicker Capacitor's,  thinking of buying one and trying it.  There not that expensive.   Still open to feed back.   Thanks.

[John Schmidt]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe you need the fuel pump to be running to operate the bike. I was under the impression it was used only to replenish the the main tank when needed, therefore not running all the time. Can someone fill me in on that?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe you need the fuel pump to be running to operate the bike. I was under the impression it was used only to replenish the the main tank when needed, therefore not running all the time. Can someone fill me in on that?

Some people set them up that way. The normal way (how they were designed) was for them to feed out of the belly tank with the pump running all the time.

[John Schmidt]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe you need the fuel pump to be running to operate the bike. I was under the impression it was used only to replenish the main tank when needed, therefore not running all the time. Can someone fill me in on that?

Some people set them up that way. The normal way (how they were designed) was for them to feed out of the belly tank with the pump running all the time.

Thanks Rob, I've never had a belly tank so not familiar with the plumbing arrangement. I guess I never needed one, always used my fuel gauge and mileage to let me know when I needed to refuel...along with the condition of my keester after 2+ hours in the saddle. 

[Skinhead]

If the flicker occurs while idling, it is probably due to low alternator output at idle.  You could probably increase idle speed, but if the bike runs, why bother?  Perhaps one of our electrical experts could comment on if adding a condenser to the light circuit would help, but I personally wouldn't bother.

[JimF2424]

I will be rerouting the fuel pump to run from the battery with a relay.  I think this will solve the problem.
Will post results after the work, maybe this holiday weekend.

[Challenger]

I put Auxito LED in my Std. It flickered and the light out put was washed out by 50 feet. Actualy had a car pull over as he thought I was a motor cop. Went back to Sylvania Silver Star.

[Pluggy]

I put Auxito LED in my Std. It flickered and the light out put was washed out by 50 feet. Actualy had a car pull over as he thought I was a motor cop. Went back to Sylvania Silver Star.

Glad you have a Silver Star to keep on riding. Yours is not the only bike to flicker an LED.  That's a sign the "bulb" is not getting a smooth flow of DC.  Are you using a replacement alternator?  Installed any elctrical accessories? 

The Auxito LED works well in my bike.  If you lived close by, we could make some measurements and get to the bottom of this.

[Challenger]

Appreciate the offer, but I'm ok with the headlight for now. Have an I/S if need to ride at night. Std has original alt with new brushes and a Bons smart switch thats been on there for 5 years. LEDs in spots are rock steady. All connections were cleaned last winter. Might be the electronic relay in the Bons.

[Avanti]

Some of those relays would get corrosion between the solder joints causing shorts.

[Pluggy]

Appreciate the offer, but I'm ok with the headlight for now. Have an I/S if need to ride at night. Std has original alt with new brushes and a Bons smart switch thats been on there for 5 years. LEDs in spots are rock steady. All connections were cleaned last winter. Might be the electronic relay in the Bons.

Should you wish to experiment....  Install the headlight LED and put a small charger on the battery.  Turn on the bike without starting the engine.  If the LED is bright and does not flicker, the source of the flicker is likely related to the alternator or rectifier in it.  If, with the engine not running you see the flicker, it is  likely related to a component or connection in the electrical system.

[Pluggy]

There's nothing wrong with the electrical or fuel pump.   I can unplug the fuel pump and start the bike, it will run for a while without the pump running, I kown that for a fact, because I've gone about two miles before it runs out of gas in the line and floats.   I unplug the pump, start the bike and the lights don't flicker.   Searching you tube and for vehicles they have Anti Flicker Capacitor's,  thinking of buying one and trying it.  There not that expensive.   Still open to feed back.   Thanks.

Yes, try the capacitor.  The old halogen bulbs, or any bulb with a filament, stores some energy.  The capacitor should store evergy and provide a smoother flow of direct current to the LED.

[JimF2424]

Fixed the flickering with a relay.  Worked great.