Motorcycle Repair: 1983 honda shadow vt750c, fuel pump relay, pain in the arse

Question
Regarding the manual, i downloaded one last night and its a great manual but it doesnt say anything about the turn key carb prime mechanism, the fuel pump priming the jets has nothing to do with the fuel lines being clogged. the fuel pump simply isnt getting any power. ive tested it with a test light while running and when only turning the key to the on position. P.s I got it running by manually connecting the pump to the battery to prime the carbs.


Heres a copy of the first question

hello, i have a 1983 honda shadow vt750c, the fuel pump wont prime the jets when i turn the key but the bike runs fine once theres fuel in the carbs.. its a pain in the arse to start but runs good.... i got a new fuel pump relay cut off, and a check unit, and i tested two fuel pumps. one which i know for sure works. and it still wont pump gas to prepare the bike to be started. im sure there is a general idea would have on how to trouble shoot this.. and your the only one available for questions. thanks

Answer
You need to get a workshop manual.  Since you are doing the work yourself, and saving the cost of a delaer or mechanic, you should spend money on the right manual!  Then you should be able to find out if there is a timer, or a preset sensor to allow the carbs to be primed.  Usually these things fail because of corrosion, loose wires or stuck because of old gas.

Good luck,  Jan