Fuel Smell

[schoeney]

Remember I am not a good mechanic but with the help here and using Gadgets site I have been able to do quite a bit.

I recently installed a power outlet which required me to remove the fuel tank...the process was rather intimidating at first and I took it real slow and one step at a time and took time between each step to reflect and plan.

Now that I have done it I can see being able to do it in maybe a half hour in the future...only because I tend to go slow.

Anyhow to my point. After I got everything done and took it out for a spin everything was fine.

The next day I took another ride and when I took off I smelled fuel. I looked under the tank and didn't see anything and kept riding....never smelled it again (about a 30 mile stop and go ride).

When I got home I got to thinking about the one connection that requires you to squeeze on both sides of the fitting (not the one with the wire clamp) and push up then down to remove it.

When I connected it the final time I was thinking I should push it all the way up as far as it can go then let go.....it seemed like it "clicked" and fit real good. But now I am wondering if I should not have pushed it all the way up because now if I remove it I wouldn't be able to push "up" on it before pulling down on it.

If I understand it correctly this line is pressurized and I am wondering if it corrected itself (and slid back down a little over the "bump" on the fitting) and spit out the obligatory teaspoon of fuel the first time since I don't have the smell anymore and the bike runs fine.

Any thoughts or similar experience???

I also cleaned the throttle bodies w/toothbrush + throttle body spray cleaner....now that was as easy as anything...took about 5 minutes and I can notice better throttle response and idle. I think I will do that at every oil change.

[cactusjack]

You're sitting on top of 5 gallons of gasoline. You are bound to smell it now and then. However, since you recently removed the tank, it may be worth checking the fuel line connection and the 3 hoses to make sure they are on securely. Well, my bike has 3 rubber hoses, not sure about yours. just re-check everything you disconnected.

[dogdoc]

I removed my tank recently and hardly lost a couple drops of fuel. And no fuel smell after putting tank back on. I just pushed the fuel line together till she clicked. Check all your fittins again. Watch for leakage too.

[macmac]

Cali models have 3 hoses for fuel related devices...

The main line with the gray pinch clips, a canister fuel in line, a return for vaprs really, and the over flow if you over fill, which also goes to the canister.

There is a 4th hose from the canister to the plastic cross over air filtered pipe too.. but this doesn't go to the tank.

Any injected model NOT for Cal has just the main fuel line with the pinch clips and a over flow going to the ground at the right rear of the tank as seated.

The other line far forward and right side as seated is a rain drain, for when it rains and water gathers under the filler cap edge.

At times when the fuel tank has been heated by the engine and or the sun, some bikes make a noise. This is a sort of buzzing, or whistle noise and is due to the tank breather set up.

My bike does this, but I don't mind it, and so didn't do anything to fix it, but you can.

When it does this I can smell fuel.

The cap is not so fuel tight as you might guess. When I crashed in 05 I had just filled the bike, and it was down, wheels high, with some fuel pouring from the key hole.

When I install the main fuel line I don't really pull it back after the click. When I start the engine I do look for any leaks, but so far found none. When I go to pull the clips off I pinch, then twist the clip to break the O Ring free.

I have never seen this fitting leak more than 3 drops when pulling it off, and have never seen fuel putting it back on.

I do take a moment to make sure no dirt got in the fitting, and if this would be off over night I cover it with a clean rag.

I doubt there is any problem.

The other tubings I add a drop of engine oil to them so they won't be stuck like they are from the factory. One on Flavors bike was so stuck it broke off at the tank fitting, but that was replaced with a cap being a Cali bike in New England... It ain't a cali bike no more...

[ringadingh]

I doubt its the main pressurized line, if it wasn't clipped on properly it may blow off and you would definately notice it then. My hunch is it may have been a vent line, possibly kinked or seeping a few drops. If you don't notice it any more I wouldn't worry about it to much.

[schoeney]

Thanks again everyone.

[bkmaxvrb]

Schoeney,

One more place to check: Take off the seat. Check the bracket welded on the tank that allows it to be bolted to the frame. Make sure there isn't a pinhole sized hole in the weld. It will be on the top of the weld and bracket. You'll know pretty well if the paint is peeling or chipped.

That's what happened to me. I removed my tank to run a wire and replaced it. I think the removal caused the paint to flex and finally chip. Once the paint wasn't covering the hole, it leaked. It tended to pool inside the left side cover. It took me a couple of days and really ticked me off before I found it.

Just a thought and a good place to look in your diagnostics.

Russ

[macmac]

Originally Posted by bkmaxvrb

Schoeney,

One more place to check: Take off the seat. Check the bracket welded on the tank that allows it to be bolted to the frame. Make sure there isn't a pinhole sized hole in the weld. It will be on the top of the weld and bracket. You'll know pretty well if the paint is peeling or chipped.

That's what happened to me. I removed my tank to run a wire and replaced it. I think the removal caused the paint to flex and finally chip. Once the paint wasn't covering the hole, it leaked. It tended to pool inside the left side cover. It took me a couple of days and really ticked me off before I found it.

Just a thought and a good place to look in your diagnostics.

Russ

That's Right! I forget about the defective tank problem the Nomad doesn't have, but then it does! If the fuel tank is the culprit it will seep where the seat covers it. Ma Kawwii might squak on the 'REPLACEMENT' but they sort of have no choice but to replace the tank, because their robots don't always weld so very well.

[schoeney]

I will check that....but no smell the last couple rides so I think I am OK...Thanks guys.

[Todd]

Maybe just filled up a little too much and it came out the vent or overflow tube....I have had that happen in the past when I went too far up into the neck of the fuel fill.