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Author Topic: Garage reeks of gas  (Read 1700 times)
Grimmpatrick
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Posts: 39

Mesa, AZ


« on: November 08, 2022, 06:33:46 AM »

Hey, guys. I thought I'd reach out to the collective before bugging my mechanic.

I took her out for a spin the other day and everything seemed fine. As usual, she runs like a top. The next morning, however, my garage is full of gas fumes. My first fear was hydrolock, but I blipped the starter and she sounded good, so I tried to fire her up and, as usual, no problems.

There's no gas on the floor and that's about as far as I've gotten. Any ideas?
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Chrisj CMA
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Posts: 14756


Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2022, 06:42:41 AM »

The gas cap is a frequent culprit. It helps to open the cap after parking. Use a napkin to wipe the gasket and then close. Throw the napkin away outside.
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Grimmpatrick
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Posts: 39

Mesa, AZ


« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2022, 06:47:57 AM »

Thanks, Chris. I'll give it a shot. I just think it's weird that one day it was fine, the next I've got a garage full of fumes.
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ckahler
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Posts: 59

Glen Allen, VA


« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2022, 08:36:11 AM »

Was the petcock turned off? Check for any wet areas on the carbs and around the fuel rails. A leak can be slow enough that the gas evaporates before getting to the garrage floor.
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98 Valkyrie
85 V65 Magna
85 VT500c Shadow
81 KZ305
Avanti
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Posts: 1403


Stoughton, Wisconsin


« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2022, 08:51:54 AM »

I use a product called Rubber Care. I think ethanol dries out the gasket which causes a poor sealing surface, so I treat the rubber and other plastic monthly on the bike and other vehicles.
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Jess from VA
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Posts: 30395


No VA


« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2022, 01:16:04 PM »

This (fumes with no leak) is often a dried out gas cap gasket.

There are several fixes; one is a big Oring that fits perfectly (in a post on here somewhere), and the other is to cut up a bicycle inner tube to make another gasket and sister it over the old one.
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RP#62
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Gilbert, AZ


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« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2022, 03:26:27 PM »

Also look at lower side of the petcock to see if it looks wet.

-RP
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longrider
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Posts: 557


Vernon, B.C. Canada


« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2022, 06:26:44 PM »

If the OP has fueled to FULL within 20 or 30 miles at a bit higher elevation and/or lower ambient temps (eg Payson) then parks in the garage the colder fuel will warm up from engine heat under the tank causing fumes to come out of the vent tube under the m/c until engine is cooler.
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Grimmpatrick
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Posts: 39

Mesa, AZ


« Reply #8 on: November 21, 2022, 05:44:43 AM »

Good Morning, VRCC crew.

I'm sorry it's been a couple of weeks since the last update. I work from home now, so the commute doesn't require a ride any more.

Thank you all for your suggestions. FYI, I haven't changed elevation and the tank was only about a third full on that original ride.

I took her out yesterday just to see how she ran (like a clock) and to see if the gas smell came back. Nothing. Not even a whiff. I think it's rare for something to self correct, but it seems like that's what happened. I'm still a little concerned, but all seems to be well for now.
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