Smelling Gas

[NW roller]

Hello all I am new to the site. I have purchased a 1999 IS. I rode it from El Paso Tex to Dunkirk Md to get it home 2,214 miles not bad for first trip. My question is I Have a strong smell of gas while riding now. I drained that hose underneath the bike near the rear brake pedal. I am still getting a strong smell. I see no leaks. Is this common on these bikes? I ahve the factory repair manuel could it be the air cleaner? Any help would be appreciated.

[fudgie]

Can you narrow it down to where it is comming from? Alot get it from the gas cap itself. Usually a new or homemade gasket will fix it. I get a smell when I hit resv to. Make sure you didnt spill any also. Turn the petcock off to when parked.

[NW roller]

I did notice that when I lean down while going down the road the smell was rather strong from the gas cap. Would a new factory gasket work? Do they dry out after awhile and just don't seal as good?

[Red Diamond]

When I got my I/S 4 yrs ago, I smelled gas on occassions. Someone on the board suggest I lube the gas cap gasket. I used vasoline on the gasket, but did not like the reaction between the vasoline and the gas, so I wiped it off. I think this helped to eleminate some of the fume smell.

[Colin]

I had the same problem but mine was a leak from the fuel line T piece where it actually goes into to the carbs BUT I could also see gas dripping from here when the engine was running. Put it on the stand and check with the engine running for any drips anywhere on the route from the petcock to the carbs. Some of it you may have to check with your hands following the fuel line as you can't see under the airbox so do it immediately after you start up with a cold engine. 

[Jabba]

Mine is the gas cap.  When it crops up... I just rub some engine oil from the dipstick on it.  Then it goeas away for a couple weeks.  Then repeat as necessary.

I'll replace the gasket, eventually, but I never remember when I could actually DO it.

Jabba

[glassguy]

check the intake o-rings