Gas leak

[Brookwood Valk]

Good afternoon.  While warming my Valk (99 Standard) today, I noticed a huge gas leak.  Leak is not really the right word - this is not a drip.  The gas is steadily running out of a hose under the tank.  I don't know what the hose is supposed to be connected to and I cannot imagine how it could have come loose. Unfortunately, I can't reach it to plug it and I am not not sure what to do to stop it from emptying the tank.

More importantly, have any of you ever had something like this happen?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Valk Rider in FLowery Branch, Georgia

[fudgie]

Open the gas cap and see if it stops.

[Brookwood Valk]

Thanks, I tried that and it did not work.  I also cut off the gas on the reserve switch and that didn't work either.

[Gryphon Rider]

Did you fill the tank while holding the bike upright to get as much gas in as possible? The cool gas from the underground tank will warm and expand, sending the excess fuel through the vent tube.

[Ricky-D]

Well, it must be empty by now!!!!!

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[saddlesore]

Well, it must be empty by now!!!!!

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I was thinking the same thing.
 If the fingers are too big use a needle nose pliers.
There must be more than one problem there.
The hose is off AND the shutoff valve defective?

[Momz]

Your vent tube that goes inside your gas tank may be rusted through.
It is not uncommon on Valks that have been sitting unused for long periods of time. Trust me on this one.

[AZdougness]

Check the carb vent lines... I just went through this same problem, it was a stuck float valve. Track this down quickly.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,52767.0.html

[Brookwood Valk]

Thank you for the link to the previous discussion.  The hose (with the uppermost arrow) is where it was leaking.  The picture was very helpful. 

I appreciate the help.

Have a good week.

[salty1]

Check the carb vent lines... I just went through this same problem, it was a stuck float valve. Track this down quickly.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,52767.0.html

+1 A stuck float valve.    It may break loose.

[Oklahoma_Valk]

Thank you for the link to the previous discussion.  The hose (with the uppermost arrow) is where it was leaking.  The picture was very helpful. 

I appreciate the help.

Have a good week.

Make sure you solve the source of this problem. The source of this problem is a "stuck" carburetor float valve. The carbs need to be removed and "gone through/overhauled" in order to stop the leak and prevent a potential hydrolock situation.

Oklahoma_Valk

[kyllini]

Sounds like the same kind of leak I had but thought it was the petcock (turned it from off to ON and then again to Reserve).
The bike was running and leaking fuel from somewhere on the top. The exhaust pipes were blowing white smoke. I just shut the bike off and turned the fuel off.
Then later turned it back to ON and started the bike, it wasn't leaking any more and ran fine but did smell like gas.
The carbs were rebuilt last year by a professional shop - think it cost the previous owner almost $1000.
Do I need another rebuild or just run some Seafoam or Techron through the engine and (as planned) change out the petcock with a non-vacuum manual one?
I also thought the only way you can get hydrolock was through a leak in the petcock seal which would allow gas to run down through the vent line.
Wow - now I'm really confused!

[Ricky-D]

Start with a new petcock.

You choose.

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[salty1]

Start with a new petcock.

You choose.

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+1 on replacing the petcock. If you had a sticking float needle, it has broken loose. Ride the bike and give it good dose of Berryman's Chemtool in the next couple of tanks. Be sure and ride far enough to burn most of the mixture before putting in fresh fuel. Every month or two repeat the process, but drop the use of the additive to once instead of twice. You might prefer Seafoam or Techron, your choice.

[kyllini]

OK good - (back on track) - I'll change the petcock (got a Golan non-vacuum (like the detent)) a Dan Marc solenoid for those senile moments I forget to turn it off manually.
I know I don't need to but old habits die hard.
With any luck I'll be riding again by Sunday.

Mucho Thanks guys!

[Oklahoma_Valk]

The Dan Marc has become one of my most favorite mods. The peace of mind is priceless, and I enjoy not having to turn the petcock off and on every time I ride.

Keep us updated!

Okie

[kyllini]

Will do - Thx

[fudgie]

The Dan Marc has become one of my most favorite mods. The peace of mind is priceless, and I enjoy not having to turn the petcock off and on every time I ride.

Keep us updated!

Okie

I dont shut my pingel off every time and been lucky I guess. If I'm off the bike less then a hour, it stays on. Left it on for 2 weeks in the garage and all has been well. 

[kyllini]

I guess if you don't have a sticking float - then no harm done.

[Ricky-D]

A testament to the quality of the carburetors on the Valkyrie.

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