Gas fumes

[ammpro]

Recently installed an over-sized windshield, which creates a low pressure zone in front of me, and now smell gas fumes, especially at low speed and stops. Any clues?
Frank

[sandy]

How many miles on the bike? What MPG are you getting? These beasts run rich but I leaned mine and now get better mileage. I'd run some carb cleaner to free up floats and clean seats in case they're leaking. Shut off the petcock to prevent hydrolock.

[ammpro]

40k miles.
Depends on speed: 25mpg @ 80mph; 40mpg @ 50mph. I average around 33mpg.
I picked the bike up about 3 months ago, with 32k miles. Lots of winter storage time, so sticky gunky carbs could be an issue.
I'll give the carb cleaner a try. Thanks.
Frank

[john]

  sandy ....               
" These beasts run rich but I leaned mine and now get better mileage " .

 I have been told that a leaner carb adjustment make for  increased
engine operating temperature and thus enabling more efficient  fuel burn .     ???
have you noticed any increase in engine temperature 
along with the better mileage ...        

[Tfrank59]

Recently installed an over-sized windshield, which creates a low pressure zone in front of me, and now smell gas fumes, especially at low speed and stops. Any clues?
Frank

If the change occurred immediately when you installed the windshield, then there's probably nothing to worry about.  That low-pressure zone you mentioned is exactly where the gas fumes, and additional noise, gathers.  I smell a lot of fumes right there with my bike, and I think that's the norm.  You might just want to make sure that your gas cap's doing its job however.

[ammpro]

Thanks for the input. I've added some carb cleaner, checked the gas cap seal, and may have the mixture checked...

[Ramie]

Check  your carb and intake boots (18 of them), once I tightened mine up the faint smell of fuel disappeared.

[NCGhostrider]

Check your gas cap.  The rubber is getting old.  Mine does it too.  You smell it for the first 80 miles then it stops.  If you are smelling it, and stop.  Smell around your cap. It will be noticeable.

Craig
NcGhostrider
99 I/S

[Gryphon Rider]

If the change occurred immediately when you installed the windshield, then there's probably nothing to worry about.  That low-pressure zone you mentioned is exactly where the gas fumes, and additional noise, gathers.  I smell a lot of fumes right there with my bike, and I think that's the norm.  You might just want to make sure that your gas cap's doing its job however.

I don't think your logic passes muster.  I think both of you have a gas leakage problem that needs to be addressed.  Smelling gas while riding is simply not normal.  I have a Tourer and I don't smell gas.

[ammpro]

Thanks, guys...
I have checked and reseated all rubber on the intake side, but have not replaced gas cap seal.
I'll try that next and let you know if it helps.

[Pete]

Soak the gas cap seal with silicone, It will swell and soften iti helping the seal.

Place a piece of tape over the cap key hole as the smell may be coming from there.

[ammpro]

Will do. Thanks.

[sandy]

  sandy ....               
" These beasts run rich but I leaned mine and now get better mileage " .

 I have been told that a leaner carb adjustment make for  increased
engine operating temperature and thus enabling more efficient  fuel burn .     ???
have you noticed any increase in engine temperature 
along with the better mileage ...        

I have the TelTru oil temp gauge. Here in AZ (108 today) , I run about 210 at 70 MPH. As soon as I slow, it comes down to 205 ish. No problems and I have 150K on the old girl.

[NCGhostrider]

Had a little time today to explore this problem.  Tank was full, went for a ride, and sure enough at slow speeds, the smell was there on mine.  when I pulled into my parking spot (slightly uphill), I stopped and opened the cap after smelling around it (there was the smell of gas).   I opened it, and the rubber gasket was wet all the way around.   I don' t think the gasket is a stand alone part.  Looks like you have to order the complete gas cap assembly.  

I did take it off to explore some options.  I didn' t find anything that suited a reasonable repair.

I don't think you would notice this as easily on a tourer or standard, even with the windshield.  The I/S fairing is fairly substantial, and at certain speeds a vacuum/stationary air pocket is created around the top of the gas cap.  

This is something that should be repaired.  Smelling gas fumes is not only annoying, but if the cap is capable of passing gas (snuck that in) in the upright position, then if you dumped bike, how bad could it be with a hot engine and .....?

Smelling gas around the gas cap does not rule out other problems, if you have ever had your carbs off and apart, there are numerous places that could allow drips in the supply system.  

In my case, I started noticing the smell within the last couple of years.  It always goes away when I am near empty or below a half a tank.   I didn't chase it down last year because I didn't get to ride any.  I have never smelled the fumes when I was servicing the bike, even with it running and syncing carbs etc.  

Guess this kills my cigar smoking while riding until I fix it...  

This has been discussed before..  Meant to post this earlier

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,57951.0.html

My .02 worth.  Take it for what it is worth...

Craig
NcGhostride
99 I/S  <<<aging beautifully, even today someone had to ask couldn't believe she was 16..

[doubletee]

I need to employ the O-ring fix, but I'm not sure I'll be able to close the cap with it on there. My cap already requires quite a bit of force to latch. An O-ring with a 1/8" cross-section might be too much. Maybe the silicone soak will work.

[Jess from VA]

There are other discussions of guys cutting a thin piece of rubber (or something flexible) and just sistering it over the existing gasket to give a better seal.  (If you can't find the exact right size Oring)

[ammpro]

I really appreciate all the help. I had shoulder surgery, last Friday, and will not be posting for a while, but will get back to it when I am able.
Frank

[mustang071965]

had the same from mine this year. the gas cap seal had shrunk. used PB blaster to soak the seal ( it was still good no cuts ) PB blaster will make the seal ( rubber ) swell back out to its original size. works great on toilet o ring to.

[Joevalk]

Beano helps, I've heard

[ammpro]

Only for the passenger...

[ammpro]

What is PB Blaster?

[Tfrank59]

It's basically penetrating oil that you spray on to fasteners.  I think the EPA banned the stuff not sure.

[nogrey]

If the change occurred immediately when you installed the windshield, then there's probably nothing to worry about.  That low-pressure zone you mentioned is exactly where the gas fumes, and additional noise, gathers.  I smell a lot of fumes right there with my bike, and I think that's the norm.  You might just want to make sure that your gas cap's doing its job however.

I don't think your logic passes muster.  I think both of you have a gas leakage problem that needs to be addressed.  Smelling gas while riding is simply not normal.  I have a Tourer and I don't smell gas.

While you both may have a gas problem that needs to be addressed,   let's talk about the Valkyrie for a moment (ha ha).
Every Valkyrie I've ridden smells rich to me. I've had lots, so just sayin'. It seems to be more pronounced on the ones with windshields. Just my experience here.
The gas mileage figures that you posted are equal to most I've ridden or ride with. To me, that means it's probably tuned properly. One can certainly play with the slow jet settings but unless what you're experiencing is more extreme than I am perceiving (which could be, you didn't include any smells for us to sample  ), then it sounds like there's not an issue....again, just my opinion. No need to get the flame guns out.

[nogrey]

had the same from mine this year. the gas cap seal had shrunk. used PB blaster to soak the seal ( it was still good no cuts ) PB blaster will make the seal ( rubber ) swell back out to its original size. works great on toilet o ring to.

Wow, learning that was worth the price of admission right there! Funny, I was just wondering if anything would swell old rubber o-rings just a day ago. I've been experiencing a very minor, but noticeable oil leak out of one of the valve cover screws, which have seals in them. I was able to get another seal and repair the problem (can't have my valkyrie leaking oil, it's just not good form!). Wish I'd have known this. I use PB Blaster all the time. Greatest invention since WD-40 and Duct tape!

[ammpro]

Those cylinder head cover bolt rubber washers appear to be available, from Honda...

BTW, McMaster-Carr is an excellent source for lots of various hardware parts. I generally purchase small lots of bolts, washers, nuts (usually stainless) from them. McMaster.com

Frank

[mustang071965]

Pb blaster can still bought at Walmart and most auto parts. It is a penetrateing fluid that is used to remove rusted bolts. Have used it for years on the equipment I work on. Great for swelling rubber that has shrunk from age.

[Tfrank59]

If the change occurred immediately when you installed the windshield, then there's probably nothing to worry about.  That low-pressure zone you mentioned is exactly where the gas fumes, and additional noise, gathers.  I smell a lot of fumes right there with my bike, and I think that's the norm.  You might just want to make sure that your gas cap's doing its job however.

I don't think your logic passes muster.  I think both of you have a gas leakage problem that needs to be addressed.  Smelling gas while riding is simply not normal.  I have a Tourer and I don't smell gas.

While you both may have a gas problem that needs to be addressed,   let's talk about the Valkyrie for a moment (ha ha).
Every Valkyrie I've ridden smells rich to me. I've had lots, so just sayin'. It seems to be more pronounced on the ones with windshields. Just my experience here.
The gas mileage figures that you posted are equal to most I've ridden or ride with. To me, that means it's probably tuned properly. One can certainly play with the slow jet settings but unless what you're experiencing is more extreme than I am perceiving (which could be, you didn't include any smells for us to sample  ), then it sounds like there's not an issue....again, just my opinion. No need to get the flame guns out.

Yeah, I used the wrong word saying "gas fumes"  What I smell with my bike is something like exhaust fumes, and that's not when I'm going, it's when she first starts up sitting there it's that rich mixture smell that I believe is normal for these beasts.  My mileage is also right there with what I'm seeing others are getting and she runs like a scalded dog.

[ammpro]

This is all good stuff to know, and I really appreciate the healthy feedback.

[Jess from VA]

it's when she first starts up sitting there it's that rich mixture smell that I believe is normal for these beasts.

Especially from the 3 low-side cylinders (on the side stand); that's where the white vapor (not smoke) comes from on colder mornings too.  There is a decent little bit of gas below the petcock in our fuel systems, after shutting the bike down and turning off the petcock.

That said, a number of folks have reported a strong gas smell in the garage, days after riding, and it is often a poor gas cap gasket.   I've never smelled this on my two bikes in a 10 X 12 shed.

[ammpro]

Interesting. The gas odor from mine is usually when slowing down to a stop.
On the other note:
That strong exhaust smell is certainly indicative of running rich.

When my shoulder permits, I shall do a little work on this.
Frank

[baldo]

Those cylinder head cover bolt rubber washers appear to be available, from Honda...

BTW, McMaster-Carr is an excellent source for lots of various hardware parts. I generally purchase small lots of bolts, washers, nuts (usually stainless) from them. McMaster.com

Frank

We use McMaster for just about everything in our turbine shop. I am amazed at how fast they deliver. I don't care what you order. If you place the order before noon, you'll have it next day. Their catalog is pretty well laid out, although the on-line search could be improved upon. Very good company.

Bob

[Bighead]

Interesting. The gas odor from mine is usually when slowing down to a stop.
On the other note:
That strong exhaust smell is certainly indicative of running rich.

When my shoulder permits, I shall do a little work on this.
Frank

They all run a bit rich don't screw with the carbs if smell is your only problem.