Fuel System Leak

[Wildman73]

I got my '98 STD out after the long winter wait, got it started and out in the driveway. Everything was running great and smooth but then I looked down and saw fluid pooling under the front of the engine. It was running out behind the radiator. It smells like gas. I want to replace all the rubber hoses, etc for the fuel system. I went ahead and bought the Clymer manual which helped me get the air box out but it's useless for the parts of the fuel system I want to replace. It just says to label everything as you take it apart and gives no pictures or anything else. There are a lot of hoses in that area and some sort of big valve assy with 2 huge hoses and 1 or more medium ones coming in and out of it. Where can I get good info on all of this and what connects to what? This is a 49 state bike. Also, where do I get all of the replacements? I have no desire to do any mods. The bike has 80k plus on it and has run great ever since I got it. It ain't broke (except for the leak) so I don't want to change anything that doesn't need it.
Thanks for any and all help.

Paul

[Mooskee]

Look around and try to identify where the fuel is leaking from. Likely sources are the fuel rail O-rings, or from the overflow tubes which go to the front carb bracket and are open to atmosphere. since you have the airbox off, you will have to get the fuel petcock open by drawing a slight vacuum on the rubber tube that connects to the #6 carb.

Fuel rail leaks are common after sitting. The O-rings dry out. Look at the connections between the carbs in line with the Ts that are connected to the fuel line coming off the petcock.

If it is coming from the overflow, you have a stuck float bowl level float and/or a bad float bowl needle valve.

Bottom line is if you can tell us where the gas is coming from we can guide you through fixing it. It probably isn't as bad as it feels right now.

[Ramie]

You can download the factory manual here.

http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

[Wildman73]

Thanks for the link. That will help.

Paul

[Wildman73]

Look around and try to identify where the fuel is leaking from. Likely sources are the fuel rail O-rings, or from the overflow tubes which go to the front carb bracket and are open to atmosphere. since you have the airbox off, you will have to get the fuel petcock open by drawing a slight vacuum on the rubber tube that connects to the #6 carb.

Fuel rail leaks are common after sitting. The O-rings dry out. Look at the connections between the carbs in line with the Ts that are connected to the fuel line coming off the petcock.

If it is coming from the overflow, you have a stuck float bowl level float and/or a bad float bowl needle valve.

Bottom line is if you can tell us where the gas is coming from we can guide you through fixing it. It probably isn't as bad as it feels right now.

Are you suggesting that I put the tank back on without the airbox and try to get the fuel flowing to find the leak? I'm not sure where to look at this point with the tank on. That tank hides a lot of stuff. When the engine was running the gas was dripping in the middle of the frame behind the radiator.

[John Schmidt]

Spend a couple $$ and get an external tank, it will hold enough to let the motor run for quite a while. Just have a small petcock between it and the inlet hose that connects to the tank petcock. I'll bet it won't leak now that you've soaked the o-rings with fuel.

[Mooskee]

Are you suggesting that I put the tank back on without the airbox and try to get the fuel flowing to find the leak? I'm not sure where to look at this point with the tank on. That tank hides a lot of stuff. When the engine was running the gas was dripping in the middle of the frame behind the radiator.

If you want to run it to check for leaks, get an auxiliary fuel tank as John suggested.
I have this one. It works well.

[Lrndthehardway]

I just found I have a "seeping" leak from where the front mount is welded to the tank, wouldnt hurt to take a look there. I only noticed because it looked wet under there on both sides, and the paint was bubbled.