Gas smell in garage since I bought the 99 IS

[buffy]

I assume I need a new gas cap. Is there an alternative to replacing the gas cap? I checked and the complete lockset with gas cap is $160, ouch. From what I understand the fumes are coming from a faulty gas cap which would have been covered under warranty. However, guess I'm stuck. I had a 97 std. and never had a problem one with it.
Thanks, buffy

[JimL]

Just an FYI, you may get more responses over in the Tech section of the board.

This seems to be a fairly common problem.  I solved the problem by going to AutoZone and purchasing some gasket material (make sure it is rated to withstand gasoline).  I carefully removed the gasket that is on the gas cap and measured it so that i could cut one from the gasket material that would fit underneath it.  I placed the new gasket on the cap and placed the old gasket back in place so that the new gasket set underneath it.  When I close the lid it closes bit more snug, however it did solved the gas smell that filled my garage.  

I read a post where someone else used a 43mm O-ring to fix the problem.

Hope this helps...

[clintsdivco]

I recently purchased a gas cap with lock assembly for my 2000 Interstate from Honda Directline for $46.26 plus $7.50 shipping. Below is a link directly to the fuel tank portion of their website for your 1999 Interstate.  Hate to see you pay $160 when I saw your post.  I'm not affiliated in any way to Honda Directline but have found them very reasonable on OEM parts.

Clint

[buffy]

Clint, do you have to carry 2 keys now, one for gas cap and one for the rest of the locks? I might try the gasket thing first. I thought I saw a post where the fumes sere coming through the lock assembly.
Thanks guys. buffy

[hubcapsc]

I got the whole lock set replacement kit from HDL for around $100, for a tourer. Bag locks, new ignition, new gas cap, new seat lock and new fork lock.

I wouldn't want to carry around two keys.

On the other hand, my tourer has always smelled gassy. It doesn't leak gas. The petcock is functioning properly. It never catches on fire.
I'm not sure it's a problem. Doesn't the gas cap act as a vent? Seems like it would naturally smell gassy...

-Mike

[asfltdncr]

As a 99 I/S owner, I have read about gas escaping through lock mechanism on gas cap and I was contemplating the same thing because of the same reason.There are three things that should be checked as well.The first is to eliminate the petcock for mine developed a leak and you would be able to see that.The next easiest thing is to treat the gas cap gasket with a little vasoline jelly to try and make it more plyable.The third and maybe most probable might be the gas tank vent line.This is a difficult little tubing to get on when the tank is removed for air filter maintenance.-------Then the gas cap.

[NiteRiderF6]

 It never catches on fire.

-Mike

That's a good thang, at least where I come from! 

There is a vent in the cap, but it's attached to that little tube that exits down by your kickstand. I'd take the cap off of the tank and put a new gasket underneath it. You shouldn't smell gas constantly on these bikes, even the lowly Interstate models.

[clintsdivco]

Clint, do you have to carry 2 keys now, one for gas cap and one for the rest of the locks? I might try the gasket thing first. I thought I saw a post where the fumes sere coming through the lock assembly.
Thanks guys. buffy[/quote\]

Unfortunately it came with a separate set of keys.  I didn't even check to see if the lock cylinder might be interchangeable as I did not use it on the bike.  I mounted it on the lid of my trailer that I painted to match my Valkery to give it a matching look to the bike.  I will look at it tomorrow and see if it looks like the cylinders my be interchangable.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Check your petcock. See any brownish stains on the outside (body) of it, or on the crankcase immediately below?

[Duey]

He/she can re-tumble them for a small fee. I had the bag tumblers done to match the ignition key. Cost me $10.

[buffy]

I pulled the rubber gasket yesterday and cut another gasket and placed under it. No gas smell this morning, I hope it's fixed.  Duey, who did you get to you get to re-tumble? Honda or a locksmith.
Thanks all,buffy

[Duey]

.

[Stanley Steamer]

I pulled the rubber gasket yesterday and cut another gasket and placed under it. No gas smell this morning, I hope it's fixed.  Duey, who did you get to you get to re-tumble? Honda or a locksmith.
Thanks all,buffy

the two screws that hold the cap on were able to be tightened up some and that allowed the gas cap to close a little tighter.....I haven't smelled any gas fumes since I did that....my next move was to have  added some more rubber to the gasket, but so far, so good!!.....

[old grouch]

Thought I would jump in with a thought.  Had the gas smell w/ my 99 I/S too, Honda dealer said only way to fix is new cap.  I remebered an old time mechanic had told me WD 40 swells & lubricates rubber, so I took the cap off, turned it upside down & filled the cap.  (don't ask why I have a galon jug of the stuff)  Left it overnite and no gas smell since.  Stan