I've been getting used to a certain amount of fuel coming out from under the CEANDESS filler cap. Generally attracting road grime and making the tank look untidy - no big deal - 'they all do that sir'.
I filled up locally and rode home - pulled up on the drive and saw fluid drip and splash on the exhausts. "Crumbs" I thought, "must be the radiator..." before panic set in! I stalled the bike on purpose, pulled the key out and stood well back!
Checked the tank neck was square, checked the spring in the cap, checked the rubber seal (all intact and no cracking or splitting), thought about adding a neoprene gasket, consulted the internet - "they all do that sir - don't fill it up too high" and then went back to check everything again.
The rubber gasket was fitted upside down. There are slight ridges on them which I assumed were in the right place to sit on the tank neck - but I think they are to seat the gasket correctly around the the plate that holds the gasket. Flipped it around so that its completely flush to the tank neck and no more issues. Tested by leaning the bike over and giving it a good shake - plus another 100 miles on a ride out.
Phew! Felt like a close call!
Fuel on a hot exhaust won't …
- Log in to post comments
Tell that to the insurer…
Basic pyro laws, fuel, air and ignition source. Fuel leaks are highly dangerous and should be addressed correctly. When it leaks from the filler it's heading for the hot engine parts and the ignition system. As a gas it is highly flammable. Don't turn blaz'e into a blaze!
- Log in to post comments
A close shave
My friend and I were returning from a rally at the height of summer here in Australia, temperature about 40 degrees C. We arrived at a town and filled up for the final leg of the trip. We called in on a friend in the town for a cold drink before starting for home. Our bikes were parked in full sunshine.
We started our engines, me on my Atlas and my friend on his 650 Triumph. He pulled over after a short distance with a geyser of petrol emanating from his fuel cap breather it was about 18 inches high. He eased of the filler cap to release the pressure and then drained some fuel out. He had filled up his tank to the max even though we only had 100 K to go.
So with the planet warming and high temperatures in Europe don't fill your tank to the max and then leave it in full sunshine.
- Log in to post comments
Had a KTM 950 with big…
Had a KTM 950 with big plastic saddle tanks. Brim that off on a hot day and that would wet itself too!
- Log in to post comments
Fuel on a hot exhaust won't (usually) catch fire..but give it a spark and!!!
Interesting link:
https://forums.firehouse.com/forum/fire-prevention-investigation/fire-investigation/14872-gasoline-hot-surface-ignition