Strong Gas Smell
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Strong Gas Smell
I have a 1999 FXSTC and after a ride I always notice a strong gas smell. If I leave it in the garage and then come back within a couple of hours the smell is very strong. Suggestions? Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Welcome to HDF.
You have a slight leak. Leaving it in the garage with a hot engine ensures the gas vaporises, which is why it smells so strong. As ynots suggests you need to find the leak. First candidate has to be the fuel lines, alternatively the carb, then the tank, which may have cracked. Remove the whole air filter, to get a good view of the carb and that end of the fuel line. Hopefully it will soon be obvious. Do your checks outdoors with plenty of fresh air - a light breeze is perfect!
Let us know what you find and best of luck.
You have a slight leak. Leaving it in the garage with a hot engine ensures the gas vaporises, which is why it smells so strong. As ynots suggests you need to find the leak. First candidate has to be the fuel lines, alternatively the carb, then the tank, which may have cracked. Remove the whole air filter, to get a good view of the carb and that end of the fuel line. Hopefully it will soon be obvious. Do your checks outdoors with plenty of fresh air - a light breeze is perfect!
Let us know what you find and best of luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
My 99 Softail Custom does that also. I just figured it was the heat from the engine warming the tanks enough to make them vent from the expansion. Never noticed any leaks. I only notice it when it is pretty hot and I have ridden it pretty hard for a while. If I park it outside, I don't notice it at all, just when I put it in the garage for a while. My garage has been over a 100 deg. most of the sommer, and that don't help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Remove your dash and check the crossover hose on the top of the tank...since it is hidden it is often overlooked...it can dry rot or come loose and no one notices...and it will not leak unless you overfill your tank.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I had a chicken salad sandwich, some veggies, and the best cookies this side of Heaven. Guess I will have to check the crossover line at the top of the tanks, and also the vent line that goes down to the little cannister where it vents. Last time I had the dash off I pretty much checked it all except the crossover line. I do think though that when you are riding the tanks are kept somewhat cool until you stop, and the engine heats it up. That is when it is supposed to vent the fumes from the tank out the tank vent line at the bottom of the frame. But, I will check it all again to make sure. Thanks Guys.
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Stage III
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I also have this issue? Do you have an open air cleaner like a big sucker? I currently run this type of intake and figured the smell was from the carb or gas fumes into the air cleaner. I guess I need to check it out.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 37
From: florida
Once you park in the garage you may push down on the fuel cap and tighten it to a point of no 'clicks'. This will stop the vapor leak, but remember to do this !!! Before starting the bike unscrew the cap and let the tank breathe. By not doing this it will create a vapor lock and the engine may stall at any time. I know this from first hand experience. Another easy way is to take a soft cloth and wrap it around the fuel cap neck and it will absorb the fumes also.