Odd problem

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Oct 29, 2018 | 06:21 PM

Passing Lane

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 402

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From: Roanoke Va

Odd problem

My bike is very slowly leaking gas. The fuel pump top plate is leaking and I am wondering if the gasket may be bad? 2012 Heritage. I tightened the fasteners about a half turn and that may fix it but has anyone had to replace that gasket? Seems very strange to me.

Oct 29, 2018 | 07:34 PM

bad tappets

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 1,712

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From: Puyallup, WA

What is fuel pump top plate? Are talking about the tank access panel? If so, very easy to replace the gasket. Use new bolts, they one time use only per the FSM.

Oct 29, 2018 | 07:55 PM

Passing Lane

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2015

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From: Roanoke Va

Tank access panel is a much better description. Thanks

Oct 30, 2018 | 07:28 AM

Porky11

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Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 54

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From: USA

How did you determine that it was the tank access panel that was leaking? If I understand what you are saying correct it is the panel on the top of the tank. Was it sloshing out or did you just smell gas all the time? Also have you done any service to the fuel pump to give it a reason to "leak or seep"? I have a 2005 softail with after market tank that "reeks" of gas but can't find a leak (got it just before storage so haven't ridden it yet) Thanks for the replies and knowledge.

Oct 30, 2018 | 08:15 AM

Passing Lane

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Joined: Apr 2015

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From: Roanoke Va

I doubt that I will ride anymore this year so mine is full of gas and added Seafoam. I noticed a very light smell of gas a few times so I got to looking and after taking the tank bib off it was clearly leaking around the access panel. No idea how long it has leaked put it had a very small stream of gas on the tank. Doesn't seem to be leaking after I tightened the fasteners but the paint now looks like it has a run it. The tank bib will cover the blemish just hope it doesn't blister and peel. Never had my access panel off but you should check yours to see if it is tight.
One of the issues with Ethanol gas is that the ethanol destroys rubber but seems like MOCO would have a gasket that would hold up since ethanol is nothing new and apparently this is not a common problem. Plan to go by my Indy later today and get his opinion.

Oct 30, 2018 | 01:07 PM

carlgrover

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 8,852

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From: Decatur, Alabama

I just replaced that gasket in my EVO roadking. Don't know what yours has, but my gasket is made out of cork. The screws are supposed to be used once and thrown away but I reused mine anyway, no leaks. The important thing about the gasket replacement is to make sure the old one is completely cleaned off. Then when reinstalling, make sure you torque the screws down in the right sequence to the correct setting. Mine was in in/lb and I think I had to torque them up in 2 stages. There is a sequence to torque them down in the service manual.

carl

Oct 30, 2018 | 03:06 PM

Dirty Harry

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: SW Michigan

My access panel leaked so I replaced the gasket with a drag specialties gasket...it leaked and blistered the paint and drag admitted they had a bad run of gaskets. I installed a new Harley gasket and the problem is solved. I will only use Harley gaskets now.