lesson learned
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
lesson learned
It finally hit me.
While gassing up the other day, I carefully top of the tank. Gas is just barely below the fill and vent hole and NO spills. Put the cap on and ride 20 feet away to put my gloves back on and make sure everything is ready for the ride. I then notice a small stream of gas coming from my cap. I guess when I put the bike on the jiffy stand, the angle of the tank is such that when I fill it with gas and then level out the bike, I have apparently over filled the tank
While gassing up the other day, I carefully top of the tank. Gas is just barely below the fill and vent hole and NO spills. Put the cap on and ride 20 feet away to put my gloves back on and make sure everything is ready for the ride. I then notice a small stream of gas coming from my cap. I guess when I put the bike on the jiffy stand, the angle of the tank is such that when I fill it with gas and then level out the bike, I have apparently over filled the tank
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
There was a post on the Dyna forum about gas mileage and this very issue came up. Some reported filling up in the same way and not having any gas leaking onto the tank...myself included.
I'll double check next time, but haven't noticed anything until now.
I'll double check next time, but haven't noticed anything until now.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 1
From: East TN
It probably didn't have anything to do with the lean angle while filling up. When you moved the bike, how long did it sit? The gas goes into your tank cold, and in this heat, will expand until it runs out the overflow if you fill it far enough. You can do the same thing in the winter, and not see anything come out the overflow.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
gas does expand but not as much as was seen coming out of my tank.
I think its the shape of the tank and where the fill hole is.
And it was a slow short ride from the pump to where I stopped to make sure I was ready for the road.
I think its the shape of the tank and where the fill hole is.
And it was a slow short ride from the pump to where I stopped to make sure I was ready for the road.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 932
Likes: 3
From: Tuscaloosa Alabama
Like I have seen in this forum before,when tightening the gas cap it will start clicking if it is a factory cap.After it starts clicking,push down on the cap and you can tighten it more.That worked for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
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From: East TN
You'd be amazed at just how much expansion takes place, and how much can spill out the overflow from it. If you gas up and ride immediately for a good distance, you won't see it. However, if you fill up, and then let it sit for a bit in the heat, that's when you'll see it. Sounds like what happened to you. Try filling it up in the same fashion during cold months, and see if you get any overflow. I've had it happen to me a few times during summers, but never during colder months.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wisconsin
You'd be amazed at just how much expansion takes place, and how much can spill out the overflow from it. If you gas up and ride immediately for a good distance, you won't see it. However, if you fill up, and then let it sit for a bit in the heat, that's when you'll see it. Sounds like what happened to you. Try filling it up in the same fashion during cold months, and see if you get any overflow. I've had it happen to me a few times during summers, but never during colder months.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
Ok on the expansion. It was 100 F. when I filled up. Put cap on, rode 500 feet, turned off bike. Took 3 minutes to put gloves on, check helmet, mirrors..etc. Then off I rode.
Have you heard of a mccuff thingy?
Have you heard of a mccuff thingy?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
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From: southeast PA
About 2 hours ago I just filled up like you did and got right on the highway. Temp was about 95. I didn't let it sit this time although in the past I have, and never had any overflow on my 07 FXDB.