Gas Fumes from R1150RT while parked

[CH47AV8R]

Yesterday after I had parked my 2002 R1150RT in the garage, I returned to find a very strong fuel odor that seemed to coming from my R1150RT. No fuel was seen leaking or under the bike and all the lines to the vapor recovery can appear to be attached and not damaged. Before I do major surgery in removing the panels, I was wondering if anyone had experienced this before and what may have caused it. Odor seems strongest around the fork opening in the fairing on top.

[celebrationrev]

I'm working the same issue. See my posts below about the quick disconnects. That's the consensus as to my problem and I've rec'd some good help on how to fix it. Just haven't had the time or the parts to get the job done yet.

[JDog]

I had the same thing a couple months ago. Gas fumes when stopped. Was one of the quick disconnects (on right side just below the gas tank on my 2004 1150RT). I fixed it but the part ain't cheap!

[CH47AV8R]

Read the QD posts. This may be my problem as I had fueled the bike weeks ago so I know it isn't a case of spilled fuel. I also would be very interested in learning who can supply the aluminum quick disconnects,,, and the best process to follow in replacing them. Can shoddy maintenance at a 12K service damage the QDs? As a former Chinook aviator & mechanic, I noticed some rather poor maintenance action on this bike after it came out of the 12K service by the local BMW dealer.

[eddd]

... Can shoddy maintenance at a 12K service damage the QDs? ...

 

Absolutely. The stock QD are a bit on the fragile side. Lack of attention to detail could lead to problems like you are describing.

[ianboydsnr]

or it could just be the "o" ring has perished, though thats more likely, if they have been apart lately

[T__]

Yesterday after I had parked my 2002 R1150RT in the garage, I returned to find a very strong fuel odor that seemed to coming from my R1150RT. No fuel was seen leaking or under the bike and all the lines to the vapor recovery can appear to be attached and not damaged. Before I do major surgery in removing the panels, I was wondering if anyone had experienced this before and what may have caused it. Odor seems strongest around the fork opening in the fairing on top.

 

Jon, how long before parking the bike had you filled the fuel tank up?

 

It’s always possible you have a leaking quick disconnect or loose fuel hose clamp per the above posts..

 

BUT, you might just be smelling fuel vapors coming out the vapor canister vent line from an over full fuel tank (my 1150RT does that from time to time) .. My vapor can is MIA but still vents to the same place just behind the R/H foot peg..

 

Those quick disconnects usually leak more cold than hot but that isn’t an absolute..

 

If you smell the gas fumes ONLY after parking a hot bike I would suspect the fumes are coming out of the tank venting system.. What happens is the fuel vapor fumes can come out behind the L/H foot peg & convection air flowing up from that hot engine can bring them up & out from the fork/fairing area..

 

If you get down & sniff the venting area (just behind the R/H foot peg) after a hot vehicle park & short hot-soak you should smell the fuel there if it is just the tank gassing off & out the vent system.. If your vapor recovery system is working good it should catch most of the fumes but if it is saturated from over fill gasoline,, or is old & deactivated,, or full of water it won’t do it’s thing & vapors can exit the vent to atmosphere line behind the R/H foot peg..

 

Twisty

[mikewarax]

There is a recall #04V-028 on the 2000-2004 models for the QD's and crimp connectors on the fuel line. You might want to check with the dealer to see if you bike has had the recall done.

 

Mike