Gas smell from 1150 RT???

[Cycledude]

Hello all.

 

The machine is a 2004 1150rt with 77,000 miles. In the last week I have smelled gas from the bike at intersections and just after parking. I plan to remove the tupperware tomorrow, but I am not sure what to look for. Can anyone help point me the direction of what might cause this smell?

 

Thank you

 

Snowy.

[tone1298]

Probably the Quick Disconnects from the gas tank

[Caddis]

+1 on checking the quick disconnects. The original plastic ones are prone to breaking as they get older. Be careful when you check them - have a container ready to catch the gas if the one that comes from the tank is the problem. It might just snap in your hands. That is what mine did.

[tone1298]

+1 on having a bucket ready... mine broke w/a full tank and was a real mess even after the situation was contained.

[Quinn]

Take off the right side tupperware to see the quick disconnects. Even if they're good, order the all metal ones and replace them to prevent future worries.

 

------

 

 

[Tobias]

Have you had the bike since new, and did it ever have a canisterectomy done?

Did this start to happen right after filling up?

[Cycledude]

Some more background.

 

I have had the machine since 2006 with 34,000 miles. It has not had a canisterectomy. I have smelled fuel for the last two weeks. It started lightly and now yesterday it was very noticeable.

 

I have know about the quick disconnects for sometime. However I do not know really know what I should be looking for. Does anyone have a photo of the right side without plastics, that would show them?

 

Also where can I source the metal quick disconnects? is there an internet vender?

 

I did get gas yesterday. Only cause I needed to. Like a bone head, filled the bike. So I now have 4+ gallons that need to be attended to first.

 

Thank you everyone for the help!

[roger 04 rt]

Some more background.

 

I have had the machine since 2006 with 34,000 miles. It has not had a canisterectomy. I have smelled fuel for the last two weeks. It started lightly and now yesterday it was very noticeable.

 

I have know about the quick disconnects for sometime. However I do not know really know what I should be looking for. Does anyone have a photo of the right side without plastics, that would show them?

 

Also where can I source the metal quick disconnects? is there an internet vender?

 

I did get gas yesterday. Only cause I needed to. Like a bone head, filled the bike. So I now have 4+ gallons that need to be attended to first.

 

Thank you everyone for the help!

 

In the photo below, the QDs (one visible) are above the Throttle Body and to the right of, and slightly below, the component marked O2 connector. Mine are metal and chromed.

 

If you get a hose line clamp (a couple bucks) you won't need to empty the tank.

 

 

It's also possible that the two smaller hoses coming from the fuel tank are dripping fuel. These are vent and drain lines that run from the top of the tank (interally) and exit on the fuel plate and run down to the right footpeg area and charcoal canister. If the lines leak internally, they drip externally.

 

I would not ride until you know the source of the leaking fuel and can be sure that you're not going to have a catastrophic failure.

 

The metal QDs are available at Beemer Boneyard. A good company to do business with.

RB

 

P.S. I've moved my O2 connector to that location. Yours will be hidden under the tank so don't expect to see it.

[AndyS]

Does anyone have a photo of the right side without plastics, that would show them?

 

 

Here's the stock disconnects.

You may have a cracked connector. they can crack where the barbed section goes into the rubber hose.

You may have a knicked O ring, so just a simple few pence will solve the problem if it is the disconnects and nothing else.

I think you need to get your nose in there!

Andy

[Quinn]

After you take off the right side cover, turn the ignition key on, pressurizing the fuel lines. You will most likely see one of them dripping. Turn the key back to off and get a mason jar handy before disconnecting the leaking line. There really won't be a lot of leakage; the connectors have a valve in them that closes when disconnected. Worse case, you'll break the connector and have to pinch or plug the line. Getting the old hose clamps off can be a challenge; use good quality dikes (diagonal cutters) or nippers to cut them off. Next challenge is getting the old connectors out. Crushing them with pliers works for most. I had to drill out the center of one of mine to weaken it before crushing. Make sure you get the orientation (male and female) correct before putting on the new ones to prevent mixing up the lines when you take the tank off for future service. Then just make sure their fully seated, crank the bike, check for leaks, and put the tupperware back on.

 

If you do a good search, there are several detailed write-ups of the full proceedure on this site.

 

 

-----

 

 

[Cycledude]

Thank you everyone!

 

You all spot on.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7831783826_b127389af3_z.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7831786296_9a3256c2f1_z.jpg

 

So which one is the feed?

 

I am now looking at sourcing new quick disconnects.

 

Snowy.

[roger 04 rt]

The bottom is the high pressure feed. The top is the low pressure return.

 

You can buy just the male side of the connector from max BMW, or a pair of two male/female from Beemer boneyard. Most likely you will find that it is the male of the feed line that is cracked.

[Dave Parry]

Would my '99 R1100RT have these type of connectors does anyone know? I have no problems or fuel smell but just wondering if I should have a look during the winter period,

 

Dave.

[Boffin]

Would my '99 R1100RT have these type of connectors does anyone know? I have no problems or fuel smell but just wondering if I should have a look during the winter period,

 

Dave.

 

Not unless the bike has had after-market QDs fitted by a previous owner.

 

Andy

[Dave Parry]

Thanks Andy,

 

regards,

 

Dave