Excessive gasoline smell when parked in garage : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Ghost 450 · 10-30-2009, 08:44 PM

When parked in the garage my 07 Ultra vents a smell of gasoline. No dripping from fuel tank or fuel stains on bike or floor. Had the local HD shop look at it they removed the tank, chech the fuel lines and didn't discover anything. The fumes are so strong I am concerned that water heater pilot lite might ignite the fumes. I have tried different fuel levels, different fuel stations with the same results. Any ideas?

ReformedHippy · 10-30-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost 450

When parked in the garage my 07 Ultra vents a smell of gasoline. No dripping from fuel tank or fuel stains on bike or floor. Had the local HD shop look at it they removed the tank, chech the fuel lines and didn't discover anything. The fumes are so strong I am concerned that water heater pilot lite might ignite the fumes. I have tried different fuel levels, different fuel stations with the same results. Any ideas?

Throw a few lit matches around....that should locate the source...PRONTO.....

seriously...fuel tanks are vented so they dont vapor lock...the vent emits fuel vapors....

Traakon · 10-30-2009, 10:53 PM

Just from experience, pull (or have the dealer) the console off the tank and check the top plate seal. If it "weeps" fuel (normally at the bottom edge) due to a bad seal, you will smell the gas but it can be so slight it evaporates before being seen under the console.

Just a thought.

Anthony8858 · 10-30-2009, 11:45 PM

Don't ask me how or why. but here goes......

I smell the same gas smell as you ONLY if I turn my bike off using the cutoff switch.
If I turn it off using the ignition switch, I'm OK.
Maybe something to do with the fuel injectors at the time you shut down.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but it happens.

roadkingkruizer · 10-31-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost 450

When parked in the garage my 07 Ultra vents a smell of gasoline. No dripping from fuel tank or fuel stains on bike or floor. Had the local HD shop look at it they removed the tank, chech the fuel lines and didn't discover anything. The fumes are so strong I am concerned that water heater pilot lite might ignite the fumes. I have tried different fuel levels, different fuel stations with the same results. Any ideas?

I found out if I keep the tank full the gasoline smell in my garage is less obnoxious. I seems when the tank is close to being empty and when the motor is hot, the fumes were at the highest levels. I also have noticed the fumes are more predominate with the newer 08 scoot with the larger tank. The filler neck on my 08 looks different than the one on my 00 rk.

ltr, rkk

maddogg4 · 10-31-2009, 04:34 AM

Check the seal around the filler neck. Mine worked its way up toward the lip and the ring on the gas cap didn't seal all the way. Also, I always turn my cap until it clicks one time.
I also keep my garage door cracked for awhile after long hard ride for awhile till the bike cools off. When it's real hot outside, I use the air circulator (high speed fan) and blow the heat off the bike. rkk made a really good point.

Ghost 450 · 11-07-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traakon

Just from experience, pull (or have the dealer) the console off the tank and check the top plate seal. If it "weeps" fuel (normally at the bottom edge) due to a bad seal, you will smell the gas but it can be so slight it evaporates before being seen under the console.

Just a thought.

I had the dealer replace the seal. That seems to be the cause. Thanks for the feedback.

Traakon · 11-08-2009, 09:57 AM

Glad I could point you before you had failure.

I learned the hard way.

maddogg4 · 11-08-2009, 10:26 AM

Traakon, what year and model tank is that ?

Traakon · 11-08-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddogg4

Traakon, what year and model tank is that ?

It is off my wife's '05 Fatboy I did the custom job on over the summer. Picture was taken a week after the new paint when I discovered a a leak under the console.

maddogg4 · 11-08-2009, 10:52 AM

Ouch! that left a mark

Traakon · 11-08-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddogg4

Ouch! that left a mark

Yea, but the painter did a great job of repainting it and was great on the dollar as well. Wife loves the finished bike and that's all that really matters.

It did make me a bit paranoid of fuel smells in the garage though.