Fuel smell..............any suggestions???

[Gavin4333]

Bit of a problem which I'm going to investigate this weekend and would welcome any suggestions as to what to look for.

When the ignition is on (engine runninig or not) there is a faint smell of fuel - this happens even before riding (ie before accelerating or braking), no obviuos leak can be seen by shining a torch around so will be taking the tank off to check further - the question is are there any known weakness's to look for, or even what area's are most likely to be leaking.

This is the first time I've 'fiddled around' with fuel injection so any suggestions will be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[DavidHolmes]

Bit of a problem which I'm going to investigate this weekend and would welcome any suggestions as to what to look for.

Petrol

 

[Gecko]

Check under the r/h side of the tank and take a good look at the quick connectors (assuming you have them) these are a known weakness. the o-rings in them harden and can cause leaks.

 

[Spout]

I have similar symptoms. Fuel pump moving petrol round causes smell but no apparent leaks.
Occassionally my overflow pipe is 'damp' with petrol.

I'm now armed with a box of jubilee clips, just waiting for when an empty tank coincides with a few hours spare! and all fuel lines will be secure.

Ooops, just realised I'll also need spare 'o' rings for the quick connectors.

 

[Greg Masters]

Gecko highlights the most obvious leak location.

However, I once had a persistent smell of petrol, even when I was riding at 80-90 mph. I figured that it couldn't possibly have reached my hooter at that speed if it was starting low down on my bike. I put in down to the car in front, but when that turned off leaving a clear road, I knew that it had to be my bike.

Stopping to check, it turned out to be the fuel cap, not quite fully clicked shut.

Greg

 

[newman7096]

re smell

Just had my fuel pipe connectors sorted on my GS after I to had that smell of petrol syndrome!

You couldn't always see the petrol because it tends to evaporate quickly!

Tell tail yellow stains on the engine casings are a good sign!

Seemed to piss out when you rev it or accelerate.

Im begining to think that the change in the weather from cold to hot has something to do with it causing the pipes to expand!

 

[Jeff H]

The same problem on my 1100 was caused by the flexible vent pipes within the tank. they leaked where they joined to the steel pipes that pass thru the fuel pump access plate. I always had a smell of petrol and this became worse until there was a leak if the level of fuel was above the steel pipes - found by removeing the tankand sloshing the fuel about - so I just shortened the hoses and fitted new clips - jubilee clips are very difficult to fit because of the small diam which is less than 10mm and the space to work in is very limited - it is better to use the crimp type similar to those used for oxy / acetylene gas lines.

Jeff

 

[Banjaxed]

Not just O-rings

Check tighten ALL the clamps on the right hand side. Big problem with crimped on types - worth replacing with jubilee clips

 

[newman7096]

Just out of interest, where can you buy small jubilee clips to do the job?

 

[Taff]

"where can you buy small jubilee clips to do the job?"

Try almost any sizeable agricultural suppliers, you know the sort, where you can buy wellies etc. I know there will not be many of these in Coventry, but the local store has an amazing range of clips. If you have difficulty finding one, let me know what you need and I can pick one up for you.

 

[newman7096]

Cheers! I'lll do some investigating!

 

[MikeO]

Don't forget to tell the dealer you get them from that they are for high pressure fuel lines - I believe that they have to be clips designed for this purpose...

Mike

 

[KAS]

There is a recall that was issued in April this year to deal with the problem experienced by some owners (myself included) where fuel has a tendency to piss out of the fuel system on the right hand side of the bike (see separate thread “recall”). Iffy clips and or hardening o seals in QRC’s

This work should be undertaken by Mr BMW. If you are not sure what recall are outstanding for yours call BMW customer services with the chassis number and they will tell you. There are 3 for the Adventure as far as I know. Re route rear break hose, sharp engine cover and this fuel one.

In the meantime nipping up the two clips with a pair of flat edged pincers and replacing the seals in the QRC’s should get you sorted.

Lastly When you get Mr BMW to sort the recall ask him to change the hose as well so at least you are starting completely fresh and not with new clips on a pre crimped hose.

 

[Gavin4333]

The solution..............

Thanks for all the suggestions, as suspected by some of you the problem was with the 'crimped' fuel lines going in/out of the tank.

A couple of good old fashioned jubilee clips and all's well again.

Thanks.

 

[Spout]

Last weekend I put new 'o' rings in all three quick release connectors, and the hose clamps were either replaced or tightened up.

I'm still suffering from petrol smells, and am unable to trace the source.
So I've bought 7.6mm fool injection hose from Halfords and I'm going to replace all the piping.
I'll also replace the large 'o' ring on the 'access chamber'.

My question is, am I alright using the Halfords off the shelf hosing, or should I use BWM replacement hoses? Will any slight difference in flow capacity effect the running of the bike?
Any other problems (like are the BWM hoses better at dealing with the heat)?

Cheers