Fuel smell

[Rockeye]

Morning all,

Hope you all had a fun and safe bank holiday weekend ( like every day/weekend at the moment if your a fellow furlougher)

Wonder if I can pick your collective brains ?

Riding the bike yesterday ( 2008-1200 GSA, I noticed a fuel smell not noticed before, now the only difference from last time I rode the bike is I that I have fitted a tank lock tank ring ( correct one BF22), all instructions followed to the letter and a nice easy fit.

Has anyone had a similar experience following of these and is there anything extra I need to do? If the answer is no then second question where is the usual/ obvious places to look if you get a fuel smell on one of these beasts before I start removing masses of bodywork.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom offered.

 

[Popell]

Can’t draw an absolute comparison but the only two occasions when I smelt fuel whilst riding along was due to the MOT tester having checked the tank cap by opening but failing to latch it closed properly, and the other I had neglected to push shut after a fill up.
Hope your solution is as simple as mine was but if not perhaps redo the ring installation

 

[Rockeye]

Can’t draw an absolute comparison but the only two occasions when I smelt fuel whilst riding along was due to the MOT tester having checked the tank cap by opening but failing to latch it closed properly, and the other I had neglected to push shut after a fill up.
Hope your solution is as simple as mine was but if not perhaps redo the ring installation

Thanks for the quick reply Popell, I’ll check next time I fill her up but was pretty sure I’d secured it however didn’t check this on the day.

 

[transalper44]

Hi. Same here, neglected to close fuel cap properly after brining the tank. After some hard cornering, the smell of petrol followed. Easily done when something distracts you at the pumps, just give it a bump when closing.

 

[squibb34]

I've done the fuel cap thing on a K1600. It's been warm too, so could be the tank not breathing cleanly - there is a breather & an overflow pipe for the fuel cap area ........... https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sh...25-BMW-R_1200_GS_08_0303,0313_&diagId=16_0682

However, if it persist, it's worth checking under the tank; the quick connector, lines or around the base of the tank - you may see witness.

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Have you had the pump plate update done? They had problem with the plastic cracking. Fix was a metal ring round the spigot.

 

[Rockeye]

Yes it appears to have been done, I bought the bike second hand but recently did the fuel gauge modification using resistors due to an erratic fuel gauge and warning light and the ring is a metal one. Obviously the strip had gone and it sorted it a treat so no warning light now and use the trip meter for range.

It’s looking highly likely it could have been my dopey self and the cap not pushed fully closed as thinking about it I had filled up the night before, I’m away from home at the moment but as soon as I’m back I’ll check the cap carefully and take her out for a good ride to check it.

 

[Rockeye]

If the cap closing doesn’t sort I’ll have the tank off and look at the breathers and overflow as Squibb34 suggested, hoping I’ve been a dope to save me removing all that plastic ��

 

[Beemerman59]

Yes it appears to have been done, I bought the bike second hand but recently did the fuel gauge modification using resistors due to an erratic fuel gauge and warning light and the ring is a metal one. Obviously the strip had gone and it sorted it a treat so no warning light now and use the trip meter for range.

It’s looking highly likely it could have been my dopey self and the cap not pushed fully closed as thinking about it I had filled up the night before, I’m away from home at the moment but as soon as I’m back I’ll check the cap carefully and take her out for a good ride to check it.

If you have had the seal off to take out the fuel pump then it could be that that isn’t seated correctly when reinstalled. I have made this error myself (twice now) as it is easy to do and would explain the fuel smell.

 

[Santa-2512]

Did the same when i bought my first hexhead,

riding back, every now and again i could get a whiff of petrol


Hadn't clicked the cap shut had i

 

[Rockeye]

Soon as I’m home I’ll have a good look chaps, hoping it’s a simple fix and I’ve just been a complete dope ��

 

[Rockeye]

Looks like today’s dopey b****rs award goes to me, I checked the bike soon as I got home and although it looks like the fuel cap was fully down I’m pretty sure I felt it seat further home as I pushed it.

Going to ride her over the next few days to prove it was a simple error, thanks for all the advice, if it’s more serious I’ll pick you brains again soon, enjoy this lovely weather and ride safe.