Puzzling gas leak

Energy One
B

BuffaloBig Dog

Member
When I park my Bulldog now, i do get a small spot under it, in the center, that looks to be clear, and smells like gas....I ve checked all connections, also checked the bottom of tank, and around carb...Everything is dry..

I dont smell gas when riding, and after I park, ive watched it for 5-10 min, and dont see anyhing from anywwhere...

Maybe 15-20 min after , I will see the white paper I put under bike, is wrinkled a bit from geting wet, smelling like gas...Could it be an over flow on the carb? I cant seem to see it coming from anywhere.

The bike starts fine, runs fine, just dont like the idea of a gas leak....Any thoughts.?/ The carb is a mikuni...
 
V

V

Guru
if you have a E or G carb there should be a bowl over flow line coming from the bottom of the carb. Typically it run around or thru the push rods and hangs down between the engine and trans. Stock is a clear line but they will yellow over time. Also may be short and not hang down where you can see it from the bottom.
 
ringo

ringo

Active Member
I was shutting my fuel off before turning the engine off, as I set outside the garage waiting on the door to open, and apparently that was causing fuel to be pushed out the over flow. It would happen the next time I would turn the fuel on getting ready to ride.
Strange deal, can't explain it, but I stopped doing that and havn't had that issue since.
 
B

BuffaloBig Dog

Member
Thankx for the tips.....I do see the overflow tube from bottom of carb..It does run down next to the tubes.....Its black, but still comes from bottom of carb....Definetly in the area of the spot... But why am I getting gas out of it?

I do shut off petcock every time I shut off bike.....
 
Little-Boo

Little-Boo

Well-Known Member
Troop Supporter
BuffaloBig Dog said:
Thankx for the tips.....I do see the overflow tube from bottom of carb..It does run down next to the tubes.....Its black, but still comes from bottom of carb....Definetly in the area of the spot... But why am I getting gas out of it?

I do shut off petcock every time I shut off bike.....
Click to expand...
A gas leak when parked usually indicated your float needle assembly is sticking or worn. I would recommend a carb rebuild kit. That should take care of any gas leaks.

Carlos :2thumbs:
 
X

X-ray Doc

Member
I have a mikuni carb too and mine did the same thing after a few years, it is the float
needle sticking and letting a little gas out the overflow. Get the rebuild kit and it should
fix the problem for a couple of years. It is the ethynol swelling the the float needle
o-ring.
 
toolmaker

toolmaker

New Member
I have a mikuni carb on my 2001 bulldog, and have the same leak. I found that if I leave the gas valve open until the bike cools off I have no leak. I believe the gas in the carb and fuel line gets hot, with no airflow when parked, and expands forcing itself out of the carb overflow. Leaving the gas valve open lets the fuel in the line expand into the tank instead of out of the carb.

Hope this helps,
Dave
 
liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
Ethanol is bad stuff. On plastic and even on composite materials the ethanol causes swelling. some more than others. Just running ethanol super unleaded gas once in a while in my dog caused the fuelcap to swell to the point I could hardly unscrew it. I had to purchase a new one. Star Bright enzime ethanol threatment does seem to be the best thing on the market to fight ethanol with. But ethanol also screws with needle valves and specially carb floats. If you have to run ethanol be sure to use a treatment additive and before storing the bike for a long stint of time like the winter, drain the tank, fill it up with a non ethanol fuel. Preferably something like a AV gas that has oxygenated fuel particals in the gas to keep it fresh longer and go for a 20 mile ride. You have done 2 things. #1 gotten the shit fuel out of your carb so it will not gum up during the winter. #2 you have a full tank of high octaine fuel in the tank to keep condensation from entering in your tank.
 
B

BuffaloBig Dog

Member
After all these postings, the gas spot seemed to disappear...Gonna try to hold off as long as I can to take it apart, dont wanna lose any riding time. Keep ya posted to outcome when I get the rebuild kit.
 
B

BuffaloBig Dog

Member
Thankx for all the help.. Carb rebuild kit took care of the problem......

Now the next problem......Last nite, tried to start bike , on way home....First try didnt ctach, so tried 2nd, no starter noise, lites went out...dead... waited a min, tried again, nothing dead..no lites or anything.... moved bike a few feet, (pushed)... tried again, lites when on, hit starter switch, went dead.......Sounds like possible starter control wiring prob? I just had new brake switch installed with inspection a month ago, maybe problem in those controls? Are there fuses on the 2002 Bulldogs?
 
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