Gas leak under the tank

[Capt. Blackadder]

A couple of weeks ago I started noticing a pretty strong smell of gasoline whenever I started the bike in the morning, but that smell was gone by the time I reached work. Never smelled it leaving work, just on a cold startup in the morning. I tried shining a flashlight under the tank one morning and noticed that when the fuel pump primed up, a small jet of gasoline squirted from a fuel line connection, in the direction of the battery, Motronic and numerous electrical connections.

Turns out that one of the crimp-style fuel line clamps had started to give and couldn't hold the pressure. Took the tank off, swapped the clamp out with a screw-type clamp, and all is well now.

Moral of the story: Keep an eye on that stuff under the tank. If it starts to leak it certainly doesn't help your MPG, to say nothing of the possibility of, um... roasted nuts.

[bad n ruin]

Moral of the story:

Replace ALL crimp clamps with fuel-injection type screw clamps

[CycleRob]

Capt. Blackadder,

A LOT of guys tell us about thier fuel leaks. About half continue to ride the bike to get it home or to a shop, fuel still leaking.
I was just wondering . . . If the car in front of you throws a lit cigarette butt out the window . . . do you:
1 - STOP IMMEDIATELY so the fires don't burn thru your leather pants.
-or-
2 - Speed up until the fires blow out

Inquiring minds wanna know . . . . and how fast do you have to go?

[iowabeakster]

I just jump off the bike, run in circles, flail my arms wildly, and scream, "Hot, HOt , HOt, Hot, Hot, Hot."

[Capt. Blackadder]

I was just wondering . . . If the car in front of you throws a lit cigarette butt out the window . . . do you:
1 - STOP IMMEDIATELY so the fires don't burn thru your leather pants.
-or-
2 - Speed up until the fires blow out

Inquiring minds wanna know . . . . and how fast do you have to go?

A trick question, eh? The correct answer is, of course:

3 - It's too hot in Phoenix right now to notice even if you do catch on fire.

Seriously though, this heat here is getting ridiculous. I rode home around 4pm today, and when I checked the thermometer on my back porch it was hovering around 120F degrees. Like riding through a damn clothesdryer exhaust hose.

[phastphil]

Started out on an evening ride and just before pulling out of the driveway I smelled gas - thought Hmmm, exhaust pretty rich today! Then glanced down to see gas puddle forming under bike - I think we will delay this ride.

So after doing a seach, found Capt. Blackadder had posted the EXACT problem I had previously - gas leak upon cold startup and eventually goes away - which explains the discoloration on the right side of my engine I had notice before.

I'll take it in for some new clamps - should fix the problem - hopefully I won't have to mortgage my house to pay for it! (Out of Warranty).

But more important: how do you remove the discoloration on the engine? I mentioned this to the BMW dealer a few months back and he said only way was to 'repaint' the engine with some touch up spray paint. Any other ideas? Apparently this has happened before, but I really didn't smell or see the leak. I would of prefered if they mentioned the clamp issue - but upon inspection at that moment there was no leak.

[sjbmw]

I remember way back when (2 1/2 years ago?) I got a recall notice about these clamps and took my R to the dealer.

How can I tell if they were replaced with 'good' clamps?

[big papa]

Damn, I never had the recall done either...

[peterbulgar]

How can I tell if they were replaced with 'good' clamps?

As far as I know, the purpose of the recall was to check the clamps and tighten if necessary. Mine were not replaced.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 r1150RA

[phastphil]

I notice that most of the fuel line clamps I could see (without taking the tank off) are the spring type - are there better clamps I should insist they replace them with - since I'm paying the tab?