Fuel Tank Leak I think

[rneal55555]

Just got the new XS11 home it runs but won't seem to idle when coldnhad a hard time getting it to start think maybe it sat long enough to get the carbs gummed up (but thats another problem). I put about 3.5 gallons of gas in it after a few minutes after a few minutes gas started to leak out of the drain line from the filler cap I didn'nt spill any when I was pouring it in so I think it means the tank is leaking somehow in to the pipe. Guess it's time to order caswell's or something. But if anybody has other ideas let me know.

[skids]

Did it quit dribbling out of that overflow tube? If it did quit before dumping a substantial amount of fuel, it was probably doing what it was supposed to. I suppose it could have a hole in the side of the tube within the gas tank, but I have never heard of that before.

[ratbyk]

Fuel Leak

If you filled the tank to the top or to a point that could be overfilled you would have the problem described. As th fuel in the tank expands due to warming up there will be more fuel in the tank than it can hold. The excess will leak up around the cap seal or the filler cap vent hole. It will then collect in the fuel cap recess area. When the level gets high enough the excess will drain down the through an escape vent hole leading to a rubber hose off of the left rear corner of the tank. The tank is not likely leaking. Just venting down to a normal operating level.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk
82 FT500 "lilRat"

[rneal55555]

It did quit after a while But I only put about 3 and half galllons in it was an 1 1\2" or so from the Opening so I don't think I over filled it.

[wildbill]

Is your bike a standard?My tank did the same thing,I lost more gas than the thing burned.Does it leak until it gets to a certain level and then quit?What I did as a tempory fix was I plugged off the over flow line.You will proably have to get your tank cleaned out to remove rust and then a sealer added.You can in the mean time plug the over flow and that will work till you fix your tank.The only down fall to this is if you overfill your tank or get caught in the rain or wash your bike the water won`t drain off and there will be a puddle around your gas cap.Hope this gives you some ideas.

[rneal55555]

Bill,

It's a standard. Why didn't I think of that it seems so simple. What did you use to seal your tank I've seem so many opinons it makes it confusing. Maybe we should do a poll.

[wildbill]

Originally posted by rneal55555
Bill,

It's a standard. Why didn't I think of that it seems so simple. What did you use to seal your tank I've seem so many opinons it makes it confusing. Maybe we should do a poll.

There are 2 ways you can do this,one-you can get some instant gas tank repair{made by permatex,costs around $5}pull the seat off and where the rubber line plugs on the back of tank-pull hose off-then take a little of tank repair{follow directions}and then push some into hole and press the excess around the outside of the nipple.Let the stuff cure{depends on temp.,timewise}Thats one way.The other is to simply plug off the end of the hose useing a bolt,screw or what ever,make sure it doesn`t leak{keep a eye on it and adjust as needed}.If you have any questions or anything else post or send pm.Hope this helps.

[Axel]

fuel overflow

I filled my tank to about 1.5 inches from the top with Shell Pro-V premium . Next day in the heat it came spilling out all over my paint job . There is no overflow tube . It bubbled up all the clear coat and some of the airbrush work underneath . Seems like it shouldnt have happened . Any ideas ?

[monfortzoo]

Fuel tank leak

I found the overfolw drain tube completely clogged with rust. I had to replace the drain tube with a fabricated one from aluminum tubing. I drilled out the old one from both ends and made one to fit and then JB welded it into place. no leaks so far. It has been about six months since I did that.

[79XS11F]

Unless I'm in the middle of a highway run I always fill the tank with the bike on SIDE STAND. If you fill the tank to the bottom of the neck while the bike is on the main stand the fuel will be in full contact with the cap seal, which likely leaks, when you put the bike on side stand. That does not happen if your on a long haul because the bike is in the upright position most of the time.
Rob

[skids]

Re: fuel overflow

Oh no. Sorry to hear that. Never fill it up past the filler neck. Make sure the overflow drain works well. The hole under the cap takes it to the hose by the front of the seat. Primer or paint can clog it in quick order after it loosens from being wetted with gas.

Originally posted by Axel
It bubbled up all the clear coat and some of the airbrush work underneath

[skids]

After re-reading the thread, it does sound like a small hole in the metal tube within the tank...just as you suspected.