Fuel leaked everywhere - how does this happen?

[SteveO]

I've had fuel in the oil so many times, I lost count. I learned (the hard way) to (1) always turn the petcocks to OFF when I'm not riding, even in the middle of a trip when we stop to eat, (2) never "never" use the PRIME setting, and (3) always look at the oil window before I pull it out, to make sure that gas still did not get in there.

I am also told that on the kick stand, the gas flows out of the air box, but on the center stand (where I always store it) the gas will get into the crank; regardless of how perfect your carbs are.

I have NOT removed the octy, in spite of all the recommendations to do so; but when I follow my 3 rules (above) I am usually good.

Change the oil cold, clean out the filter area before you put it back together, and you should be fine.

[Radioguylogs]

If you are still uncomfortable parking the bike, park it on the centerstand and put a 2x4" or 2x6" board under the front wheel. If the petcocks leak, the fuel will go back into the airbox instead of into the engine. I did that for awhile before I got confidence in my bikes.

Good advice from SteveO, "Check the sight glass every time before you start it". I make this a habit, like looking over your shoulder before making lane changes.

[motoman]

I've had fuel in the oil so many times, I lost count. I learned (the hard way) to (1) always turn the petcocks to OFF when I'm not riding, even in the middle of a trip when we stop to eat, (2) never "never" use the PRIME setting, and (3) always look at the oil window before I pull it out, to make sure that gas still did not get in there.

I am also told that on the kick stand, the gas flows out of the air box, but on the center stand (where I always store it) the gas will get into the crank; regardless of how perfect your carbs are.

I have NOT removed the octy, in spite of all the recommendations to do so; but when I follow my 3 rules (above) I am usually good.

Change the oil cold, clean out the filter area before you put it back together, and you should be fine.

Actually, with bike on centerstand, a shorty 2"x4" under front wheel, fuel will never flow forward into crankcase.......better yet, fix the leaky float needle issue

[jetmechmarty]

I have NOT removed the octy, in spite of all the recommendations to do so; but when I follow my 3 rules (above) I am usually good.

No need to remove it. It's a safety device, and if it's working, fuel will not flow to the carburetors without vacuum pulling the valve open. If it's broken, fix it. Winter is for wrenching.

[Schming]

Correct answer ,

what was the ?

No need to remove it. It's a safety device, and if it's working, fuel will not flow to the carburetors without vacuum pulling the valve open. If it's broken, fix it. Winter is for wrenching.

[ThrottleJunky]

We have had nasty and cold weather here, even snow, so the bike has been sitting with the gas in the crankcase. I hope to be able to change the oil tomorrow. I kind of want to start it up to get a little heat so it drains better. Would 20-30 seconds hurt anything?

As I mentioned, all 4 needle and seats are brand new. My only guess is that one of the floats hung up on the side of the bowl or something. Maybe one of the posts is a tiny bit bent. Thinking of swapping all 4 out next time I have the carbs off.

[DiverRay]

Rather than start it, put a 100W light under the engine to use as a heater. You could also use a hotplate, set to low, to warm it up.
You don't really want to start the engine because the start is when all the wear occurs with the bearings. With no oil film, the bearings go VERY QUICKLY, so it's not a good idea.
Oh, and I'm getting some of your cold down here! it was 37F on the way in to work this morning.

[skids]

You said that you had a gas soaked floor. Be super careful about heating that could cause more fume emanation and present flame hazard...

[MPittma100]

Don't

We have had nasty and cold weather here, even snow, so the bike has been sitting with the gas in the crankcase. I hope to be able to change the oil tomorrow. I kind of want to start it up to get a little heat so it drains better. Would 20-30 seconds hurt anything?

As I mentioned, all 4 needle and seats are brand new. My only guess is that one of the floats hung up on the side of the bowl or something. Maybe one of the posts is a tiny bit bent. Thinking of swapping all 4 out next time I have the carbs off.

I would recommend NOT starting it with gas in the crankcase - hot or cold. Drain the gas/oil out. Then start it. You may consider changing it twice. Oil is much cheaper than engine damage.