Can a hard ride cause a fuel leak?

[Guest]

Did I do something to hurt my bike?

On my commute to work, a guy on a Harley ticked me off by passing me like a bat outta hell. I know, I shoulda just let it go but no wave, nothing, just flying by and then back in my lane like I was on a scooter.
Then, of course, he gives a wave to another Harley.

So I twisted the throttle and passed him and because his bike was as big as a friggin' car, I was able to move through traffic much more nimbly and left him behind, though I rode harder than I probably should have. At one point I know I went past 85 mph and maybe 90. I know. Dumb and I felt like a dumbass later.

Anyway, everything looked fine when I parked at work but then, overnight, there was a puddle of gas under my bike. It seems to be coming from the #2 carb. I found that the screw beneath the float bowl was a little loose so I tightened it down and just checked all my connections.

Everything seemed fine but the leak continues.

Thoughts on what I might have done? I rebuilt the carbs last year with new o-rings and seals.

I've read alot of threads on this issue which seem to suggest that any leaking fuel at all when the bike is off is a sign of a bad petcock so I was considering just buying a new petcock and replacing that.

But just thought I'd check with the brain trust on the forum first - and only 'cause this problem came up after my brief road-rage commute.

[Adler]

Your petcock is of the vacuum variety, right?
If thats the case, before you go throwing money away, why not test it and see if its working?

I would disconnect the fuel line and see if fuel is flowing when the bike is off, if it is, then I would disassemble the petcock and check the diaphragm for wear. You may be able to fix the petcock instead of getting a new one.

[Nessism]

Common petcock failure will send fuel backwards down the vacuum line port and into the #2 carb causing it to overflow.

[Adler]

Common petcock failure will send fuel backwards down the vacuum line port and into the #2 carb causing it to overflow.

Interesting, did not know this. Is this a reparable issue or does it necessitate petcock replacement?

[chef1366]

petcock + sticky float

[Nessism]

Interesting, did not know this. Is this a reparable issue or does it necessitate petcock replacement?

One major problem with rebuilding a petcock is finding a high quality rebuild kit - and good luck with that. I've never seen one that was better than mediocre - thus it's best to just get a new petcock.

[oldgsfan]

Thanks all. I was planning to get a new one and not mess with a rebuild. I was just wondering if something I did caused this.

I was considering buying a vacuum petcock from Z1. Anyone buy from there? Does it come with all necessary gaskets and sealers? Or should I be getting those seperately?

Also, I had considered it might be a sticky float but how do you unstick them? I looked on some threads but didn't see where anyone described how to unstick a sticky float!

[chef1366]

tap on the float bowl

[oldgsfan]

I decided to a bit more checking so I pulled my airbox, just for fun, and found gas in the boots, all of them. Is that normal?

Oh, and while I have such easy access, I'll try tapping on the bowl to loosen any stuck floats!

And next payday, I'll order the petcock. I've been worried about that old thing for so long, I think it's just about time I replaced it no matter what.

[Macguyver]

To unstick your float, take the bowls off of the carbs and liberally spray with carb cleaner. Preferably while they are off the bike.
-or-
Pour a couple ounces of Seafoam/Marvel Mystery Oil/product of your choice into each tank of gas to keep them squeaky clean.

+1 on new petcock, I rebuilt mine and the rebuild kit parts were crap, best to get a new one.

[oldgsfan]

Well, I sprayed the carbs with carb cleaner, tapped the bowls, put seafoam into my tank about a week ago, and, when I pulled the gas line off the petcock, had fuel come out like a BP geyser..so, yeah, I'll order the petcock come payday.

[paco13]

You better check your oil! its probably full of gas.
And you mine as well pull the carbs. Chems. might free a sticky float due to some varnish, but actual particles of debris might be lodged in the needle/ seat and jets.