I smell gas! Ideas?

[Guest]

I got the 82 GS1100GK home a couple days ago and have only run it briefly. Sounds great running, but among other things...

The gas cap doesn't seem to want to go all the way down flush with the tank. I have to really force it in to get the clamps to click, and it still doesn't look right. Sits a few mm above the grooves in which it should sit.

There is little fuel in the tank - not enough to run, and yet every time I get near her, she reaks of gas. Really strong. I don't see any bubbles or pinholes in the tank at all - looks intact - where else should I look?

It sat for 2 years indoors at a garage then went on a very bumpy journey near 4 hours long.

What areas besides the gas tank should I check for leaks? I've felt all over the tank and beneath it for any wetness or oily feel and found nothing. Could it just be the cap? I've inspected it thoroughly and it doesn't look damaged and I've inspected the fitting in the tank and can't find anything keeping it from going in like it should. Would that couple mm cause such a smelly leak or do I need to start looking around at other things?

Ideas??

[courier11sec]

Well if that cap isn't sealing properly, you're probably smelling fumes from there.

[Jethro]

Old gas can smell stronger than new gas. It could be the cap off, but a little trick I like to use is putting a nice clean piece of cardboard under the carb rack. That way you can check it every so often and see if it's leaking from below the tank or the carbs themselves. You'll really notice it on the cardboard as dark stains.

[MissFabulous]

Thanks! This is helpful... I'm going to go out to the barn right now and tape plastic over the cap and put cardboard under the tank and see what I discover in the morning... and smoke before I go in the barn...

[Can_O_Tuna]

Thanks! This is helpful... I'm going to go out to the barn right now and tape plastic over the cap and put cardboard under the tank and see what I discover in the morning... and smoke before I go in the barn...

Good..... gas + fire = uhhhho holy shi 911 omg.