Vulcan 800 Leaking Gas

[MikeDiddy]

Hey everyone, I am fairly new to owning a motorcycle, so I am looking for as much advice as I can get. Unfortunately, a week into owning it, I have developed a fairly substantial gas leak. It's so strong, that you can smell the gas as you walk up. The majority of it seems to be coming out of the exhaust pipes. The air filter housing had a fair amount of gas in it, which the filter had soaked up. Apparently the bike was sitting at the dealership for over two months without running and the gas might have been left open. I have attached a picture of the bike where the gas is dripping from. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!!

[AtiGala]

Hello Mike,
Don't worry, not a biggie, the bike looks fairly new (btw sweet pipes!) so more then likely, it is not a worn float valve.
1st check what position is the fuel tap? Keep it on the "ON" or "RES" position so the gas can only flow when the engine runs and generates the vacuum to open the valve.
If it is on the "ON/RES" position and still leaking then u should replace the gasket/o-ring in the tap (been there done that - about 1-2 hrs of fun).
But if u lucky then ur tap was on the "RPI" position and leak is just caused by some gunk sticking to the float valve.
If this is the case, put some Seafoam (1/3 rd of the can) in the gas tank and go for a long ride.
If this won't fix the leak then maybe it is a stuck float valve - try to tap on the side of the carb, might help bounce back the valve if that won't work then u'll have to remove and disassemble the carb - if u need I have pix and directions.
TC,
Attila

[MikeDiddy]

Thanks for the advice and for noticing the pipes... I love them! I'm gonna start by cleaning out the carb, I think and probably taking a look at the fuel tap. Again, thank you!!!

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by MikeDiddy

Thanks for the advice and for noticing the pipes... I love them! I'm gonna start by cleaning out the carb, I think and probably taking a look at the fuel tap. Again, thank you!!!

The tap is the simplest check... in the PRI position it WILL leak! Many people believe this to be PRIMARY, when in fact it's PRIME and should be used for starting the bike if it runs completely out of fuel and needs prime...

Otherwise, please let us know what it is! Your 800 (beutiful) will prove to be bulletproof like the rest I'm sure! Welcome to the forum!

[Ericthejet]

Your bike is leaking gas for 2 possible reasons.

1. Your fueltap's innards have reached the end of their service limits which means a rebuild kit is needed. If the tap fails, it fails in such a way that fuel will flow when it normally would not, without the help of vacuum from the engine. If it's leaking while sitting, and the tap is in the "prime" setting than you need to redo the carb. float seat and seal.

2. If the bike's fuel tap is in the "prime" setting then gas has flowed into the carb. but the float has not done it's job of stopping the flow of fuel. As a result fuel can flow in two directions. Out the carb as shown in your picture or into the engine filling up a cylinder with fuel. Do not start the bike if you suspect fuel has gone into one of the bike's cyclinders. Your oil may also be contaminated with fuel as well.

IMO, as my bike has a history of this condition is rebuild the fuel tap and remove, clean and inspect the critical parts of the carb. that act against fuel flow.