Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Fuel splash-back question when gassing up my TBA..

Okay then...... First, cut me some slack for being a first-time Brit-bike owner. And secondly, for apparently being some sort of dumb-ass when it comes to putting gas into one of these bikes. I for the first time since taking delivery of my 2012 Bonnie America, put fuel into it today, and it wasn't pretty. I had gas spitting back up at me and all over the tank and console no matter how for into the tank, or what angle I tried with the pump nozzle. Ok, I've had many bikes, and I'm 54 years old. What gives? What's the secret? I give up. I tried slowing the flow down, but it still was spitting back out, just not as much. Someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong. TIA to any and all responders.

Mike

Had the exact same thing happened to me. Some gas pumps pump the gas out so fast (even at the slow rate) that it splashes. Other pumps allow for a slow enough fill that there's no spill/splash. I now get my gas at one place only in town because of this. Doesn't help when you are out of town though.

I tried the McCuff - see my posts on this forum. It works with some pumps, and doesn't work with others.

I just looked at a FI tank I got in a trade and the the solution looks to me, is take a pair wirecutter pliers and snip the 3/32nd thick restrictor right in the middle and bend both (now separated) wires out of the way the first time you go get gas with the fuel nozzle. There is nothing to bump into for at least a inch and a half, once the nozzle goes past the prior restricted depth. With care and deliverance, should be no more fuel splash.

Also, you've probably noticed that little bar that goes across the inside of the tank, that keeps you from sticking the pump all the way into the tank. I have heard that the bar is either 1) a fuel theft deterrent or 2) a protector for the fuel pump lines in the tank. That is the big cause of the spillage issue with these bikes.

Edit - I see Ryk has already mentioned this!

I have had the same problem with my 2013 America. I have found that if I angle the fuel nozel toward the back (pointing toward the seat) it greatly reduces the backsplash.

It was briefly discussed not all that long ago here and over on that other site.
http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...ge=4#Post624415

That's exactly what I was thinking of doing, except cut it at both ends and take it completely out of there. Why is that restrictor bar in there in the first place? So we don't jam the nozzle into the tank tunnel?

Mike

McCuff???

Yup. It looks like that little restrictor bar has to go.

Take care,

Mike

Thanks Mark, I'll give that a shot before getting out the side-cutters.

Take care,

Mike

Thank you sir! All great information. I think I've got a handle on it now.

Thanks!

Mike

All good info.

Thanks!

Mike

That wire is short arc mig welded on both sides, the actual welds are minischule and if you are able to nip one side, grabbing it with a pair of needle nose vice grips (so you don't drop it) two or three twists and she will break off clean. No tank contam. and problem solved

Thanks for that info Ryk. The advantages of having a bore scope! I'll give it a shot this weekend. Oh, if you here a loud explosion way off in the distance...... : )

Mike