Real problem or am I just a dumbass - Fuel leaking - 08/26/2018 7:51 PM
Please note that these aren't mutually exclusive options.
In May I bought a new-to-me 2007 America with about 12k miles and pretty decent service records (serviced at a dealer in Indy). I put about 300 miles on it then promptly went overseas to work for 2 months. When I came back there was a dark circle of dried fuel about the 14" across directly under the bike. Pretty sure it leaked out the carbs, but everything is dry now, so it's hard to say more directly.
After a couple discussions with better diagnosticians than myself they both said "probably needs a carb rebuild" but I also discovered that I left the petcock open with an 80% full fuel tank (in a non-environmentally controlled NJ garage while it was ~95 degrees most days, under a heavy cover).
I took the bike out into the driveway, cleaned it off, turned it over and it not only didn't burst into flames, it ran like a champ. I took it for a couple short rides after letting it cool off each time, closing the petcock each time. No detectible fuel leakage.
So my question is, do I really have a problem with my carbs that requires a rebuild? Or am I just a dummy for not closing my petcock? What are some other symptoms I can watch for? The last time it looks like the carbs were touched (and documented) was on delivery. Jetted for Short TORs.
I previously owned a 2007 America and hardly ever closed the petcock and never had a leak. I also rode that bike hard and sort of neglected it, but I'm much older and more responsible now....trying to take better care of my things.
In May I bought a new-to-me 2007 America with about 12k miles and pretty decent service records (serviced at a dealer in Indy). I put about 300 miles on it then promptly went overseas to work for 2 months. When I came back there was a dark circle of dried fuel about the 14" across directly under the bike. Pretty sure it leaked out the carbs, but everything is dry now, so it's hard to say more directly.
After a couple discussions with better diagnosticians than myself they both said "probably needs a carb rebuild" but I also discovered that I left the petcock open with an 80% full fuel tank (in a non-environmentally controlled NJ garage while it was ~95 degrees most days, under a heavy cover).
I took the bike out into the driveway, cleaned it off, turned it over and it not only didn't burst into flames, it ran like a champ. I took it for a couple short rides after letting it cool off each time, closing the petcock each time. No detectible fuel leakage.
So my question is, do I really have a problem with my carbs that requires a rebuild? Or am I just a dummy for not closing my petcock? What are some other symptoms I can watch for? The last time it looks like the carbs were touched (and documented) was on delivery. Jetted for Short TORs.
I previously owned a 2007 America and hardly ever closed the petcock and never had a leak. I also rode that bike hard and sort of neglected it, but I'm much older and more responsible now....trying to take better care of my things.