Smelling gasoline

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

I'm continually impressed with the volume and quality of the responses here on bmwlt.com. It has proven an invaluable resource and has a wonderful community spirit. Thanks to all participants (even lurkers (like me))!

From time to time, actually pretty regularly, I smell gasoline when slowing for a stop. It occurs when downshifting, as if there is a leak caused by the gasoline transferring to the forward part of the tank. A strange sympton is that it doesn't seem to matter if the tank is full or empty nor do I detect any odor when parked in the garage.

2000 LT, no cannisterectomy. :confused:

[JATownsend]

Well, I supose it could any numbers of things, but what strikes me is that it is doing it when you are running but not when you're parked.

Perhaps its a leaking O-ring in the fuel quick disconnects or maybe a QD that has developed a slight crack.

You might want to pull off the upper right side fairing and have a look!

[Matt]

This past August during the Midnight Ride, I had the same thing happen. I'd never smelled gas before. I do have the plastic quick disconnects. At every stop I'd check the Meijers or Wally-world we were at to try and score some O-rings. No joy.
By the time we reached St. Ignace the smell had gone away and I haven't smelled it since. When I do the 48K service here soon I'll check and most likely replace the O-rings. If I can I'll replace the plastic with brass qd's.

[mtrevelino]

Unless someone installed the quick disconnects, you do not have them on your 2000LT. You will need to take the plastic off of the right side and take it for a short ride. Look and see if you notice any gas leaking while stopping. I would also check the gas cap while stopping, even though I have never heard of one leaking.

[grifscoots]

Which side is the smell coming from? Is it getting on your leg and boot?

Most of the 99-00 that I've worked on have had the quick disconnects installed. If it's the right side, that's likely your culprit.

I had a leak on the left side that drove me nuts. Didn't find it till someone took a rev to the engine while I looked. Split hose at the fuel rail.

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

Thanks guys.

I'm not able to definitely determine which side it's coming from, but I think it is the right side. There is no seepage or wet spots.

Looks like I'm going to have to "do the deed" (strip the skin) and see what's happening at the tank. Waiting for the rain to clear out so I can get it outside for a little more elbow room.

[lucky26]

New owner here. What are the quick disconnects, where are they and how do you get them???

[Morley]

New owner here. What are the quick disconnects, where are they and how do you get them???
They are as the name implys, a quick disconnect and they are on the RH side under the fairing and go to the fuel lines. The BMW QD's are plastic and have an external O ring on the male bayonett. The plastic QD's are known to crack with age or in extreme cold and the O ring is easy to nick/cut when connecting them if not careful. Also the O rings dry out and crack on their own.

[JATownsend]

New owner here. What are the quick disconnects, where are they and how do you get them???
Look at Post #2 of this thread...a PICTURE is attached!

[dcreech]

I have a QD leak on my K12LT. I removed the plastic and I can see gas spraying from the lower QD. Where can I get instructions on how to correct the problem. Either replacing the O ring or the QD itself?

[zippy_gg]

I have a QD leak on my K12LT. I removed the plastic and I can see gas spraying from the lower QD. Where can I get instructions on how to correct the problem. Either replacing the O ring or the QD itself?I would recommend that you replace them with after market units made of brass instead of the BMW made of plastic.

[RonKMiller]

I have a QD leak on my K12LT. I removed the plastic and I can see gas spraying from the lower QD. Where can I get instructions on how to correct the problem. Either replacing the O ring or the QD itself?

Any BMW dealer will fix it for free, as well as re-torque the fuel mounting bolts - both are recall items that should have been done during a routine service. It takes about an hour to do.

The only problem is that they will replace it with the same crap, which of course will fail again. Replace them instead with brass. The company is Small Parts Inc. in Miami, Florida: www.smallparts.com (http://www.smallparts.com/) The part number is QCBD-05, Brass Quick Connect DOUBLE Shut-off 5/16, and costs $23.00 each. The internal seals are made from Nitrile, which is highly resistant to gasoline. Not cheap, but to eliminate a gas leak....;)

Inexpensive forceps that you can buy at Harbor Freight work as excellent locking clamps to pinch the hoses off while you replace the fittings - no need to remove the tank or having gas spilling all over the place.

I STRONGLY suggest not riding or starting the bike again until fixed - it is an extreme fire hazard....

[bikertz]

According to the SmallParts web site the seals are Buna-N. Is the N for Nitrile?


Connector Specifications: Coupler and Plug sold together as one
Coupler Body: ………………………………………………..……..Brass
Sleeve: ……………………………………………………………...Brass
Springs, Balls, Locking Ring: ………………..Stainless Steel Type 301
Temp. Range: …………………………………….....…... -40 to +250° f
Valve: ……………………………………………………....………Brass
Seals: ……………………………………………………………..Buna-N
Working Pressure: ……………………………………………..0 – 230 psi
Max. Rated Pressure: …………………………..………..…….1000 psi