gas tanks requires burping

Message
Author
User avatar
flw
Site Supporter - Silver
Site Supporter - Silver
Posts: 899
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:16 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 8
My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.

gas tanks requires burping

#1 Unread post by flw »

My kawasaki 500 LTD (en500c-07 w/12k miles, always use premium) and a vacuum build up in my gas tank untl the carb is straved. I burp the tank, wait about a min and it starts and I'm off for another 6 plus miles. Even when pulling upto my home and turn it off I can still burb the tank. My bike has a history with this from other users but I cannot find the work around.

Help with the cap or hose or something else, Dan

I really need your help as the problem is intermidiate and next to impossible to show a mechanic because of this.

Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, Help, :cry:
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold

User avatar
Johnj
Site Supporter - Platinum
Site Supporter - Platinum
Posts: 3806
Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:34 am
Real Name: Johnny Strabler
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 34
My Motorcycle: A Bolt of Lightning
Location: Kansas City KS

Re: gas tanks requires burping

#2 Unread post by Johnj »

Sounds like the vent is clogged.
People say I'm stupid and apathetic. I don't know what that means, and I don't care.
Image
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

User avatar
Gummiente
Site Supporter - Platinum
Site Supporter - Platinum
Posts: 3485
Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 11:34 pm
Real Name: Mike
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 38
My Motorcycle: 03 Super Glide
Location: Kingston, ON

Re: gas tanks requires burping

#3 Unread post by Gummiente »

I agree with John about a plugged vent. Depending on the bike, some have a vented gas cap and some have a vent hose with a one way check valve; both allow air to enter the tank to fill the void left by the gas as it drains into the carbs through normal use. Over time the gas cap or vent hose will plug up and prevent air from getting into the tank; this will create a vacuum that eventually overpowers the weaker gravity fed fuel stream and causes fuel to quit flowing altogether. When you open the gas cap and "burp" the tank, you are allowing air to enter and equalise the pressure/vacuum inside the tank so that fuel can flow again.

So... change the gas cap or replace the vent hose, as applicable, and the problem will go away.
:canada: Mike :gummiente:
It isn't WHAT you ride,
It's THAT you ride

User avatar
flw
Site Supporter - Silver
Site Supporter - Silver
Posts: 899
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:16 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 8
My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.

Re: gas tanks requires burping

#4 Unread post by flw »

Since I could restart the bike by just removing and reinstalling the gas cap, I agree on a venting issue via the cap and not a clogged intake hose. I also checked the hose just in case, as its simple to check and is just as likely but it seemed fine.

I dissasebled the cap and shortened one of the springs inside that is sappose to allow outside air in when the engine runs. This did the trick as I tested it today. The problem was also temp dependent. the warmer it was the sooner it happened.

I can only assume that each mfg uses a slightly different design (but same principles) for their gas caps so I didn't reference which spring I shortened. As yours may be different than mine.

Dan
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold

Post Reply