Help-leaking gas

[Guest Oldnwizr1]

Just refilled my old 83 with gas and upon returning home to garage

discovered gas leak. It is a 'pressure' gas leak that goes away when

bike is turned off. The bike starts up and runs great but once

started gas leaks out below just forward of fuel pump. I checked

the pump and hoses and it appears to be coming from up in the

upper area of bike around gas tank and carb area. I sure hope the

plastic gas tank hasn't cracked, (or) it could be a hose problem.

I can't figure out how to check where the output of the fuel

pump joins the engine. Anyone else ever have this problem?

Just a bit too unsafe to ride to shop, if I can't resolve it, may have

to call for a tow..gas hitting those hot mufflers is too risky.

Thanks

James

[bongobobny]

Are you sure it is not coming out of carb overfill tube? If it is, betcha you have a stuck needle valve that has a piece of crud in it...

[Guest Oldnwizr1]

Not sure about the stuck needle valve..If that is the cause, would the

bike still start and idle ok?

James

[Yammer Dan]

It could. You need top get something and peck on the carbs good when you turn switch on, Could jar it loose. If not try opening drains one at a time and you might flush it out that way. If not get back to us. Tank is metal and I had one rust out but this is not very common.

[Freebird]

One more thing. The gas tank is not plastic, it is steel. They have been known to rust out but hopefully that is not your problem. If so, let me know because I do have one off the '83 that I parted out. I'll take a good look at it but I think it's in good condition.

[Guest Oldnwizr1]

Thanks guys, will try tapping the carbs, maybe I can shake it loose..I was

running some STP carb cleaner and that may have caused the crud.

Maybe the carbs just need a good cleaning. Will ck out the gas tank

also and get back with you on that..wish you still had a seat also,

mine is taped down on the front...

James

[Guest Oldnwizr1]

Hmmm.well today I got the old venture out and did as you suggested,

took a wooden hammer handle and gently tapped on the carbs

before I started it. Miracles happen, it started up and does not leak

gas! I even rode it around a few miles and it was still ok when I got

back..One carb or two is sputtering on accelleration so guess they

should be cleaned. Thanks guys, you saved me a tow truck bill!

James