Fuel Drip

[elker80]

After a some winter maintenance on my 2000 Venture (none which had to do with engine and fuel system), I dropped the bike down off of the stand and decided to fire it up. After setting all winter with Seafoam through the system it kicked over first hit of the switch, was a bit sluggish but to be expected. After running for about 5 minutes I noticed fuel dripping from the bottom of the front cowling, removed the cowling and saw it was dripping from a small rubber hose that is on the right side that looks to be running to the carb area. (looking at the bike from the front)

I have read various articles about sticking floats and such and assuming this may be it but I do have one silly question.

One of my winter maintenance efforts is plugging the AIS. I was only able to get the "back" one plugged while on the stand and figured I would do the "front" one after it was off the stand. I did not get to plugging the "front" one yet before staring the bike . . . the stupid question is could that have anything to do with the fuel leak, basically running with only half of the AIS plugged?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Bill

[Mikealiasmike]

Sounds more like a sticking float to me but by no means go by what I say. Had a similar problem and that's what mine was. There's plenty of much more qualified folks on here that will give you other options. Good luck and God Bless

[Venturing Sole]

I had a somewhat similar experience with dripping fuel from the right side carb area, dripping down into the "V" where the cylinders meet. I was only running on three cylinders. The right front cylinder was not firing and the unburned fuel began to drip. Recommend checking to see if all cylinders are firing (touch each exhaust pipe to see if they are equally hot - kind of singes your fingers a little, except for the one not firing). If you have a cylinder not firing, could be the plug cap screwed into the wire has lost connectivity. Could be the ignitor module connections are gritty and need cleaning. Over they years I have had three different cylinders not firing. Two times it was the plug cap connection to the spark wire. Once it was the ignitor connection harness had some grit in it.

[Ace]

I had the same thing happen of my 2000 MM last fall. What the problem was that the orings that are around the float valve seats were dried out and allowing gas to flow around the seat and overfilling the carb bowls and running out the vent(s). I corrected by installing new seats and valves.

[elker80]

Thanks guys for all the insight, won't be able to get to it till this weekend but will check all the suspect areas.

Appreciate the input and advice.

[eusa1]

that hose comes from the bowl overflow and yes it could be a sticking float, but as Ace stated above it's likely the seat o-rings. $.02

[elker80]

Guys appreciate all the input.

Had a little time tonight, checked the pipes, all are hot so I assume all cylinders are firing, drained all fuel from tank and filled with a heavy concentration of Seafoam, and Mystery Oil and about a 1 gallon of fresh gas and let it run for quite a while to be sure the mixture made it to the carbs. Will let it sit overnight and give that a shot and see if loosens anything.

Question, I have read about different folks "tapping" on the float bowls as well as draining them. I have not garnered the courage to tear into carbs yet (this coming winter project) so I ask, . . . . . . . can I see the float bowls without taking anything off the bike or do I need to take off the gas tank, air box, etc.

Thanks

Bill