Boiling Gasoline in Gen I (05)

[07FJRVegas]

A couple days ago my friend and I were riding from NV into UT (I have an 07 and her has an 05). The Temperature was 106F. We were down below 1/2 tank and when he opened the gas cap on the 05 at a fuel stop, gasoline sprayed up out of the gas cap about 18" high. Fortunately no damage or bigger issues! He quickly closed the cap and then poured cool water over the tank. When he got it opened the second time, the fuel didn't shoot up but you could hear it boiling in the tank. Has anyone experienced something similar?

 

[ionbeam]

Yes.

Oh, more detail?

Check the tank overflow hose and be sure it isn't pinched. With the gas cap up, make sure the orange doohickey for venting is present and in the correct location. It may be necessary to take the gas cap apart and clean up the surprising amount of dirt your friend will find packed in there. How-To. How-To Two. How-ToThree with bonus vent modification steps.

 

[garyahouse]

Normally that stuff simply oozes out the drain tube under the bike. That's why it's there. Your's must be clogged, as the beam master said (above). I asked about that a couple years ago when I saw the puddle of gas below the bike on a hot day just before getting onboard.

There ya go.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[07FJRVegas]

Thanks Gents. Will pass on to my friend, who's now in Iowa heading to Minnesota (it is 62F there and pouring rain). I rode back to Vegas yesterday with temperature @ 115F - Ugh!

 

[lnewlf]

Highly recommend Fred W's ballectomy..You'll have to search the forum for it yourself..

 

[ionbeam]

Highly recommend Fred W's ballectomy..You'll have to search the forum for it yourself..

That was my How-To Three link with bonus vent modification steps in post 2. And, not to worry this modification has been Tip Over Tested and passes, er, doesn't pass gas.

 

[Patriot]

at least once a summer (Nawlin's deep south heat index of 110F) it happens to me when opening the cap at fuel stop...all my vents are fine and have always been so upon annual test / inspection

it is what it is

I'm convinced the heat blanket between the tank and the engine is a must or it's gonna happen more frequently than that no matter what...those vents, wide open, just do not pass enough vapor when the tank is pressurizing and opening the cap let out the pressure in a nanosecond.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-YAMAHA-FJR1300-FJR-HOT-TANK-HEAT-FIX-INSULATION-KIT-/190845518261?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6f4781b5&vxp=mtr

 

[escapefjrtist]

When it's that hot and you have a GEN I you're going to be boiling fuel...no way around it. As mentioned, make sure the vent is clear and be extra careful when opening the tank.

--G

 

[Geezer]

I've had the same problem when riding on very hot days, and the vents were clear. I did the ballectomy as described by Fred W and the problem went away.

 

[leedavis]

I'm convinced the heat blanket between the tank and the engine is a must or it's gonna happen more frequently than that no matter what...those vents, wide open, just do not pass enough vapor when the tank is pressurizing and opening the cap let out the pressure in a nanosecond.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-YAMAHA-FJR1300-FJR-HOT-TANK-HEAT-FIX-INSULATION-KIT-/190845518261?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6f4781b5&vxp=mtr

Agree, and IMO that tank insulation is one of the best things you can do for yourself with a gen I. If for no other reason than it stops most of the engine heat from getting to the tank and cooking your legs in the summer.

 

[Bugnatr]

I had boiling fuel in my KLR yesterday while riding close to 7,000 feet and 90 degrees. We were riding the back country and working the bikes a bit.

 

[ndivita]

Happened to me under substantially similar circumstances in 2006. I was on my 2005 FJR on I 80 in western Nebraska. I stopped for the day in 105 degree heat with about 1/3 tank of gas. I went to fuel up before looking for a hotel. After I opened the gas cap fuel could be seen fizzing away in the depths of the tank. Gasoline spurted out of the tank about a foot as fresh fuel was being pumped in. Needless to say the sphincter factor was high. It did not ever happen again because I installed automotive heat shield material under the gas tank. Problem solved.

This is not your imagination.

 

[WBill]

Yep: Make a heat shield for under the tank. I used silver bubble insulation from Home Depot, and that solved the problem in Arizona's summer heat. There was no change in the engine heat gage reading. WBill

 

[Big Sky]

All good suggestions. Here's one more: whenever you open the fuel cap, press down and ease up very slowly.

 

[07FJRVegas]

Thanks to all fellow FJR riders / members of the forum for sharing your experience and suggestions; I've consolidated them for my buddy to use upon return from his trip. It was raining in Minnesota this morning when he was leaving!

 

[Blind Squirrel]

If at all possible I never let my Gen 1 ('04) get below 1/2 tank. It would start cooking me even with the heat blanket installed.

 

[mferriter]

Hard to imagine that the fuel was actually boiling. Vapor pressure may be the culprit. The vapor pressure of the gas at elevated temperatures can cause an increase in the pressure inside the tank at temperatures WAY below the boiling point.

 

[Warpdrv]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-YAMAHA-FJR1300-FJR-HOT-TANK-HEAT-FIX-INSULATION-KIT-/190845518261?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6f4781b5&vxp=mtr

Thanks for this.... first time I saw that one... worth the measely moneys...

Although I don't even see the temps you guys do, how the F*k you live like that is beyond me ?!?!?

 

[puppychow]

Just happened to me on a 103 degree ride through Nevada, opened the gas cap and had to jump a foot back because fuel shot up into the air like a fountain about 2 feet high. Sitting in a motel with my gear smelling of gas. It wasn't me guys... It was the bike who passed gas...

Any quick on the road remedies? I will go read up ionbeams links next...