Bad Fuel Leak on a 97 BB

nuvey

So the other day, I had a fuel drip from the mounting point of the fuel tap on the tank.. After swearing for a bit, I took it apart and fount that there's an O-ring that had cracked, so I replaced it.. Took care of the leak, and all is good.. I hadn't ridden the bike since I replaced the O-ring, and just wanted to make sure it was still leaking, so I went out this morning, and didn't see any fuel, so I started it up and it started gushing fuel from one of the lines attached to the carbs.. I don't know what these lines are called, but they just vent behind the engine. One attached to each side of the top of the carbs.. I have some pics but they aren't great.. It only leaks fuel while running, and it only leaks out of one of the tubes. The one starting on the right side of the carbs and venting on the left side of the engine.. Any questions will be answered the best I can and any photos can be posted if they would help.. It would help if I just knew what these hoses were called. But if someone has had this problem before, and knows the cause, that would be wonderful.. I'm just too tired to get the pictures from my phone right now.. Tomorrow I can get them from a real camera. Thanks for any help..

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Pete-in-PA

Sounds like you disturbed some debris when you did the petcock. Any rust in your tank?

You have a stuck float in one of your carbs. It doesn't gush till it's running because of the vac. operated petcock.

first try tapping on all 4 float bowls with a screwdriver handle or plastic hammer.

Then try drainig all 4 bowls and refilling.

If that doesn't work you'll have to break down and pull the carb bank and clean/inspect all 4 float bowls and floats. Pay attention to the float valve tips and seats. One speck of rust/dirt can stick there and cause your problems.

YO-XX

I agree with Pete-in-PA.

Maybe this link might help to see things more clearly..

[How to] release a stuck floatneedle

nuvey

Thanks Pete, thanks YO.. That link worked great, you were right about the stuck float.. Bike runs great again.. I don't know what it was, but it wasn't anything from the tank, it must have been something left in the carb, the tank is spotless.. Possibly dislodged something in the line it's self.. I don't know, but hopefully it drained out and won't case any more problems. But thanks for the help..

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Venus97

I've heard the rubber diaphram inside the tank were also kinked on some of the 1997s, leading to monumental failure w/o warning.