Fuel smell

[Gregory]

O.K. here's a puzzler I need some help with. There is a strong smell of gasoline coming from my left side throttle body right around the TPS sensor. Here is a little history. This winter I replaced the alternator, set the valves, replaced the clutch cable, balanced the throttle bodys ( there right on ) and installed some quick disconnects. The dealer suggested it could be the charcoal canister. Capped off the lines. TNA. Replaced the fill neck o-ring just in case. TNA. All the throttle body junctions are good, no leaks. There are no fuel line leaks that I can detect anywhere. The bike runs great. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg 1999 RT.

[MOTORRADMIKE]

Fuel tank cap closed all the way?
2 clicks?
I know it's dumb but it's easy to check.

[bikerfish1100]

Unlike a carb's float bowl, there is no spot in the TBs where fuel can collect, and then drip/leak, which is what would cause a smell of gasoline. Look for places that fuel travels thru and can leak from- tank, vent lines, etc.

[Gregory]

Gas cap down tight. If the gas smell is coming from some place else I sure havn't been able to find it. Very localized. Also only when the bike is running. Thanks, Greg

[lkchris]

Hose from charcoal canister connects to throttle body so engine can "inhale" the fumes.

Perhaps hose is old, brittle, cracked, not fitting tightly, etc.

There's an o-ring on the fuel injector too, right? Fuel line to injector, etc.

Unless you've replaced it, this rubber stuff is 13 years old, which is way longer than most BMW rubber lasts.

[kgadley01]

Double check those quick disconnects. They are known to fail...

[Gregory]

Replaced the fuel lines with injector lines from the tank down. I took the canistor lines completely out of the equation, sealed them off and capped the nipples on the throttle bodies. Quick disconects are new and bone dry. Got them from Beemer Boneyard. Well made.

[Gregory]

Finally tracked down the source of the fuel smell problem I was having. When I replaced the valve cover I pinched the gasket that seals the spark plug tunnel just enough to allow the vapors to blow by. What tipped me off was a very small amount of oil dripping from the valve cover. Self inflicted. Live and learn. Greg.