bike keeps leaking petrol?

Question

hey all. my Kawasaki GPZ1000rx keeps leaking petrol from the fuel tap (slow drips but enough to make a difference in price) also my left exaust keeps backfiring when slowing down. does anybody have any clues why this is happening and if they are in any way linked? i desperatly need this sorting as im planning on riding across england in 1 weeks time so.... thanks

it doesn't leak when the bikes moving only when its been stationary for a few minutes

thanks eddysfatnephew (love the name)
it sounds like my tap has gone then by your advice and it is due a service anyway so think i will do just that
thanks again

Answer 1

They are not linked but you have aq air leak on your left intake for the carby the petrol leak may have to have an mechanic look at it petrol will catch alite on a hot engine so be very careful ~~

Answer 2

Certainly two unrelated problems.

The easy one is the fuel leak. It's just possible the fuel tap has failed. They have a vaccuum system to turn the flow off when the engine isn't running. This relies on a plastic diaphragm which will eventually wear out, and your bike is probably old enough for this to have happened.

More likely is a perished fuel line, especially near the clips that hold them to the tap. Check carefully for exactly where the fuel is coming from, or take it to a dealer to have a look at. The repair should be quick and inexpensive, and you REALLY don't want to be doing a long journey with petrol leaking onto your engine.

There's a number of reasons for a backfiring exhaust, all of which result in unburned fuel coming out the cylinder through the exhaust valves and into the (very hot) manifold, where it detonates. One likely cause is your timing's out, and a good service will sort the problem out. Again, cheap and quick to fix. Getting the valves shimmed is another thing that needs doing as part of the regular servicing routine of these bikes, and if shimming is overdue, the valves won't seal properly. Leave it too long and the valve wears back into the cylinder head, which can be a bit more expensive to fix.

There are other possible reasons, but I reckon these are the most likely, and I suggest that with a thorough service, your bike could be running much better, without having to spend too much money. The engine of your bike is one of the more bomb-proof out there so you have good reason to be optimistic.

All the best.

Answer 3

unscrew your "petcock" as we call it in the U.S., or as you say, fuel tap (that makes more sense)

and wrap the threads in teflon tape. (counter clockwise)

if that doesn't work and gas (petrol?)keeps coming out, get a new petcock (naval term I think that stuck in the U.S.)

the backfire..forget about it..not linked. Drive it more, rev it some more. it's not going to do anything but embarras you when you come off of the freeway. It goes away with lots of bikes. normally backfires indicate that your timing is retarded (or advanced to far??) or the air fuel mix is bad...but I bet it's not one of those. Judging from your question, I'll guess that it has been sitting up a while.

Answer 4

The leak could be the seal needs renewing in the tap, the tap has come loose, the rubber pipes harden with age, check all conections. Miss firing could be anything from worn timing chain, worn valves, carbon deposits on piston / chamber, when did you last change the spark plugs they could be coked up and tracking inside. Then again it may be anything from nackered leads, plug cap, etc needs to be checked out before you end up stranded at the side of the road.

Answer 5

if its leaking from the petrol tap i would take out all the fuel unbolt the tap and have a look at the thread i would then take some plumbers tape and put in on the thread and bolt the tap back on this should seal the tank. no idea about the backfire would have to look at it.

Answer 6

there's a drain plug for the waft bowl. hopefully it is not screwed returned interior the whole way. attempt tightening it. If that doesn't do it then yet an determination determination must be that the waft valve that may not be seating (this could require removing and disassemble returned). Take it returned to the storage along with your receipt. stable success and experience risk-free.

Answer 7

make sure your fuel pipe is OK and turn off at tap look at inlet manifold for cracks and any air leaks

Answer 8

time for a new bike

Answer 9

Forget it & get a new bike.