Fuel overflow

[Hamrammr]

Hi Guys, I recently acquired a neat 2005 Firestorm with manual cct's, powerbronze screen, 2 into 1 system and carbon fiber hugger. I however replaced the tires, sprockets, chain and brake pads but I see that as things I would have liked to replace anyway. I also did a oil service with Liqui Moly 10w40 Synthetic and a new Honda filter. The only problem I currently have with the bike is that immediately after stopping I have fuel dripping out of one of the overflow pipes for about a minute after which it stops completely. The pipe due to its diameter seems to be the one coming from the petcock but I could be wrong... Could it maybe leaking from one of the diaphragms or what else could it possibly be? I do not want to strip it as of yet as we do not have good spares support where I live in south Africa. The part would anyways probably be on a 6 week back-order from Europe as usual with most Honda spares.

[Wicky]

Is it one of the pipes that runs to the lower front of the bike? as that'll be from the tank possibly filler overflow or breather.

The tubing that should be on the petcock will be the vacuum hose at the back leadingto the a connector at the rear pot NOT on the 'connection pointing down. However if its leaking from that than you'll need a new internal rubber diaphragm.

"10w40 Synthetic" If you notice clutch slip then think about changing to semi-synth.

[Hamrammr]

Is it one of the pipes that runs to the lower front of the bike? as that'll be from the tank possibly filler overflow or breather.

The tubing that should be on the petcock will be the vacuum hose at the back leadingto the a connector at the rear pot NOT on the 'connection pointing down. However if its leaking from that than you'll need a new internal rubber diaphragm.

"10w40 Synthetic" If you notice clutch slip then think about changing to semi-synth.

Thanks Wicky, it is indeed on the connection pointing down so I will order a new diaphragm before stripping it. I have not had any issues with clutch slippage as of yet but will be certain to do so if it does occur. Would the synthetic do lasting damage to the clutch like motor oil with friction modifiers or would a simple oil change fix it if it does occur?

[Hamrammr]

I contacted our local Honda dealer and enquired about a petcock rebuild kit only to be informed that I will have to buy a complete petcock assembly. I actually managed to source a aftermarket K&L petcock rebuild kit at a fraction of the cost online. I was a bit weary as reviews seems to be mixed. I fitted it this afternoon and boy did it make a difference! The bike idles better, there is no longer a petrol smell from the exhaust and it pulls much smoother. It used to hesitate and miss at 6-7.5k rpm, revved fine when in neutral though. This problem is also fixed now! I thought that my carbs needed to be synced and jetted, but turns out that such a small thing caused all these problems!

PS. no clutch slippage yet, hope it doesn't start to slip though.

[VTRDark]

Are you sure it's fuel and not condensation build up dripping. Vapour can also build up into a small amount of liquid that gets trapped in the pipe and drips / runs. It's a good idea to cut the end of that pipe at an angle to prevent it getting trapped inside and allow it to drip off the point.

Oh just read your last post. It was bad then, more than a little dripping.

[bazza696]

PS. no clutch slippage yet, hope it doesn't start to slip though.

I think is a case of "when it happens" not "if it happens"

[tony.mon]

Funny, but sometimes owners report no problems with fully synth, others do.
If you're having no problems, leave it alone. But I'd recommend using semi next time you change the oil and filter.