Gas Fumes in...

[krb1945]

the crank case catch bowl. After riding yesterday I unscrewed the catch bowl. About a tablespoon of oil, which is normal, but it just reaked of gas. So I decided to unscrew the one on the SE5... which had much less oil,but it also reaked of gas. My SO said the SE5 had no fumes when sitting at a stop. My SM had terrible fumes when stopped. I also plugged the spring drain on the catch bowls with JB Weld because both were weeping a little.

I have check all the hose clamps that are related to fuel. None were loose or leaking. I also check the plug in the airbox where the crank case use to vent to. It was a little loose so I replaced it.

This would seem to indicate these machines are running a very rich mixture and fuel is draining down the cylinder walls into the oil. If this is the case it definitely contributes to reduced fuel mileage.

I, we, haven't had the second update yet. Trying to get an appointment at Lake City.

Is anyone else experiencing the strong fumes in the catch can?

 

[sabunim5]

My plugs at my 12k check told a different story

I don't have the catch can fix. I just put a piece of filter material in the crankcase breather line. I also keep my oil level between the 1/2 quart low and the add line. The plugs that I just replaced looked like I was running lean at 6k miles and looked the same at 12k miles.

 

[krb1945]

Fumes cleared up...

During a closer inspection SM this morning I found the plug in the airbox was loose. I replaced it with a better plug. Between JB Welding in the drain fitting in the bottom of the catch can bowl and replacing the plug I cured the problem with the gas fumes. I now believe the catch can was weeping on a hot surface making all those fumes. I say weeping because there was at least a tablespoon of oil in it before I did the change.

Like many I think I'm going to start running it at the about 1/2 a qt low. When checking the SE even though it runs on the full mark I have noticed that it does not collect as much in the can. Same catch can design as the SM and sometimes "she" runs the heck out of it. Must be the difference between 08 and 09. Something must have changed.

I have noticed the SM has "more power" than the 09 SE. Now I am thinking it is coming from the dual exhaust. I know the rear will spin on dry surface with little effort and from 30 to 100 darn quick as the old farmers use to say in south Georgia. /Ken

 

[brutus450]

I have gas smell from the oil in my catch can too. so do many others

 

[Some Guy]

I have gas smell from the oil in my catch can too. so do many others

I have done the catch-can mod (and love it!). The gas smell with the can is normal...others who are more enlightened than me will reply to this post and explain the reason.

:spyder:

 

[brutus450]

What octane does it smell like........:dontknow:

:roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:

smells like 110 leaded:yikes:

 

[pitmon]

:roflblack::clap:

 

[krb1945]

This oil smells...

like racing gas but in reality it is bee pee:roflblack: regular. I haven't ever gotten a ping, knock or hesitation using it. I also use it in the 08 GL1800 and used it in the GL1500 and everything else except the diesel tractor.

Surely I'm not running high enough temps to crack the oil molecules to make gas. And the wrapped exhaust pipes still show between 1000 and 1100 degrees after running a few miles. I guess this laser thermometer is fairly accurate.

 

[boborgera]

I have done the catch-can mod (and love it!). The gas smell with the can is normal...others who are more enlightened than me will reply to this post and explain the reason.

:spyder:

I think the reason for the gas smell is because you're defeating the purpose of the crankcase ventilator. [To burn any gas that gets past the pistons into the crankcase] You can stop oil from getting into the air box with a little bit of filter material in crankcase vent tube. I hope this helps.
P/S So if you do the catch can the gas smell is normal.

 

[krb1945]

Does anyone know where to get the...

wire mesh that gas and fumes will go through but other liquids will not go through? It use to be used in fuel systems regularly. /Ken

 

[Some Guy]

I think the reason for the gas smell is because you're defeating the purpose of the crankcase ventilator. [To burn any gas that gets past the pistons into the crankcase] You can stop oil from getting into the air box with a little bit of filter material in crankcase vent tube. I hope this helps.
P/S So if you do the catch can the gas smell is normal.

Actually, I personally do not have any gas smell. I have my catch can mounted to the oil cooler bracket (so I can get to it easily) with a line running back up to the air box. Just trying to keep Mr. EPA happy!

It's been like this for over 2,500 miles and works quite well.

 

[truck 85]

Actually, I personally do not have any gas smell. I have my catch can mounted to the oil cooler bracket (so I can get to it easily) with a line running back up to the air box. Just trying to keep Mr. EPA happy!

It's been like this for over 2,500 miles and works quite well.

great idea i was going to do this mod but wanted to go in to the air box still and you have figured it out.
I love this place no problem goes unsolved!!!!!!!!!

 

[j45p3r]

Actually, I personally do not have any gas smell. I have my catch can mounted to the oil cooler bracket (so I can get to it easily) with a line running back up to the air box. Just trying to keep Mr. EPA happy!

It's been like this for over 2,500 miles and works quite well.

I bought an Oil/Water separator and plan to put it inline so I can also maintain the air box connection. Hopefully it works, I'll try to install it this weekend.

 

[brutus450]

Actually, I personally do not have any gas smell. I have my catch can mounted to the oil cooler bracket (so I can get to it easily) with a line running back up to the air box. Just trying to keep Mr. EPA happy!

It's been like this for over 2,500 miles and works quite well.

you got pics?

 

[krb1945]

Some Guy... I like your idea...

of a hose from the "catch can" back up to the air box. I'm also thinking that if we have enough "up hill" hose only fumes will get back to the box. Yep darn good idea:2thumbs:... I'm definitely going to copy cat you. /Ken