Heat Issue on 2013, Evaporative Canister Overflow

[Craniac]

Got back from a 40 mile ride at 91 degrees. Thought I smelled gas fumes so I hooked an extension hose up to
Evap Canister overflow line. Made sure all oxygen was purged from the line and hit the fumes with a spark. This was the result. Next time a dealer tells me that this is "normal", I might get a little upset.

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[bmccaffrey]

HOLY MOLY, FLAME ON THATS NOT RIGHT:yikes:

 

[oldguyinTX]

You could be on to something. Too bad that there is no way to post pix on the NHTSA website. You could however, file a complaint with them just to add some "fuel to the fire".

 

[Dat Guy]

I wonder is this had anything to do with my Spyder fire?

 

[Craniac]

Today the gas smell was not bad compared to some days. I was shocked at the size of the flame. I am afraid to try it again on a hotter day. Last time I rode it was about 105 and the smell was far worse.
I have made some modifications to alleviate the heat issue. It is not as bad now as when I first got the bike. Mods detailed in:http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...Fixing-the-Horrid-Fuel-Smell&highlight=horrid

Dat Guy: Just one spark from static electricity and it could start a fire. I know how easy the static builds up in 29 Palms. So yes, I think it could have something to do with your fire.

Yes, I have filed with NHTSA. No response from them yet. I would be interested in their opinion.

 

[Dan McNally]

I don't know if a spark of static electricity would ignite it . . . but have you ever seen the sparks arcing off a worn out spark plug cable? There is plenty of ignition capability, there!

 

[Craniac]

I don't know if a spark of static electricity would ignite it . . .

I was amazed at how easy it ignited. I was expecting a half inch flame that might not stay lit without a source of ignition. What I got was a flame thrower. And the fuel smell wasn't that bad today.

 

[Questions]

I live on the Colorado River in AZ and have had trouble with gas fumes, bad enough where I could not close my front or rear garage doors after riding. Had the bike in several times and the dealer and BRP say "there is no problem."
You are probably not overfilling your tank. You need to wrap your pipes with thermal wrap and your canister with starter wrap that you can purchase at Auto Zone.
The rear cylinder is only 1/2 inch away from your gas tank. I think your gas is boiling and that is why it's going into the canister.
After I wrapped my pipes and canister the fumes were reduced by 80%. Still, on hot days I still smell fumes, but not nearly as bad. Hope this helps.

 

[bmccaffrey]

Yes static electricity will ignite fumes . It is electricity and sparks some times violently depending on build up:yikes: That's why when fueling or putting gas in a can they tell you to put on the ground so it's grounded

 

[Bob Denman]

I don't know if a spark of static electricity would ignite it . . . but have you ever seen the sparks arcing off a worn out spark plug cable? There is plenty of ignition capability, there!

Particularly when you figure that all of the underbody heat is cooking those wires into oblivion... :yikes:

 

[Craniac]

I live on the Colorado River in AZ and have had trouble with gas fumes, bad enough where I could not close my front or rear garage doors after riding. Had the bike in several times and the dealer and BRP say "there is no problem."
You are probably not overfilling your tank. You need to wrap your pipes with thermal wrap and your canister with starter wrap that you can purchase at Auto Zone.
The rear cylinder is only 1/2 inch away from your gas tank. I think your gas is boiling and that is why it's going into the canister.
After I wrapped my pipes and canister the fumes were reduced by 80%. Still, on hot days I still smell fumes, but not nearly as bad. Hope this helps.

I have replaced the air filter box with something similar to JT's. I wrapped the headers. I moved the Evap Canister to the rear, where the 2014's are. I added a second evap canister. I added a spacer at the front of the side panels to get more airflow. I added two air scoops under the body for more air flow. I changed the black plastic panel near the oil tank to direct more air past the fuel tank. I added heat tape to the fuel tank. I added an underbody air scoop to cool the catalytic converter.

I may have the most heat mods of any Spyder and it still boils gas. BRP has approved the new panels for my bike. I believe they will help but not solve the issue.

BRP put an 800 degree heater under the fuel tank.

 

[Dragonrider]

I performed a "canisterectomy" on my 2009 and 2010 Spyders, and ran a line to the back of the bike. Early recommendations suggested a "trap" like a sink, would be needed. However, liquid gas accumulated in that area, so I removed it. After a hard ride on a hot day, it was not unusual to see a bit of fuel dripping out of that line - this is not a new issue for the Spyder, but I have yet to see anything like it on my 2014.

 

[Craniac]

Thanks to SpyderAnn01 NHTSA has now seen the video. She provided me the e-mail for the lead investigator. He responded promptly.

 

[finless]

Thanks to SpyderAnn01 NHTSA has now seen the video. She provided me the e-mail for the lead investigator. He responded promptly.

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Teamwork!

Bob

 

[Buzzatronic]

Geez this has me even more worried. I'm wondering if I should turn off my de-humidifier in my garage to cut down on the dryness of the air in there until all this gets sorted.

 

[Magdave]

I been saying this all along that is what is flowing out under EVERY 2013 RT (and some other years) after you stop when the bike is fully warmed up. More so in the hot summer months. Put a paper towel under the right side where they have the hose attached to the bottom plastic panel. Problem is that the hose is not very attached to it just plugged into it sorta. What happens if it pops out of the panel? :dontknow: Does your automobile EVAP system do this? Absolutely not. :thumbup:

 

[jwulf74]

It's not just the 2013's... Both of our 2011's drip gas too...

 

[Craniac]

65 mile ride today. Bike says it is 97 degrees. Weather Service is stating 91 degrees.
I still think this is not "normal" nor safe. Flame was about a foot long.
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[PMK]

65 mile ride today. Bike says it is 97 degrees. Weather Service is stating 91 degrees.
I still think this is not "normal" nor safe. Flame was about a foot long.
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Craniac, You have certainly demonstrated the situation. But please stop before you and the Spyder become little bits of nothing on a wall.

I am sure you realize that there are backflow or whatever they call them on welding setups to prevent the flame from traveling down the hose.

Impressed, but now safety first...

PK

 

[oldguyinTX]

65 mile ride today. Bike says it is 97 degrees. Weather Service is stating 91 degrees.
I still think this is not "normal" nor safe. Flame was about a foot long.
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You can send this video in an Email along with a detailed description. I got a reply the same day I sent one.

[email protected] Reference Investigation PE14025 and he will know what you are referring to.