I'm at my breaking point with gas fumes from my 2012 RT-S :(

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for the recommendation Bob. I think that I have done a lot to my 2013 that can really be helpful for others.

You did, and it has! :clap: :2thumbs:

Anybody with heat issues; needs to read your thread...

 

[oldguyinTX]

Have Any Of You

Filed a complaint with NHTSA? I have filed two, and sent several Emails as well. They cover the issues mentioned by the O.P. It is very important to file these complaints. As of today there are 63. Gotta be more than 63 unhappy campers out there. I got a return Email today from a gentleman at DOT; he gave me his phone number and invited me to call him at any time to discuss the issues that I have with my 2013 RT L. I plan to call him tomorrow, and if I can get his permission to post his contact information, I will do so tomorrow in a new thread.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/

 

[chuck gross]

sounds like you are on the right track to making a good machine even better enjoy your project you should have a great outcome. :thumbup:


I'm in the same boat with our 2013 RTS. I had hopes that with all of the news about RS's getting panel replacements that our RTSs would have the same option but so far..... not

BRP replaced my evap & purge at our 600 mile service too. Seems better but the weather is WAYYYY cooler now and I've not done any really long rides since.

I had a plan of attack before I ever went to the dealer, so that's where I'm headed this winter. (with help from a conversation I had with Randy in Bellingham)

1) Cat bypass
2) Wrap the exhaust
3) Wrap the gas tank
4) Cut out patterns to insulate the panels
5) I will probably move/remove the canister just for more air flow space
6) aftermarket air cleaner (also for more air flow space)
7) I may modify (shorten) the belly pan for more air flow. Some folks have taken it off entirely
8 ) Finally I'm going to figure out how to get some air flowing thru there from up front. I'll have a better idea of how once I get all the tupperware off

The 'engine compartment' needs air flow or the heat isn't pushed out. It just builds and builds.
You've got 2 heat sources/zones. 3 actually but one seems less significant.

-The radiator is on the right side and has a thick plastic 'wall' that directs all of its heat out the right side vents. None of that air (as I originally believed) blows thru the engine compartment. 2014 moved this stuff way up front btw.

-The oil cooler is on the left side and that air flow is also blocked, flowing out the left vent.

-Behind these forward walls is the almost entirely enclosed engine compartment. As far as I can tell (until I get all the tupp off) there is no air flow engineered into this chamber at all. Engine heat, exhaust headers (2014 headers run under/outside the belly pan) & tranny heat all radiate there. and that's where the gas tank is! The cat is behind and below the engine but its huge and blocks another pathway for air to flow thru and out. The rear of this compartment is open so there is somewhere (albiet seriously congested) for air to escape, but the hot air won't leave unless pushed out.

Header wrap is easily available. The other wrap needs to be the 'pressed fiberglass' type stuff with the foil backing that is bought in sheets. Not the sound-deadener/asphalt stuff as it will get soft in the heat. It can be glued on with hi-temp spray adhesive or that aluminum tape stuff. Randy said, "takes about a day"

It's not 'pennies' to do all this, but certainly way less than what you or I would lose by selling or trading up! Maybe we should have an 'Insulating Party' one nice weekend at my place! I'll fire up the BBQ! :joke: Drop me a note[/QUOTE]

 

[Bob Denman]

I like both your approach, and your attitude about it! :clap: :2thumbs:
Please keep us in the loop as it progresses, and the best of luck to you! :thumbup:

 

[jaherbst]

I am one who had the same issues here in Tucson AZ. I stopped spending money on the problems after $2000. I know some who have invested twice that and still to no avail. I was asked to try yet another band aid fix by BRP along with a few others. This did not work either.

Traded for a 2014RT Limited from a 2013 RTS. Glad I did but feel some what of a traitor to the cause. I got a fairly good deal and took it. At 74 life is short and I want to ride, not battle BRP over there bad design flaws and lack of solving them in a timely manner.

RTS for RTS difference will be around $7500 trade. RTS for RT limited will be around $9500. You will have to add tax and license. If you spend $3-4000 trying to solve the problems and fail you can add this to the above. I was concerned that breathing all those gas fumes would shorten my life, make me more miserable and intolerant and be a great start for an explosion injuring myself and loved ones some day.

Jack

 

[JkRbbt]

I did the same thing, Jack, and feel about the same! Traded a 2013 RT-L for a 2014 RT-S for a little over $6M. I did NOT put any money into trying a fix for the 2013 heat. I figured I didn't create the design problem and I was not going to pay to fix it. At least I saved those $$$. My biggest worry was burning down the house. I would come back from a ride and be hesitant to put her in the garage with fuel fumes and the 2013 reputation of self immolation! I hated to reward BRP with more $$$ for even putting the 2013 design out on the hi way, but I have to admit, I REALLY love riding the 2014! Ride on!!

 

[BajaRon]

sounds like you are on the right track to making a good machine even better enjoy your project you should have a great outcome. :thumbup:


I'm in the same boat with our 2013 RTS. I had hopes that with all of the news about RS's getting panel replacements that our RTSs would have the same option but so far..... not

BRP replaced my evap & purge at our 600 mile service too. Seems better but the weather is WAYYYY cooler now and I've not done any really long rides since.

I had a plan of attack before I ever went to the dealer, so that's where I'm headed this winter. (with help from a conversation I had with Randy in Bellingham)

1) Cat bypass - $?
2) Wrap the exhaust - $30
3) Wrap the gas tank - $30
4) Cut out patterns to insulate the panels - $30
5) I will probably move/remove the canister just for more air flow space - Just take it out. It's all good! - $5
6) aftermarket air cleaner (also for more air flow space) - $200
7) I may modify (shorten) the belly pan for more air flow. Some folks have taken it off entirely - Just take them off. They serve no purpose other than to keep hot air inside the Tupperware - FREE!
8 ) Finally I'm going to figure out how to get some air flowing thru there from up front. I'll have a better idea of how once I get all the tupperware off - Duct air from the fog light pods. $?

The 'engine compartment' needs air flow or the heat isn't pushed out. It just builds and builds.
You've got 2 heat sources/zones. 3 actually but one seems less significant.

-The radiator is on the right side and has a thick plastic 'wall' that directs all of its heat out the right side vents. None of that air (as I originally believed) blows thru the engine compartment. 2014 moved this stuff way up front btw.

-The oil cooler is on the left side and that air flow is also blocked, flowing out the left vent.

-Behind these forward walls is the almost entirely enclosed engine compartment. As far as I can tell (until I get all the tupp off) there is no air flow engineered into this chamber at all. Engine heat, exhaust headers (2014 headers run under/outside the belly pan) & tranny heat all radiate there. and that's where the gas tank is! The cat is behind and below the engine but its huge and blocks another pathway for air to flow thru and out. The rear of this compartment is open so there is somewhere (albiet seriously congested) for air to escape, but the hot air won't leave unless pushed out.

Header wrap is easily available. The other wrap needs to be the 'pressed fiberglass' type stuff with the foil backing that is bought in sheets. Not the sound-deadener/asphalt stuff as it will get soft in the heat. It can be glued on with hi-temp spray adhesive or that aluminum tape stuff. Randy said, "takes about a day"

It's not 'pennies' to do all this, but certainly way less than what you or I would lose by selling or trading up! Maybe we should have an 'Insulating Party' one nice weekend at my place! I'll fire up the BBQ! :joke: Drop me a note

[/QUOTE]

This is the way to do it. I predict success. Please let us know how it goes!

 

[mstngken]

Cat bypass $349 pitbull powersports will solve the major part of your heat issue get rid of the oven under the gas tank you wont have all the gas purge issues.

 

[Magdave]

For the life of me I do not get why a bypass with a bullet cat has not been made yet. It would leave the area wide open for air flow and avoid the warranty issues ( as well as fed law).

 

[ahh-cool]

I too have had the problem. I also have a problem with MPG.
Here is my post. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?73638-Fuel-Vent
Based on this I have found out 2 things.
1) I'm not as smart as I thought I was, because I couldn't believe that my fuel was heating up that much.
2) The fuel is getting very hot.
The only fix I see is to get rid of the heat.
Matter of fact heat is probably 75% of the problems we all have on this Spyder
Stefan

 

[jaherbst]

Cat bypass $349 pitbull powersports will solve the major part of your heat issue get rid of the oven under the gas tank you wont have all the gas purge issues.

Well that did not work in my case. I wish it would have.

Jack

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Cat bypass $349 pitbull powersports will solve the major part of your heat issue get rid of the oven under the gas tank you wont have all the gas purge issues.

Well that did not work in my case. I wish it would have.

Jack

Jack, I have a friend in Las Vegas who tried the bypass on his ST, in addition to wrapping, the new panels and the recalls and it didn't fix his issues either.

 

[mstngken]

Jack, I have a friend in Las Vegas who tried the bypass on his ST, in addition to wrapping, the new panels and the recalls and it didn't fix his issues either.

Just makes me wonder if some engines are running hotter than others I put the cat bypass and the air panels on my 13 rss (not much diff than an st panel wise). On a 90 deg day I had the gas smell when parked and my fuel tank was burning hot after the changes my temp was down one sometimes two bars the only time my fan runs is if I got stuck in traffic and now with the ohio weather I dont think my fan has come on. When I run down the road now at 55 60 I only show 2 bars.

 

[Dizneyman]

Seriously

Just wonder how many have wrapped , replaced, fill half way you other vehicles like your cars, boats, Sea-Doo's... NONE... because they don't have this problem. Every time I see one of these posts with 10 suggestions being made to get rid of a gas smell it drives me nuts. Glad you all have all this extra money to spend making a product your bought work the way it should, but some of us are just not willing to do it... BRP is amazing.. they get you to trade in defective product for new product to rid yourself of issues... and as long as everyone keeps doing it, things won't change. They are masters at product refresh... Enablers we all are.... I love my 2011 RT, and really love the new F3, but no way would I invest any more in a company the deals with customers in this manner. Just glad my Sea-Doo does not have these kinds of issues. Rant over..

 

[Bob Denman]

What do you do when Life hands you a Lemon? :shocked:
I'd just rather make Lemonade; than curse the sourness. :thumbup:

 

[Jeriatric]

Acoutability?

Will only come if and when it is forced. But, their SL rah rah team will provide cover for free. Free? By most.

 

[Dizneyman]

What do you do when Life hands you a Lemon? :shocked:
I'd just rather make Lemonade; than curse the sourness. :thumbup:

A lemon or a grove of lemon trees.. I understand why people are doing what they do, the Spyder is unique toy.. but if there was some competition, bet your sweet you know what, BRP would have done something. How many people get a lemon car, and go back and buy another from the same manufacturer.. My swag... not too many.. I can see it now, my Toyota Rave 4 is a piece of junk, smells like gas, drive in the heat and my ass is burning up.. But hi Mr dealer, let me buy another one.. A'int happening.. Honda here I come...

they have a captive audience... but that may change soon...others will play in this arena... if they haven't already started.

 

[mstngken]

A lemon or a grove of lemon trees.. I understand why people are doing what they do, the Spyder is unique toy.. but if there was some competition, bet your sweet you know what, BRP would have done something. How many people get a lemon car, and go back and buy another from the same manufacturer.. My swag... not too many.. I can see it now, my Toyota Rave 4 is a piece of junk, smells like gas, drive in the heat and my ass is burning up.. But hi Mr dealer, let me buy another one.. A'int happening.. Honda here I come...

they have a captive audience... but that may change soon...others will play in this arena... if they haven't already started.

Toyota, Honda, GM none of them have a good running record and have had MAJOR recalls I would not brag about owning any of them!

And the point im try to make had the government not stepped in on these mfg's because none of them care about the buyer all they care about is sales numbers the consumer is one to suffer sound like whats going on here

 

[stewartj239]

Just makes me wonder if some engines are running hotter than others

I believe that is the case. For example, with the recall last year that checked for melted parts, some bikes were affected, some were not. How is that? I don't believe it is the area of the country you live in because there were cases up north as well. I ride mine all the time during the summer in plenty of 90+ degree days and my heat was never as excessive as what I have heard others complain about. I never had boiling gas either, even after multi-hour rides. I don't think all bikes are affected. I think it is isolated. Maybe a batch of vendor parts or a production issue???

the Spyder is unique toy.. but if there was some competition, bet your sweet you know what, BRP would have done something.

You are 100% on the mark there. If there was competition, then things would be very different on a number of fronts.

 

[JkRbbt]

What do you do when Life hands you a Lemon? :shocked:
I'd just rather make Lemonade; than curse the sourness. :thumbup:

Yes, Bob, but sometimes you need a little SUGAR to make decent lemonade! :thumbup: