Motorcycle Repair: gas tank vent tube blocked, vent tube, gage wire

Question
Hello Terry,

I have a 1979 KZ1300; the gas tank vent tube is blocked with rust.
So when it get hot, gas comes out the key hole on the gas cap.
I have been trying to force small gage wire thru the vent tube, but no success.
The tube is quite small with several bends.

Thanks, Derrick

Answer
Hi Derrick,
There are several possibilities here; if the obstruction is in a metal pipe on the gas tank you can try compressed air to blow through it, be sure to keep safety in mind during this process since you will likely generate a significant amount of gas fumes. Have a fire extinguisher close at hand and try to work outdoors. If it is the rubber tube perhaps you can remove and replace it. If it is rubber/plastic and not hard/brittle and you can remove it, lay it on a workbench and use a rubber mallet to gently pound the hose flatter and blow it out with compressed air.
Best wishes,
Terry.