QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mike! I have a 2000 FXST which I bought with 5k miles on it. It now has 35k and over the past few months, I frequently notice a strong smell of gas, especially right after re-fueling. It is a California emissions model, but the original owner removed the charcoal cannister and some of the related stuff, but all of the lines/hoses are still connected. There are no noticable leaks at the carb (Mikuni HSR 42), which I put on several years back. I noticed mention of a vapor valve in my service manual, but it doesn't reveal what it's function is or how it works. It is not on my bike, so I'm wondering if it fell off and that is the source of my problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
ANSWER: Where the parts were that were removed are the hoses plugged?
Mike
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: No, the hoses/lines were never plugged, but as I mentioned earlier, I only started having the problem recently. The vent line shouldn't be plugged, correct? This is the line that had the vapor valve on it. I'm still wondering if that has anything to do with the gas smell. Can you provide me with information about the valve? Thanks
Answeryour correct, the vent line should not be plugged. I dont know much about the valve since I am in Ohio and havent worked on any California bikes. I would suppect that the valve is a one way valve that keeps vapors from excaping to the air.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike
