Dripping Left Carb (...intermittently) "Gas Shoe"

[Bob_Roller]

I don't think that ethanol in the fuel is degrading the rubber parts, any faster than fuel, time and heat exposure already do .

Before I moved to Phoenix, I lived in Chicago for 37 years, and ethanol was added to the fuel supply, in the late '70's, only thing I remember from back then, was that 'grunge' build-up in the tanks, back then seemed to be cleaned out, causing fuel filter problems .

My last set of fuel lines on the '81 R65, got to the point, where you could see fuel seeping through tiny cracks in the exterior of the line .

I cut the lines open when I replaced them, and didn't see any abnormal degradation of the inner surface of the line .

[DeeG]

Moto Guzzi has had a problem with fuel lines popping off of the intake on their internal fuel pumps.  Mainly because of the alcohol content in the fuel was degrading the hose and causing it to swell and fall off the pump.  As a preventative measure, we pulled all of the fuel pumps from the Guzzis and swapped the fuel line.  Two of the bikes (one Nevada and my 750 Breva) had half-plastic fuel filters.  The plastic portion on both the filters were swollen, discolored and about ready to burst.   Both the bikes were 2005 models, but the Nevada had only recently been purchased.  It had been fuel-less in a crate for three years, and only had ~4,000 miles on the odo when we pulled the pump.  We have yet to see what the filter on the new V7C looks like.

I'll have to find the photos.  I cannot imagine the damage that may have been done IF the filters had come apart.  They were replaced with metal ones.

[nhmaf]

I know of several riders who have had to replace their fuel lines on their bikes and some off-highway bike since the switch to alcohol in the fuel because the insides of the lines were coming apart and causing rubber bits to end up in the carbs.   These bikes were all fairly new (4 years old or less) at the time).  Maybe it wasn't a reaction to the alcohol that caused it, but it seemed very coincidental at the time.   A mechanic that one friend  hired to replace the lines and clean out the carbs mentioned that he's been doing alot more of this work the past couple years.

Those GM "Flex fuel" qualified vehicles that can run on E-85 (85% ethanol) require special fuel lines - I think made of a high-silicone content "rubber" to handle the high level of ethanol in the fuel.

[jamo]

Hi
I had the same problem with my R65LS. I changed the float needles and adjusted the level. Then found out the ethonol in the unleaded petrol is absorbed by the float plastic it self and the floats sink. You have to change the floats. If you are careful you can gently tap out the float pin lying on your back with out removing the carbs. if you measure with a vernier the height of the flap for the needle on your old float you have no worries about float level. I did this and it has cured my problem. Bin the wire clip that holds the float needle it is a pain to try to refit up side down.