bike still won't run, and I'm going nuts... HELP!

[RedBaronX]

First test to make sure that the cap is the issue. Follow Steve's lead.

well yes, it might not be the cap at all. Amongst everything else, there is already a good amount of gook in the filter... there could be blockage in the tank itself. I have to empty the tank anyway to fix the leaking fuel cock...

I guess my question would have been better phrased as "if the problem is that the cap is not vented well enough, can the venting issue be fixed without buying more fuel caps?"

 

[Al.Fisherman]

well yes, it might not be the cap at all. Amongst everything else, there is already a good amount of gook in the filter... there could be blockage in the tank itself. I have to empty the tank anyway to fix the leaking fuel cock...

I guess my question would have been better phrased as "if the problem is that the cap is not vented well enough, can the venting issue be fixed without buying more fuel caps?"

In one short word "YES" but we can address that issue later if it needs it. It has been discussed before.

 

[RdKryton]

Whizzer caps don't breath the way they should and they will build up a lot of pressure. I have had to take the center out of the two caps I have and drill a very very small hole in the white plastic piece to solve my problems. Now it does not build up pressure or pull vacuum. I am using one tank on a Whizzer and the other with an EZM Q-Matic with a Harbor Freight engine. I tell you this because the caps caused problems on both setups.

Jim

 

[RedBaronX]

the first time I opened it after riding and saw how much it splattered, I had a feeling the pressure might be a problem.

I'll do some trials and tests to make sure that the pressure is the problem, but feel free to posts details and/or pictures of what you've done to alleviate pressure problems. I have no desire to go drilling holes into my gas cap unless I really have to

 

[Al.Fisherman]

the first time I opened it after riding and saw how much it splattered, I had a feeling the pressure might be a problem.

I'll do some trials and tests to make sure that the pressure is the problem, but feel free to posts details and/or pictures of what you've done to alleviate pressure problems. I have no desire to go drilling holes into my gas cap unless I really have to

If that happened you will most likely have to first vent your cap, by either drilling a hole and possibly running a tube out of it like a dirt bike, or find a vented cap that will fit. Also I'd bet you will have to go into the carburetor and readjust the float, as the pressure might of bent the float tab. So once the cap is vented be aware of the float situation.

 

[motorpsycho]

If you find that you do have to drill a hole in the cap, just do what i did.
I built my own gas tank, and i made my own fuel cap. the fuel cap that i used is just a chrome push in oil cap for a car valve cover. ($4.99) I drilled a small hole in the center of the cap for a vent, and then i added a small pewter skull & crossbones to the cap to cover the hole. The eyes in the skull are open and the back of the skull is hollow, this allows the vent hole to still work, while covering it up at the same time.
keep it simple man, and don't be afraid to think out of the box.
The pewter skull & cross bones cost me $1.49.

 

[RedBaronX]

Monday, I had to fix the leak of the less-than-perfect fit of the threads of the fuel cock, and I am still waiting for the gasket maker goop to fully cure (teflon tape was just not enough...) but when I came home from work Tuesday, I was playing with "how closed is closed enough" with the cap, and there is a "step" between the tightening stage and a "locked" stage. When I finally put gas back in the thing, I'll try out these cap positions

 

[Al.Fisherman]

Although I'm not a skull and crossbones type of guy, that was very ingenious. Other things can be used, but you had the idea there.

 

[RedBaronX]

so basically, if the problem IS too much pressure in the tank, the solution is-- drill a small hole in the cap and then fashion some sort of rain cover?

Wednesday, after fixing the leaking fuel cock on Monday, I finally put fuel back into it. No leak, so that's good, but just opening the fuel cock as well as turning the crank a couple times (while adjusting the clutch control arm) that was enough to build up enough pressure in the tank to make it spatter when I opened the tank again.

I will do some actual running tests on Sunday when I have the whole day off to play with it, but the signs are pointing more and more towards "too much pressure".

I've already picked up some JB Weld since I was at the hardware store today anyway, but then it's a matter of picking a "cap"... again, if that IS what the bike needs...

Suggestions of things that can be found at a hardware store? I'm even thinking just a lock washer, split open further around it's circumference, and then capped with a chunk of flat metal... or an acorn nut...

and for the actual hole in the cap-- what is the smallest I can go that would still be big enough... would be nice if I can go just as small as "the smallest drill bit you can find"

 

[GearNut]

If you can find a drill bit sized 1/32" that would be enough. A dinky, teeny hole is all that is necessary.