Petrol leak

Odysseus

It was -1.5 this morning so I decided not to risk the bike and took the morning off. Anyway I starting up the super-four when I noticed a leak, just at the tube that connects to the On/Off switch. Anyway I hope it is just a matter of pushing it back on.

However, I was wondering if I hadn't copped it would the engine have got hot enough to start a fire, as it was pissing out on it.

Good job I have the PX as a back up.

KamiKazi

That line split on my CB400, petrol was pissing all over the engine for at least a week, no fire though so it was all good.

copeyhagen

happened on my cbr20 wheni had it.
those old rubber fuel lines perish over the eyars. i just went to motor factors, bought the same tubing and replaced it. half hour job

Del2005

Odysseus wrote: »

It was -1.5 this morning so I decided not to risk the bike and took the morning off. Anyway I starting up the super-four when I noticed a leak, just at the tube that connects to the On/Off switch. Anyway I hope it is just a matter of pushing it back on.

However, I was wondering if I hadn't copped it would the engine have got hot enough to start a fire, as it was pissing out on it.

Good job I have the PX as a back up.

Heat doesn't ignite petrol, though it does make it easier to ignite by releasing more fumes, only an external flame/spark can ignite the fumes. It doesn't mater if the engine is hot or cold, any stray spark will ignite it.

KamiKazi

Del2005 wrote: »

Heat doesn't ignite petrol, though it does make it easier to ignite by releasing more fumes, only an external flame/spark can ignite the fumes. It doesn't mater if the engine is hot or cold, any stray spark will ignite it.

Heat will ignite petrol, but only at seriously high temperatures:

Gasoline (Petrol): 246–280 °C (475–536 °F)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoignition_temperature

Maybe exhaust headers could get up to that temperature? Don't know what else would on a bike TBH.

Cienciano

Use a lit match to find out where the leak is coming from.

Del2005

KamiKazi wrote: »

Heat will ignite petrol, but only at seriously high temperatures:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoignition_temperature

Maybe exhaust headers could get up to that temperature? Don't know what else would on a bike TBH.

Isn't that usually why they keep the fuel pipes away from the headers on bikes.

CJhaughey

Saw a Triumph go up in flames and burn down to a puddle of alloy when it backfired through the carb and ignited.
Took a local guy with a powder extinguisher to put it out.
Hard to fit an extinguisher on a bike though.:D

YCHGTBOY

A mobile phone in your pocket could possibly ignite the fumes....or any bad electrical connection on the bike could arc and do the same. Any petrol leak... no matter how small.... should always be repaired immediately.

Del2005

YCHGTBOY wrote: »

A mobile phone in your pocket could possibly ignite the fumes....or any bad electrical connection on the bike could arc and do the same. Any petrol leak... no matter how small.... should always be repaired immediately.

Mobile phone is a myth

YCHGTBOY

Del2005 wrote: »

Mobile phone is a myth

Ok ...a a possible myth I agree on...but do you agree there is the possibility of some other electrical fault or static capable of igniting fumes?

BrokenArrows

Del2005 wrote: »

Mobile phone is a myth

Not a myth but easier for static to build up and spark from the old phones with thin wirey aerials.

Hotblack Desiato

Nope, still myth.

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/gasvapor.asp

Del2005

YCHGTBOY wrote: »

Ok ...a a possible myth I agree on...but do you agree there is the possibility of some other electrical fault or static capable of igniting fumes?

Yes, it is possible for static or an electrical fault to ignite fumes.

The only way a mobile can possibly ignite fumes is when they are under pressure when filling the tank and you'd have to have the phone right beside the nozzle, in normal circumstances a phone won't ignite petrol fumes.