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Buell Motorcycle Forum » THUMPer Forum » Buell Blast Thumper Knowledge Vault » Diagnosing problems: » Archive through December 24, 2008 » Leaking Gas, Bad Mileage, Help « Previous Next »

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Swang678
Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 03:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This is my first blast. I have had it three weeks now and have already put on 800 miles. It is an 03 with 1700 miles. My problem is that I noticed wet spots on my cabling below and behind my air filter on the right side. I opened up the case and saw it was wet but no standing fuel. My only other indication is that I am getting about 50 MPG instead of 70. I am initially thinking I have a gasket starting to give way. Any thoughts?
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 03:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

your fine - that moisture is the EPA vent to your carb dribbling out, and you can only get 70 on long straight highway commutes - lol
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Swang678
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks, thats a relief. I just want to address any problems before they become problems. I have read through the forum and see that you can get in a pinch if you let things go. Are there any things I should look out for specifically? Thanks again.
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Ezblast
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For a stock bike - just keep an eye on the oil and your golden!
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Mar_wilmington
Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 08:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm having the same issue but it seems like more then just the carb spit'n and the epa vent. Yesterday it was enough to make my right pant leg moist but it was a long ride(90miles) at 65-90mph so maybe thats normal. I'm getting avg. 40mpg but I've also altered the intake to make the venturi a stack with a bootie filter.

Could it be that without the interior wall of the airbox cut out yet the new stack is pushing more gas out the bottom b/c of the change of air flow?
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 11:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You're running a stack with the stock airbox?

If the vapor is outside the box it could be a carb leak or stuck float/needle.

If you're running just the stack, depending on where your leg is, you can get a lot of gas blown onto it. Its possible your leg is altering (or stopping) the airflow blowing gas back onto your leg. It's also possible, depending on your modifications, you're getting reversion blowing gas back out of the carb. I've witnessed all 3 things when using the stack.
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Ezblast
Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 12:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

First - yours is not a stack, second - your leg should not be that close, third - you haven't done enough to cause a reversion.
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Mar_wilmington
Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 12:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sorry about that, my post was poorly worded. I was in a hurry to get it posted and get out of work before 8 so I didn't get an ear full from my girlfriend.

First - I'm running a stack filter clamped on the oem venturi eliminating the oem cone air filter.

Second - I tuck my legs in when I get over 85mph. Old streetbike habit but still seems sound idea on the blast. Open to opinions though.

Third - Your probably right that I haven't done enough to cause reversion but I was taking a stab at possibilities since I had enough gas on my leg that I didn't feel comfortable lighting my cig. Which seemed like way too much but it sounds more like just a characteristic Blast feature caused by carb spit and epa drip. Always wondered when I first got it why the end of the cone filter was smelly and stained with fuel.

Forth - Thanks for the idea's erik but I didn't give an accurate enough description for you to be able to tell what I was talking about sorry. BTW it's all coming from within the airbox. It's soaked after every ride, I clean it daily.

Fifth - Thanks
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Ezblast
Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 03:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ahhh - I get it - so did you move the epa spigot?
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 02:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You can leave your legs however you want. If you were running a stack only, depending on your size, its very easy to cover it with your knee and choke the bike.

Gas all over your leg is NOT normal and is not a quirk of the Blast.
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Ezblast
Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jim N of NC managed not to this time and really enjoyed riding the red bike. Of course earplugs where manditory, but all in all we had a really fun time doing Bay area back roads - and his leg remained dry. Perhaps a float adjustment?
GT - JBOTDS! EZ

(Message edited by ezblast on June 08, 2007)
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Spacecapsule1
Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm in the same boat. I get gas all over my leg too. It spits out of the airbox, runs down the backside, blows all over the foot peg assembly and all over my leg.

The only thing i can think of is the airbox lid gasket leaking and letting air push its way in and out the back, taking some gas with it..... thats my theory. My gasket is leaking, but i haven't ordered a new one yet. also, the gasket thats between the carb and the airbox or the airbox and the venturi ring, whichever way it goes.... that might let some air sneak in at highway speeds..... which is when it mainly leaks.

so, thats my theory. once i replace those gaskets i'll try it out and post what happens.
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Mar_wilmington
Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 12:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ya EZ I have it matched to your pictures now that I've removed the cone filter (180 degrees away from the carb opening).

(Message edited by mar_wilmington on June 09, 2007)
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Ezblast
Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thats whats on your leg then - an EPA mix of gas and oil from keeping the bikes revs over 4 g for extended amounts of time. Best to reroute that and add a filter - BCRider's site has an excellent article on that and there is a link to it at the top of the carb section.
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Mar_wilmington
Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 01:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ya I figured that was a short term fix when I had to clean the airbox every few days. It's on the to-do list atm, looks like I might have to move it up. BCRider's article is a great guide I agree.

What has everyone been using to plug the hole in the airbox? About how offen do you need to remove and clean the breather filter?
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Ezblast
Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I visually inspect mine and clean about every other month or if it looks at all dirty. For the air box - some good duct tape on the outside -you can get it in black - works fine, or you can leave it open, since you have the filter directly in front of the carb.
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Marineblast
Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I would like to get a new exhaust for my 04 Blast. I'm looking for performance and also a nice sound. Are there any out there that you guys suggest. Also, I'm wondering if I put a new exhaust on, do I need to adjust anything or put any new parts on the bike, or can I leave everything stock.
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Ezblast
Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

See the Exhaust section.
GT - JBOTDS! EZ
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Evilbetty
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've run out of gas on my last 2 tanks of fuel on my daily commutes to/from work. One at 95 miles, and the other at 105 miles.

The lady I bought it from said she filled up at 140 miles.

She weighed about 105lbs. I weigh 235olbs.

Is this expected mileage with the weight difference?
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Reuel
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How far you move your right wrist makes a big difference, too. I can go to 140 miles, but by then I'm worrying how far I might have to push it to get to the next gas station. I'm 205 pounds. Figure about 360 pounds for the bike, so the engine was pushing 465 pounds for her and 595 pounds for you. It can make some difference. She might have been gentle with the throttle, while you might be using all 34 HP. Find a group of Harley riders and do a ride with them on some road where they stick with 55 MPH, and you'll see your mileage go up.
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Johnnymac
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 09:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For what it's worth, I weigh the same as Reuel and ride fairly aggressively. I ride at sustained speeds of around 75 +/-5 on the highway and accelerate fairly aggressively from stops. I pretty consistently get between 115-120 before hitting reserve. Add in reserve and I would easily get 140-150 on an entire tank. Sounds to me like the lady you bought the bike from wasn't getting all that great mileage either considering she was a feather weight. I would replace your air filter and double check the air pressure in your tires. Something has to be giving you that lousy mileage. I haven't heard of anyone getting less than low 50's per gallon on a Blast and those guys that got that low were fairly big, had all kinds of mods and ran WOT all the time. You're getting less than 50 and from what I know you have a stock bike.

(Message edited by johnnymac on October 20, 2008)
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Froggy
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Muhahaha! I got 70mpg on a XB12SS fully loaded :P
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 11:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

2006 - haha!
EZ
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Evilbetty
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 02:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

She said she was getting 140 before she would even think about filling up... apparently only had to flip to reserve once at 152 miles then drove to the nearest station. That's 67mpg.

I weigh 235lbs and am running a 120/80/60 rear and a 110/70/16 front Avon AM65's. What tire pressure should I be running?

Do I need to replace the air filter or should I soak / wash it per the service manual? It looked pretty good to me when adjusting the fuel mixture screw. I've been getting the same MPG before and after adjusting it, even so the bike is running a lot better.
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 03:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

32/32
For stock applications the stock filter is fine.
EZ
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 03:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Something has to be giving you that lousy mileage. I haven't heard of anyone getting less than low 50's per gallon on a Blast and those guys that got that low were fairly big, had all kinds of mods and ran WOT all the time."


Hey! I resemble that remark!
EZ
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Reuel
Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 05:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I only have a few kinds of mods, but that last bit is me. Some day (don't hold my breath) I'll be at a point where I can decide 515 or 600 cc. As I learn more about working on this Blast, I lean more towards 600.
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