massive fuel leak ,broken tube, fuel joint.

kiekeboe

kiekeboe

Joined
Dec 26, 2014
Messages
20
Location
Antwerpen
Bike
ST 1300 2004
Today for the first time, got scared of my ST1300.

working on an F1 warning, code 2 (MAP sensor vacuum hoses, or sensor itself)
and looking for a rattling sound on my 2004.

I heard a lot of dripping, looked under the engine.
and immediately smelled a smell of fuel.
immediately put my oil pan underneath ,
and took some distance, because the engine was still warm.
the pan was filled with a 4 liters of gasoline

the fuel joint ruptured after being lifted up and back.
Apparently the tube can not withstand too far open feul tank.

picture with the red arrow is where the hole was.
other photo where it is in two, was to remove hose quickly.


fortunately for me what odor nuisance and some cleaning .
 

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It is the tube that connects the upper and lower tank.
Have seen that before and man what a lot of fuel came out, also happened when the engine was hot!
Lucky 4 u that there was no fire.
 
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Wow, that is a scary report.

There is a retention cable on my 2012 ST that prevents the upper fuel tank from being lifted too far up. But, even with that present, the Service Manual recommends replacing that tube whenever the upper fuel tank is lifted. I bought a fuel tube, but replacing it was not high on my priority list until just now, after reading your report. I guess I ought to get around to replacing that tube before my next ride.

Fuel Tube (upper to lower tank) 2012 ST 1300
I believe that the PN is different for earlier production years.
 
I already ordered a new one.
HO_000171688 TUBE, FUEL JOINT

I did not know this, but now I will be careful that my gas tank is almost empty
if I have to work again under the tank

replace the tube, it will not be a problem.
am quite adept at tinkering
 
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CYYJ said:
the Service Manual recommends replacing that tube whenever the upper fuel tank is lifted.
Click to expand...

Please locate and list this page. If removing the upper tank or the fuel hose, a NEW one should be fitted. The tank can be lifted and supported by the rod without having to replace that large fuel line. Over time this hose will weaken and its replacement may be needed even if one never has removed the tank. If this hose has to be replaced everytime then the instructions on air filter replacement in my 2003 manual fails to mention this. Section 3 page 6.

Section 5, page 50 does state to replace said hose, but it has also been removed in order to remove the upper tank.
 
MINIBENZ said:
It is the tube that connects the upper and lower tank.
Have seen that before and man what a lot of fuel came out, also happened when the engine was hot?
Lucky 4 u that there was no fire.
Click to expand...

yep the scary part was the hot engine.
 
I'm glad no real harm was done.

If the tank is placed in the maintenance position with the seat adjuster in the middle slot and the safety lanyard is in place to limit how far it pivots then stress on the hose is minimized. It should be able to be safely lifted many times without having to replace the hose if the manual procedure is followed.
 
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kiekeboe said:
I did not know this, but now I will be careful that my gas tank is almost empty
if I have to work again under the tank
Click to expand...

Not sure what would be worse, finding a fuel leak when you're working on the bike or finding out you cracked the hose on the next fill up with a HOT exhaust header down below.
 
Wow! Sounds like you dodged a bullet. Thanks for the post as it's a good reminder.

John
 
Wow, that is why I do not lift my fuel tank. I remove it every time I need to do any work under it as I do not like how much pressure it puts on the hose. It is very easy to remove the whole tank.
 
It is important to note that the rear pivot bolt on the upper fuel tank is supposed to be loosened and the tank pulled rearward into the maintenance position as you lift the front of the tank upwards. If the tank isn't pulled rearwards while lifting the front, that large fuel joint hose is severely stretched against the lower nipple edge, and it is easily cut from the inside. You are unlikely to see that defect by inspecting the hose exterior.

Even if the tank has been lifted properly every time, the hose is still stretched awkwardly as the tank is tilted up...it's a good idea to change it out often. I've replaced mine 2x (on my 3rd hose) in 11 years, and have another hose on the shelf.
 
I've lifted and dropped my tank a half dozen times over the last two years.

Never replaced the hose. But I am like Mike now, when I lift the tank it's just easier to remove the hose and have full access to the airbox rather then working under the tank.

Maybe I should get one of those ordered...
 
good spot Michael, a great article even if I wrote it myself...haha,
take a look at the last photo, you really dont want a toasted ST
 
zevk said:
good spot Michael, a great article even if I wrote it myself...haha,
take a look at the last photo, you really dont want a toasted ST
Click to expand...
yep the tube is not far enough on the fuel inlet
of the lower tank.
 
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