GPZ 500 Petrol Leak Around Carbs

[nigel_robbins]

Hi,
I noticed a smell of petrol from my 1987 GPZ 500 when cold.
It seems to be leaking around the offside carb.
Also, after riding the bike (so engine is warm) and then turning off I noticed a hissing sound (now and again) coming from the tank area.
I've also had a problem a few of times with the engine spluttering (and sometimes stopping) as if going over to reserve although there's enough petrol in the tank.
Any ideas ?
Thanks !

[stinkwheel]

The first problem could be a sticky float vlave.

Errr... Hammer.

Tap the float bowl (very gently) a few times with a small hammer or a bit of wood and the fuel should stop leaking. You may need to repeat this a few times until it gets the idea.

Second problem (hissing noise, cutting out) is classic of a blocked fuel tank breather. There is a hose coming off the back of the tank. Open the fuel cap and blow down it. It should take no effort. There is a small hole on the underside of the filler cap. Blow down this too. That ought to sort it.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[whitedevil]

next time the engine splutters and/or dies open the petrol cap, if you hear air whooshing in you need to clean the vents in the petrol cap as its blocked. be careful if you need to dismantle it as its easy to loose the ball bearings.
ex500.com has a guide in the wiki iirc

[nigel_robbins]

Hi,
Many thanks stinkwheel and whitedevel !
Gently tapping the float bowl has helped with the smell of petrol.
Blowing down the hose has stopped the hissing sound.
I've not yet cleaned the air vents in the petrol cap but that's next on my list.
Thanks,
Nigel