[Jrogers]

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I own a 2nd hand 1988 GL1500. I have been getting very poor mileage (30 MPG). I also am smelling gas vapors after a ride. Since I am new at working on bikes (not afraid to try at least), I decided to check out several ideas. I checked the air filter (clean fairly new), but noticed what appears to be a missing hose. I have a picture (see attached). The missing hose is supposed to go to the Air Vent Control Valve (which also appears to be missing), and there are no loose or hanging hoses in the area. Can anyone tell me if this might be my problem, or whether it is OK to run with out this valve (as it appears that the previous owner thought it was OK). I don't want to put anything back together until I get an update from on of you experienced WINGERS!

 

[Jason]

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That is the fuel return pipe to the tank. I'm surprised that fuel isn't flooding out of this every so often. the vent canister shold be attached here as well. This won't have any effect onfuel mileage (it does explain the smell of petrol), but I would be inclined to get the missing parts asap. Petrol fumes from that area can cause the rider to fall asleep at the switch!
It looks like someone else has been "fixing" the carbs. Might be wise to get them looked at professionally soon.

 

[Jrogers]

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Thanks Jason, why do you say that someone else has been working on the carbs? Is it because this canister is missing? The funny thing is the bike runs and idles very good, but guess I have a lot to learn. Any feedback would be great.

 

[Jason]

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I should have said Itseems like someone else has been "fixing" the carbs. I'm wondering why the hose and canister were left off (can't see them falling off), perhaps removing them masked another problem.

 

[GWEddie]

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Hi JR. Looking at the picture it does seem like someone hasn't been very attentive when assembling. The missing filter lid screws and the missing hose are not what I'd expect from anyone competent. I'm wondering why the gas is not trickling out of the open pipe all the time. Is it possible that is is coming out sometimes and draining out from the drip tray? Run the engine for a while with the console still off and see if any fuel dribbles out of the pipe.

 

[Jrogers]

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True enough. What I am going to do is replace the AVCV and see what happens. If the bike starts to run bad, it's time for the shop. Thanks.

 

[Jrogers]

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Thanks Eddie I will give it a try.

 

[glennuk]

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My 88 isthe same petrol never comes out of it.

mine smells of gas afterI park up.I know that mine is from the tank because if I

take the cap of it has a small amount of pressurei have blowen through

the cap breatherand it's ok but stillbuilds pressure my new car's the same

must havea slow release on the breather.I have heard of pressure problem on other early 1500 wings

 

[Jrogers]

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Thanks Glennuk, I also have the same pressure build up when I take the gas cap off. What is your opion of the AVCV being replaced? Did you replace yours? It does not look like the area around the open fitting is wet from fuel, so I just don't know? Have you been able to find anything that would release the tank pressure? Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[JDuggan]

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The tank is supposed to be pressurised on the gL1500. Tells you this in the Honda book and every gl1500 I've seen releases pressure when you open the cap.

 

[Jrogers]

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Did you have the petrol smell after riding and putting it away?

 

[glennuk]

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yep, mine smells when i first put it awayIhave have read of others doing the same just check for leaks just to be sure.

 

[Jack Joyce]

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'88s don't have a (charcoal) canister (California bikes might.) My '88 looked just like the photo before I swapped the original carbs for a '95 pair. That pipe is a vent for the float bowls. I wondered the same thing you might have seeing it just hang out in space like that . . .

The '88 model (and later carbs also) have Air JET Control Valves (2 of them) that modulate the performance of the carbs, but probably not in a way that would cause fuel to come out of the open pipe in your photo. They are supposed to control the rich/lean performance of the carbs by permitting air to enter under the control of some electronics on the bike.

If fuel is coming out the pipe in the photo, it may be a stuck or leaky float/valve in one of the carbs.

Jack

 

[Jack Joyce]

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I just came across a service bulletin that addreses the very pipe shown in your photo and the AVCV that's found on California models . . . It's too big to post so here's a link to it:

http://www.gwrra-ok.org/oks/service/sb1.pdf

Jack

 

[honaccurate]

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[align=left]my 88 gl1500 also has nothing attached to the vent pipe fitting , I tried the link about the service bulletin , but it didnt work. any ideas? dano
[/align]

 

[timandsallyg]

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My 88 GL1500 has the same problem... Bad fuel smell after riding that continues for a LONG time after parking it. I have to park it outside :X

I replaced the gas cap and gasket, fuel lines from the fuel pump to the vacuum petcock, replaced the fuel filter, replaced the air cleaner, and even rebuilt the vacuum petcock.
I did all of that despite the fact that I have not even found a trace of moisture. Just the strong odor of gas.

I've considered paying to have to carbs rebuilt, but it runs fine, so I don't know...

Seems to be a common problem.

Has anyone found a solution :?

Thanks, in advance :waving:

 

[Rudy]

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Fumes:
Replace the hose clamps on the fuel line at the filter and the shutoff valve. The spring ones get weak with age and with filter changes. They vent the gasses when the pressure builds up in the tank. Use the stainless, screw tightened types.
Make sure the shutoff valve is sound and not in need of a diaphragm rebuild kit.

Mileage: Dump a few treatments of Seafoam in it (US/Canada/Mexico only) and then do a carb balance. If it persists, check for vacuum leaks and in the worst case rebuild the carbs.

I'm surprised no one has bothered to mention these things to y'all yet.

 

[ThFireman]

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That opening is supposed to be like that. in 88 they retrofitted the bikes due to fuel leaking into the cylenders and hydrolocking. They replaced rubber vent hoses with the metal pipe and the nipple was to remain opened. It is a carb. vent and runs to both sides of the carb. Looks like it is missing something but that is how it is supposed to be. I just went through all this but it is designed to be open.

 

[PDfisherman]

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I just bought a 88 GL1500. I have the same thing with no hose attatched to the pipe. I was wondering what I am missing, but apparently it is ok. I also have a buildup of pressure when I open the gas cap. Should that be opened and pressure relieved once in a while on rides, or is it supposed to be that way and do it on its own?

 

[redwing52]

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Try this link.



http://www.awingaway.co.uk/GL1500/Honda%20Goldwing%20GL1500%201988%20Carburetor%20vent%20hose%20routing-6051B.pdf