[BlueThunder]

The problem has been discussed in many threads but I haven't seen a solution.

Problem: Gas smell after riding for an extended time or when temperature is high. I'm sorry but this problem is unacceptable. I have ridden for 46 years and owned many bikes. This is the only bike (which I intensely love) where this happens. I am confidant the had Honda continued the CTX1300 this problem would have been resolved.

The problem as I see it is that the vapors need to be "re-routed" from under the tank/seat and to rear where it can't be smelled. Or trap them and send them to the intake manifold??

So the question is: Has anyone come up with a solution?

 

[bob]

Not so sure the vapors would be coming from the tank. More likely vapor seeping from the gas cap... maybe?
Don't remember if I read about this with the ST1300.

 

[TennesseeSmith]

I noticed this smell on both of my ST1100s and both CTX1300s. It's far less frequent on the CTXs than on the STs. I just always assumed it was exhaust fumes rolling back around. There have been times when I've had to change my clothes after a ride because the smell stuck to them.

There has to be a system to release pressure from the fuel tank. Maybe that dumps the vapors onto the rider.

 

[BlueThunder]

I suspect that the fuel smell is caused from vapor being released (when pressurized) from the gas cap/tank area. A rider on the CTX700 forum (where the 700 has the same issue) claims that replacing the gas cap solved the problem. I will try that (at $50 from Honda). As an alternative, I am trying to design some kind of "pull" system to exhaust the fumes towards the rear tire. A small 12V fan comes to mind until I realized that ANY spark would ignite the fumes. Not Good!!

 

[Duff]

I had the gas smell one time and found I hadn't put the gas cap back on properly. Stopped about 70 miles later took off the cap replaced it correctly this time, no more smell.

 

[bob]

So I would say definitely vapor going through the gas cap seal.
Maybe route the fumes into a tube to the rear and intentionally light it... like afterburners!

 

[gordinier]

So I would say definitely vapor going through the gas cap seal.
Maybe route the fumes into a tube to the rear and intentionally light it... like afterburners!

my wife says i do that already, i just dont get any faster or more things done ! much to her chagrin!

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

I suspect that the fuel smell is caused from vapor being released (when pressurized) from the gas cap/tank area. A rider on the CTX700 forum (where the 700 has the same issue) claims that replacing the gas cap solved the problem. I will try that (at $50 from Honda). As an alternative, I am trying to design some kind of "pull" system to exhaust the fumes towards the rear tire. A small 12V fan comes to mind until I realized that ANY spark would ignite the fumes. Not Good!!

This gas cap looks pretty standard like a car. Why not try one similar from a car before you spend so much on Honda. You could get one from Walmart.

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

I thought as much.
This is the fuel cap from my 98 Dodge Ram diesel. Fits just fine and dimensions seem to be the same. Get a cap from Walmart if it appears the seal is bad on yours.

 

[BlueThunder]

Wish I saw this, this morning... I just ordered one from Honda. I know that Honda has a company manufacture the caps for them but I couldn't find who. I imagine that Slant must have one that fits but again, knowing which one is the problem.

Greg does the cap from a 98 Dodge Ram fit tight? No problem with "screwing" it on?

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Wish I saw this, this morning... I just ordered one from Honda. I know that Honda has a company manufacture the caps for them but I couldn't find who. I imagine that Slant must have one that fits but again, knowing which one is the problem.

Greg does the cap from a 98 Dodge Ram fit tight? No problem with "screwing" it on?

Fits just fine. Comparing the two, the dimensions are the same. I want to guess it may be some sort of standard for gas caps.
Do you have a car with a similar cap? Can you cancel the Honda order?

 

[BlueThunder]

If it truly fits and seals, then a Stant 10591 will work for $6!

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

I'm having trouble finding a reference to any standards of gas caps, but it would appear there is. Here's a list of some recommendations and they all have the same thread design and general features.
www.autoguide.com/best-gas-caps

 

[BlueThunder]

Well, I just tried my 2020 Nissan Frontier gas cap and it fits! I guess there is a standard of some kind.

 

[BlueThunder]

It turns out that Stant has a universal gas cap which looks like it will fit. Amazon has them for $10. Also found diesel universal caps with same dianeter and thread - only green!

The next question is... do these caps seal at the same psi that the CTX requires? Besides cornering the market on gas caps, I will find the one that works to eliminate the fuel smell. 🥸

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

It turns out that Stant has a universal gas cap which looks like it will fit. Amazon has them for $10. Also found diesel universal caps with same dianeter and thread - only green!

The next question is... do these caps seal at the same psi that the CTX requires? Besides cornering the market on gas caps, I will find the one that works to eliminate the fuel smell. 🥸

I didn't see a valve in the CTX cap, but I did on my Dodge.

 

[BlueThunder]

Got my new gas cap. Will test extensively with a ride to Texas (from NY) at end of April. Should be sufficient to finally put the cause to rest. I sure hope that is the source of the fuel vapors!