Bugger - fuel leak

[twodear]

So, I am away on business for a couple of weeks. About half way through, my wife notices the smell of fuel in the garage and sees a wet area below my bike. I had filled the tank just before leaving and being that the weather was hot, suspected that it was just heat expansion - no worries.

A week goes by, petrol continued to leak. By the time I get home the tank has nearly drained dry. The leak was enough to keep this cover above the starter wet. (frigging Mac Preview - didn't realise the photo was sideways, sorry)



I take the fuel tank off and the problem is immediately obvious. One of the three dry-break disconnects seems to have spontaneously failed. The nipple broke enough to leak, I broke it off completely when I attempted to unlatch.




Here is where that nipple is supposed to go and what it is supposed to look like.




Today, I just found out that BMW Motorrad Adelaide will close its doors on 21 Dec. My buddy Paul, the mechanic, was made redundant (so my problem immediately became trivial.) but has found work with Honda World which, rumour has it, is looking to get the BMW franchise. Anyway, no parts order for me. And then I managed to lose my wallet somewhere and have had to cancel the cards and arrange for new cards, drivers licence etc.

Just not my day.

[WandererR11S]

Hi,
Bumma, you need to start tomorrow quick...
A lot of gas to loose into the garage/house, could be thankful you didn't have a fire to... Says something about having a full tank and going away from home for a few days...
Got the tank off my new 11s rite now, original clamp fittings, was a pitta to get off as think its never been apart from factory in 04, looked at dry brake joints, but only have one in my kit, also wonder about there strength, don't look strong to me...

Your dealers doing it tough to, many gone under here, and those that havn't have added other brands, BMW in Auckland added Kawasaki bikes and watercraft, my local BMW dealer dropped BMW a while ago, we now have to deal thru Australia for stock and orders, was way to hard he tells me...

Hope your new day much better...:-)

[Noblehops]

That's a raw day for sure. A place called BeemerBoneyard here in the US sells replacement quick disconnects that are metal, and many (me included) switched out the plastic ones for metal proactively.

N.

[2wheelmike]

Also see:
Possible Fuel Tank Crack
Some things to check and consider for while you're replacing those parts-

[twodear]

Noble and Mike, thanks for the links.

I will look to replace all three; 2 x straight and 1 x 90 degree for the crossover hose.

BeemerBoneyard have the straight connectors alright, while this link QuickCouplings : Metallic Couplings : had a 90deg valved elbow, but not in the correct size barb.

I'll start by asking CPC if they can supply the 90deg.

[mendoje]

Beemer Boneyard has a complete kit for the 1150GS, includes the 90 deg.

New CPC Chrome Plated Brass Fuel Line Quick Disconnect Set For R1150GS ADV Bikes Only

CPC makes the "OEM" plastic one too, but BMW got it wrong, they should've used the metal fittings. This is a known issue, my buddy's GS plastic connector also cracked and drained the tank.

[twodear]

mendoje, - Tops!

I've just placed an order with BBY - shipping seems a tad high at $41 but I reckon the total price is on par with what BMW Motorrad Oz would charge for standard plastic bits.

Paypal doesn't work now that the loss of my wallet obliged me to cancel my CC. Happily, the wifes CC works just fine - early Christmas gift for me!

[mendoje]

Glad to help, I added QD's from BBY some time ago, they are great to deal with.

FYI, anyone want to guess what caused this GS to torch...
ADVrider

[boxercup]

Greetings All,

The OEM quick-disconnects are problematic and can cause serious harm.

I know of one situation that caused injury to a rider of a K Bike.

Here is the Service Bulletin Recall 04V-028

Everyone should be aware of this as these bikes are getting older and the possibility of failure grows each separation and with age.

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by boxercup

Here is the Service Bulletin Recall 04V-028

Thanks for posting.

This document contains specific language that it is NOT applicable to R1100S.

[twodear]

I bought the fitting kit from Beemer Boneyard. Very pleased with the response to my email enquiry and service - they initially quoted a fairly large number for postage but reduced the postage cost after I'd paid, no prompting from me.

Anyway, all the fittings in the kit are plated brass, the two main fittings are 5/16in and the 90 degree for the crossover is 1/4in. I had not received them before going back to the field so I'm looking forward to seeing them when I get home on the 26th.