Gravity and the fuel tap

[PEZBerq]

Just tried to start my 430 XC after sitting in the shed for 12 months before I got around to fixing the kick start mechanism. Seems the fuel tap was passing as it wouldn't start and when I took the plug out raw fuel was shooting out the hole and splashing up onto the fuel tank and forks  ! Pushed it in gear and fuel was pumping out something wicked. Nasty black fluid was coming outnthe exhaust flange on the engine also. Took the pipe off and must have poured 100ml raw fuel out. Finally got it dried out and then thing started first kick  Now I discover it won't change up past 2nd gear so back to the tools again  Lucky I checked it before race day. Guess its happened to many of us 

[euro bikes]

Yes that leaky fuel tap is a pain, my Ossa had that flooding problem until i worked out what it was.

[pancho]

 My RT1 has leaked a bit into the c/case a few times and runs ratty for some time after, so I always drain the tank into a sealed container 'till next meet and also disconnect the fuel line from the carby so the residue can't get through.
cheers.

[David Lahey]

I had a full fuel tank on an Alpina (about 8 litres) empty out onto the concrete when I was a kid. It passed the fuel tap, passed the float valve, ran into the crankcase till that was full then overflowed out via the junction of the exhaust pipe and the cylinder. Luckily the rate that the fuel tap passed was not that great and it evaporated fast enough to only leave a smallish patch of oil on the concrete. Glad there were no ignition sources nearby as it was under my parents timber house.

[Curly3]

Apart from the float valve, we need to check the overflow tube regularly, especially with unleaded fuels.
A stitch in time saves 99.

[Mike52]

Wonder why they do that 
You would think the needle and seat would do something to stop it.
Got a 83/Wr430 here that just does  it to piss us off.

[PEZBerq]

I will be pulling the fuel line off in future. That way I can spot the dripping fuel tap too! Never happens on my white plastic tank bikes as I drain then after every ride day to stop them staining that very attractive brown color. Only the alloy tank bikes are a risk of incontinence 

[grouty]

Yep, had that with my 390WR many years ago. Replaced the tap with a brand new one (with reserve) and also the float valve. In the years since it has been a good boy, with no need for a nappy when left for a bit.
Good idea to pull the pipe off the carb though. I usually plug it to stop any crap getting in there.