Bike: 2000 M750.
I went to take the carbs apart so I could clean/inspect everything, since it's a fairly new-to-me bike, and it's running a bit lean off idle. I went to disconnect the fuel line, expecting for the fuel that was in the fuel line to come out, but then stop because there's no vacuum on the fuel pump. However, what I got was a continuous, very strong stream of gasoline pouring out. The only way I'm able to write this post right now is that I put a few pliers/clamps on the hose like a hemostat pinching it to stop the flow. Am I missing something? Is this to be expected? Any advice would be much appreciated (particularly because it's still dripping fuel out).
Thanks!
Better to find a screwdriver or chopstick or something to plug the hose rather than squashing it flat, could damage the hose.
Get a bit of tubing and siphon out the fuel if the tank is pretty full.
Some fuel coming out of the4 hose is normal. If fuel continues to flow your vacuum fuel shut off has failed (circled part).
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/hlep2890/bike/IMG_0207-1.jpg)
The hose going from the tank to the filter is soft, and can be easily pinched off, just be careful not to damage the hose. You can replace the fuel shut off with a stock one for about $40, but they are prone to failure. I suggest you do what I did and use a manual petcock.
While you're mucking around with that, I highly recommend just getting a manual petcock and replacing that vacuum pump. One, it makes it easier to remove the tank. Two, and more importantly, if if fails you are in for a world of pain. My vacuum pump failed and dumped my engine full of fuel, completely filled an oil pan to the top when I went to drain it, and shot crap all over the street through my air box.... I hate the stupid vacuum pump.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Looks like I'll be getting a manual petcock and possibly new vacuum pump to be safe in addition to a new vacuum diaphragm for one of the carbs; one of them was absolutely toast -- it had 4 massive (1/4" to 1/2") cracks in it.
Fortunately, I didn't ruin the hose by clamping it (this time). That was far from ideal, though.
OR you could get one of these..
http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Quick-Disconnect-Shut-Off-Coupling/dp/B001DDF12A (http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Quick-Disconnect-Shut-Off-Coupling/dp/B001DDF12A)