How Can I Get Rid Of Heavy Smell From Old Fuel In Air Filter Housing

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by Loke, Sep 17, 2021.

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  1. Loke

    Loke New Member

    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    1
    Sweden
    Hi,

    My Bonneville T100 year 2003 has been standing for almost two years - I will never let that happen again, but it had its reasons - unfortunately with modern fuel only and no additions to keep the fuel ok over time. When trying to start it, the fuel flooded all over. After cleaning the carbs from the brown muddy stinking sticking roles of old fuel stopping the flow to the carbs, I thought the problem would be gone. And now the bike starts but the smell is still there. I then found out that I had both petrol and pieces of this sticky stuff also in the housing for the air filter and the filter was all wet with fuel. I cannot have the bike in my garage because of the heavy smell, as I am using this room also for other purposes. Any idea how to get rid of the smell, that seem to have stuck to the plastic housing? What can you use to clean it? Or might I even have to replace it?

    As I also use the garage room for other purposes, same way as all true man caves I guess, I would also like to know of any tips to minimize fuel smell onwards. Maybe I need to let her run dry after closing the fuel tap each time? Or are there other ways?
     
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  2. Hubaxe

    Hubaxe Good moaning! aka Mr Wordsalad :)

    Mar 25, 2020
    1,692
    800
    Aix Les bains - French Alps
    Warm the room and ventilate. No magic tip I know..
     
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  3. Loke

    Loke New Member

    Sep 17, 2021
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    1
    Sweden
    OK thank you for replying. I have tried that for about a week now, still heavy smell. Any idea how long this will take?
     
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  4. PatW

    PatW Senior Member

    Apr 4, 2021
    762
    193
    Cymru
    Wash your beard with old spice.
     
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  5. Notso

    Notso Senior Member

    Dec 17, 2018
    624
    243
    Solihull
    Assuming that you have washed and hosed the bike with bike cleaner.

    I recon about two weeks for residual. That's about how long it took the jeans that I sprayed with petrol to stop smelling (don't ask!), one day the fuel smell will suddenly just stop.
     
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  6. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,940
    800
    Yorkshire
    Carb cleaner.
     
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  7. Loke

    Loke New Member

    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    1
    Sweden
    Thanks for the tip! I also got one about using brake cleaner from the local bike workshop. I think either or should do the trick!
     
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  8. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Loke
    Welcome to the family. Dump the air filter it's had it and will take for ever and a day to stop smelling. Take the air box and wash thoroughly with warm water and high concentration of lemon juice. Also flush the air filter hoses and around the area with the same and it should improve dramatically. And yes carb and brake fluid will it.
    Joe.
     
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