oil smell

[Brad Badgett]

After a ride where the engine gets warm/hot, when I kill the engine in an enclosed area- my garage, there is a strong oil/gas smell.  Is the vent tube clogged?  Any suggestions will help.  The '96 has 56K on the clock.

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164

[magnagregcan]

If the bike runs fine I wouldn't worry about it. You're more apt to smell gas as opposed to oil. Every machine has it's own scent; what you smell is natural motorcycle? Does the odor go away in a day or so? If not, something is leaking a small amount continuously; should not be hard to find if that's the case.

[hootmon]

Sounds unrelated, but I would check your regulator connectors.. just before mine burnt up, I noticed a smell that reminded me of burning brakes... I should have paid more attention to the smell... While you are checking them, put a dab of dielectric grease on each of the spades to keep them working well...

[guywheatley]

I doubt it's the vent tube. The usual symptom there if for the bike to die of gas starvation after running for a short time. I'd get about three blocks from my house with a full tank when mine was clogged. You'll actually get a little further with less than a full tanks because it takes longer to pull a vacuum on the tank.

[Brad Badgett]

The motor still runs smooth, no leaks, etc..  When I had the '82, the same oil/ fuel smell was around when I turned the motor off.  Goes away as the motor cools.  Read about some cycles have a carbon cannister that will get full/ contaminated, and cause the smell.  From what I have read, only Cali Magnas have the cannister.  As long as it runs ok, gets decent MPG's, I shouldn't worry?

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164

[Jerry G Turner]

My Magna and my Goldwing both have a gassy smell when I first park them in the garage it doesn't seem to hurt anything so I wouldn't worry.

[drkngas]

  As long as it runs ok, gets decent MPG's, I shouldn't worry?

I wouldnt. I found that a few simple drops of gas in the intake would smell like 5 gallons in my garage.