Un-burnt fuel in exhaust?
Hi, I've been noticing a strong smell of petrol when I go near my motorcycle, at first I thought something was leaking but it all seems to be fine, but now I've noticed every time the bike is running, I can place my hand at the end of the silencer and small amounts of fuel will spit out and go onto my hand, I'm guessing this is not normal...could the problem be that the bike is using too much fuel? It runs fine and is on all 4 cylinders and spark plugs are basicly brand new. Thanks.
Update:Thanks, it's definitely fuel as when it goes onto my hand I can smell it, and it seems to be there even when I come back from a ride.
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Knowing the bike make and model, the year, mileage, and service history would be handy, but I can certainly guarantee that there won't be unburnt fuel coming out the end of your exhaust, certainly not after a long ride, it will evaporate far too quickly to sit on your hand!
If it's a bike with a carb, then it's probably a filthy air filter making it run rich (hence the strong exhaust smell), and either water in the tank, or perhaps an old fuel filter with muck in it, but there will always be some water vapour in the exhaust because that's what you get from petrol.
you are correct in that it is not normal. are we sure this is fuel and water mixed with fuel vapour?
if any unburnt fuel is getting past exhaust system it infers incorrect burning in at least one if not all cylinders. have timing checked . is air filter ok?
do we get this when first starting or at end of a journey? not a good idea to have any unburnt fuel in an exhaust as heat or a spark form ignition process can ignite it or worse still create a small explosion demolishing the exhaust etc.
pop it into local bike dealer for your make of cycle an f get it checked out.