Gas cap leaking

[Husky]

The gas cap on my Harescrambler is just dripping.  I realize it has to vent through the cap but its past acceptable. The cap seems to fit snuggly enough.  I mentioned this problem to Skiracer in Louisiana a couple weeks ago at the cross country and he has the same issue. Any advice?

1970 Hodaka Super Rat
1974 Penton Harescrambler
1983 Husqvarna XC500
1988 Husqvarna Auto
2004 KTM 450 EXC

[Daniel P. McEntee]

It should vent but not leak in normal riding. Might drip a bit if laid over on it's side. There shouldbe some sort of gasket, either cork or rubber, that seats against the tank. Check that out, and maybe even try another cap.Maybe some damage to the ;ip of the tank neck?
  Good luck with it,
   Dan McEntee

[skiracer]

Yes, I too have the same problem.  I found the only way to stop it is to drain the gas out of the tank, then it doesn't leak anymore....  Sorry, couldn't resist...  Anyway, if I fill the tank on my MC 5, some gas does ooze out while riding.  Not a lot, but enough that requires a wipe with a rag.  I have changed the cork gasket, I have tried a rubber gasket without any real change.  So, my solution is that I have spent the time to determine how much gas I need for the race I am doing, and only put in that much.  Usually 5/8 of a tank will get me through an hour XC race.  With less gas in the tank, it doesn't leak out of the cap.

1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Penton 175 XC
1985 20' Hi Point trailer

[Carl Hill]

I have found that some caps seem to leak more than others. Also cork gasket seems to work better than rubber. In the end I think there is a good reason why modern dirt bikes don't use this style cap.

[firstturn]

I am getting in on this late, but do you know if the cap is properly vented?  Sounds simple, but I have seen this to be the problem on several Pentons.

Ron Carbaugh

[Husky]

It has a cork gasket that seems to be in good condition.  I'm not sure that I would know if it is vented properly.  Think I will see if Al has a new one to try. Im guessing that no one has put a newer style on theirs with a hose vent?

1970 Hodaka Super Rat
1974 Penton Harescrambler
1983 Husqvarna XC500
1988 Husqvarna Auto
2004 KTM 450 EXC

[454MRW]

I actually run the Preston Petty vintage knurled aluminum caps with an open hose. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978-1979 MX-6 175 & 250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico

[242]

Back in the day when I was a Penton dealer that was one of the biggest complaints. Never found a cure, sold a lot of gaskets, even tried planing the gas opening on the tank. That slowed some of the leaks down. I think the problem came from, again, "back in the day" we used them big ol heavy metal gas cans and they put dents and scratches in the opening. Ended up selling a lot Slopper Stoppers. Buck each. Ol Dave

[skiracer]

Great story!

quote:Originally posted by 242

Back in the day when I was a Penton dealer that was one of the biggest complaints. Never found a cure, sold a lot of gaskets, even tried planing the gas opening on the tank. That slowed some of the leaks down. I think the problem came from, again, "back in the day" we used them big ol heavy metal gas cans and they put dents and scratches in the opening. Ended up selling a lot Slopper Stoppers. Buck each. Ol Dave

1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Penton 175 XC
1985 20' Hi Point trailer

[Husky]

242  Im going to show my age and ask what a slopper stopper is?  And is such still available?

1970 Hodaka Super Rat
1974 Penton Harescrambler
1983 Husqvarna XC500
1988 Husqvarna Auto
2004 KTM 450 EXC

[242]

I got my Slopper Stoppers from an old company, Dixie International out of Columbus, Ohio. They were just a foam do-nut that went over the gas cap and soaked up any gas that leaked out. They worked great as the caps didn't leak that much and the gas just evaporated. I still use them but have to make them myself  from 1 inch foam, just cut to fit the cap. Don't have to use them if your not riding hard. Works for me. Ol Dave