Water not draining?

[jed1]

Ive recently noticed that when I wash my bike, water gathers around the inside of the fuel filler cap and does not drain away. I had a look and can see that there is a drain that is meant to drain the water away to avoid water going into the fuel tank. I washed my bike yesterday and noticed that there was still quite a bit of water around the filler cap this morning when I filled the bike up and I had to dry it up with some paper towel.

Does anyone know how to check these drain pipes and/or how to unblock them?

Thanks.

[azimuth551]

I know what you mean, I just use my air compressor and blow the water out of these areas including around the engine cooling vents and oil cooler. Other than that, it will eventually evaporate and I doubt if water will get in the tank becasue of the seal on the gas cap. I keep this area clean with a rag and some LPS spray to keep the seal good.

Brent
R1200R

[celticus]

You could try a can of compressed air used for cleaning PCs. Not too much air pressure.

Mark

[mogu83]

Leaf Blower here.
Lots of volume at a low pressure. After a wash if the bike is going into the garage and not for a ride, I put an oscillating fan in front of the bike for an hour or so just to get air circulating into all the nooks and crannies to get the water out.

[NakedRider]

I VERY rarely hose mine down for this reason. I wipe it down with just a wet rag after each long ride and that seems to keep all the dirt at bay.

About the only time I use a hose is if I've been out in the rain or a real muddy road.

Thanks for the heads up about the gas cap, however. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

[celticus]

What is this "Washing " you speak of?

Mark

[Mollygrubber]

LOL I feel you Celticus. Mine now has 8000km and I have washed it twice. Still looks amazingly good! Perhaps it's the fact that I get pissing down rain every couple of days during my commute.

I do, however, feel guilty about it. So when that feeling strikes, I come on here and look at all your gorgeous clean bikes!

[LumpyCam]

At first i was alarmed by this too - "how and why would BMW let the water collect here? So close to our precious fuel source!?" Now i just let it slide. The rubber grommet to keep out the wet is on the inside ring, the outer channel is just to collect and divert moisture. More simply: It's supposed to get wet.

[Kieran R1200R]

First I'd like to say Hi Naked. We have both come from the Pellican board and bought R12R's about the same time.
I too am experiancing this problem. I get the air compressor on it after washing but I have to say that it takes alot to get it all out.
I haven't had a look but I will to see if it is a design fault or that the drain plug is blocked.
I suppose we have to keep an eye on it!

[deilenberger]

If the design is like the R1150 design - the drain hole connects to some metal tubing that is wrapped around the filler neck in a spiral - soldered in place. It then goes to a hose that connects to the tank feedthrough. My 1150 one plugged up solid enough that I had to use some wire and then weed-wacker-cord to clear it out. PITA.

Mine has become reluctant to drain once - I used a fine tip air-gun on my compressor at about 100PSI - shot right into the top hole. It took a bit - but it eventually cleared.

One thing to check - look for spider webs plugging up the hose at the bottom. There are some types of spiders that like to make egg-sacks in open hoses like that.

[Ashveratu]

I have to wash mine at least once a week to keep the rust at bay. One of the biggest problems about living on the beach. The bike is just over 6 months old and some tiny rust spots have already started to appear on the tank.......great paint job BMW!! <note sarcasm>

I have never noticed any water collecting or staying for long though in the fuel cap....can't say for sure though since I've never really looked it. Just haven't noticed it.