I have a 2006 honda rancher es-350. I noticed the smell of gas coming from my atv, cannot tighten the gas cap down any further, but I can still smell the fumes. Anyone have any ideas about what might be happening? I have had this ATV for about a year and have not had a single problem with it, until now. The fumes seem to be coming from the gas cap?

 

probably leaking from the carb ,

 

Is the gas tank valve turned to off? Its probably coming out the overflow tube at the base of the float bowl on the carb. If thats the case..check your oil level, it may be too high, due to gasoline getting into the oil sump.

 

Wow, that sounds like a little more than I bargained for. The Overflow tube comes out of the top of the gas cap, does it run back down to the carb? These might sound like stupid questions. Let me tell you one more thing. It has been extremely dry this year and when I noticed the fumes, I unscrewed the gas cap and noticed a build up of dust on the seal. I cleaned the seal and the cap screwed down a lot farther before it started to click. I thought that would solve the problem, the smell is no where near as bad, but I can still smell the gas. Anyway, gas and deer hunting do not mix. I purchased the extended warranty, maybe I should just take it in to the dealer?

 

The tube coming out the top of the gas cap is only a vent.
There is a completely different and separate rubber hose coming off the bottom of the float bowl. Check to see if its dripping from there. If it is, then make sure to check the oil level, and if its fuller than the last time you checked it, its probably from gas. Then i would change the oil. If the gas valve gets turned to off, this cant happen.
Its a good idea to always turn the gas valve to off, when the motor isnt running, and especially when its gonna be sitting , unused for awhile. It should also be turned to off when transporting.

 

I will bet you have a stuck float in the carburator. It has happend to my Rancher 350 a couple of times. A little bit of grit gets into the needle valve and holds it open so it overflows. It is right below the fuel tank, so it may seem like the fumes are coming from the tank itself.

Quick fix, turn the fuel valve off while it is parked. If I take mine for a real rough ride and land a few big jumps, that will dislodge the grit (by shaking the float up and down). Long term fix, clean the carb and your fuel tank.

 

you should try to tighten down your exhaust pipe by the front head i had same problem with my atv if thats not the case its probably the over flow its under your carb. you could have a cracked head but not likely ,but you never no

 

You guys were all alot of help. I checked my oil last night and it has gas in it. I think the carb got stuck open. I am taking it in today to have it cleaned and get an oil change. What a mess, but at least you helped me figure it out. Once agin, thanks for all the input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

thats what so great about this site .

 

The excess gas should have gone out your carb overflow, and not into the combustion chamber, and past the rings and into your oil sump! I would suggest that your overflow tube is clogged or kinked or something like that!!!