Took my 500 out for a very short ride to the store today (@ 2 miles), when I got back I noticed a strong smell of gas and found that there was a major drip from the vent tube.
Plugged the tube so it wasn't leaking all over the porch and figured it could wait till I had a chance to look at it closer.
Went out later and found gas coming out of the joint at the bottom of the exhaust pipe.
So, is it a carb problem I can fix, or something else?
Right now I just feel lucky that it was a short ride and the pipes didn't get hot enough to turn it and me into some kind of pyrotechnic display for the neighbors.

 

your float is stuck inside the carb. unplug the vent hose and turn the gas off. pull the spark plug out and turn the motor over a few times (gets all the extra gas out of the motor) reinstall spark plug turn gas back on and try to start it. with it running take a screwdriver handle and tap on the bottom of the carb. sometimes it works and sometimes it dont. if not you will need to take the carb off and clean it.

 

Thanks TK, it would be nice if it turns out to be that easy a fix.
If it works I owe you a 12 pack of your favorite carbonated beverage.

 

just trying to help

 

Dont run your motor, the crancase is full of gas, the needle and seat are bad in the carb, replace those and change the oil in the engine, check your air box and filter cause they may be full of gas too.After you replace the needle and seat turn the gas off when machine is parked and the new one will last longer.

 

Turn the gas off when its parked? Does that really help?

 

Yes it helps. Also make sure to turn the gas off when trailering.

 

My 500 was having the same problem. It corrected it's self, maybe opening the valve and draining the bowl helped. I think the problem was dirt at the needle holding it open.

 

Noted, looks like I'm going to learn how to rebuild a carb like it or not.
I did check the oil, and sure enough it smells of gas, at least I have a repair book for it.
And you are correct, I've never turned off the gas after a run, so it's all on me.

 

My 99 500 did the same thing. The needle and seat, the seat fell out. Its only held in by an o-ring. Most carbs the seat screws in. What a stupid design. I used a o-ring from an o-ring chain to put it back together while on the trail at Coalcreek. Still working ok.