rain got into fuel tank

[sashkar2000]

Yesterday my bike got her 1st taste of rain since i put her back on the road.

After sitting in pouring rain for a few hours, I turned the ignition and it fired right up for a few seconds, but then died and now the engine just turns over, w/o any combustion.

My theory is that some rain got into the tank because I have a small section missing from the circular cover that's around the fuel cap (the one with 5 or so bolts).
part 4 in this diagram: http://www.bikebandit.com/2002-suzuki-gs500/o/m22461#sch248646

I thought the part was just cosmetic as the fuel cap is airtight, but now I see there's a hole next to the fuel cap, which I am guessing is for venting the tank. So I believe water went into the gas tank thru this hole. is that possible or am i way off on the diagnosis?

I had filled up 13 miles beforehand so I don't think it's that much water in, so i'm wondering if i should try adding rubbing alcohol or some other gas additive to mix the water into the fuel. or do you think this requries flushing the tank?

thanks guys!

[BockinBboy]

If its the one I'm thinking... that hole actually goes to a small pipe, which travels through the fuel tank, comes out the bottom by the tank petcock, and connects to a tube that goes to bottom right side of the bike near the rear brake lever... That's the tank vent, sometimes also known as the tank overflow, and should also prevent water from getting into tank from rain or washing your bike.

- Bboy

[The Buddha]

Water is heaavier than gas, and the 2 dont mix. So likely it is in the bottom, in the crap pockets.
I'd probably put a hose in the crap pocket directly and siphon it, and repeat with both crap pockets.
In a perverted way, the crap pockets are what keep this bike from crapping out with every fill up like the MZ does.
The MZ though, has a plastic tank.
Cool.
Buddha.

[adidasguy]

That hole is a drain from around the gas cap. It goes through the tank and put the bottom where it blocks access to the tank petcock (great design) and has a hose on it. If that drain is clogged or the hose pinched, water can fill up the area around the gas cap. If the gas cap doesn't seal (as when the rubber gasket gets cracks) well then water can get in.

You can pour some water in that area and see if it drains. If not, then check that hose.

For water in the tank, drain that out. Put a small hose on a carb float bowl. Drain the bowl until gas comes out. Then do the same to the other one. Have the petcock on PRIME.

For the little water left in there, dump in some of the anti-water stuff to dissolve it into the gas.

[sashkar2000]

Oh that's what the hole next to fuel cap is for!
i did see water accumulate around the fuel neck, so even though the gas cap rubber looks fine, i suppose it's quite possible a little moisture got in there.

I drained the bowls for a few minutes but still couldn't start, then added around 5 oz of 91% rubbing alcohol to the fuel tank and shook the bike for a few minutes.

With some hesitation, she started up and i was able to ride normally.

not quite sure of the cause and effect here, but i'm glad that's over. and i'll check the drain and tape up the fuel cap before next rain.

thanks for your help!