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What Happens When You Drop a Coin in Your Motorcycle’s Fuel Tank?

by Sangam Adhikari
picture taken directly above a motorcycle

You’re filling up your motorcycle’s fuel tank at a gas station and accidentally drop a coin. What happens next? Will it cause any damage to your beloved bike?

In this blog post, we will explore the potential consequences of dropping a coin in your motorcycle’s fuel tank and provide you with some insights on how to handle such situations.

The Coin’s Journey Inside the Tank

As you watch the coin disappear into the fuel tank, you might wonder where it will end up and how it could impact your motorcycle’s fuel system.

The moment the coin falls into the fuel tank, it embarks on an unexpected journey. Due to the design of most motorcycle fuel tanks, the coin will likely sink to the bottom.

Potential Risks and Damage


Having a foreign object, particularly a coin, inadvertently find its way into your motorcycle’s fuel tank can significantly increase the likelihood of encountering various risks and damages.

The presence of the coin within the fuel tank poses a potential threat to critical components, which may result in significant disruptions and compromise the overall performance of your beloved bike.

Let’s dive deeper into these potential risks, examining the possibility of clogged fuel filters, damaged fuel pumps, engine misfires, and a notable decrease in the motorcycle’s overall performance.

a. Fuel Pump Damage:

As the coin freely moves within the tank, there’s a distinct possibility of it coming into contact with the motorcycle’s fuel pump. This contact can potentially lead to damaging the fuel pump, resulting in dangerous obstructions or disruptions in the fuel flow.

Such a scenario can inevitably take a toll on the motorcycle’s performance, leading to suboptimal riding experiences.

b. Clogged Fuel Filter:

As the coin continues its unpredictable journey inside the fuel tank, it may ultimately find its way to the fuel filter. Once lodged in the filter, it can impede the smooth flow of fuel, leading to the clogging of vital passages. The ramifications of a clogged fuel filter can be severe, causing detrimental effects on the engine’s performance and overall efficiency.

c. Engine Misfire:

The presence of the coin, despite its small size, can wield significant consequences for the motorcycle’s engine. When the fuel supply is compromised due to the coin’s presence, it can lead to engine misfires – a troublesome issue that can result in a jolting and unreliable ride.

d. Decreased Performance:

A partially obstructed fuel system can wreak havoc on your motorcycle’s overall performance. The coin’s presence can hinder the fuel flow, depriving the engine of the necessary fuel-air mixture for optimal combustion.

As a result, the motorcycle’s performance may significantly decrease, causing a noticeable decline in its efficiency and power output.

e. Fuel Contamination:

When a coin is accidentally dropped into the fuel tank, it becomes immersed in the petrol, and over time, it may start to deteriorate or corrode due to the fuel’s chemical properties.

This corrosion can release harmful particles or debris into the petrol, contaminating the fuel supply.

A Coin Drops Into the Open Gas Tank of a MotoVlogger

Steps to Take if You Drop a Coin in Your Fuel Tank

If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation where a coin has made its way into your motorcycle’s fuel tank, it’s essential to stay calm and take immediate action. Panicking can only worsen the situation.

In this section, we’ll outline step-by-step procedures to safely and effectively remove the coin from your fuel tank, ensuring minimal damage and complications.

Additionally, we’ll provide you with essential maintenance tips to guarantee a thorough inspection and cleaning of your fuel system, preventing any potential lingering issues that may arise.

So, if you happen to face this predicament, follow these crucial steps diligently to mitigate any potential damage and ensure the smooth operation of your motorcycle’s fuel system:

a. Stop Pumping Fuel:

The moment you discover a foreign object, like a coin, has accidentally found its way into your fuel tank, immediately cease pumping fuel. Stopping the fuel flow promptly will prevent the coin from causing further disruption.

b. Do Not Start the Engine:

Avoid, at all costs, starting your motorcycle’s engine. Igniting the engine could exacerbate the issue and lead to additional damage or complications.

c. Tank Inspection:

We recommend taking your bike to a Mechanic as the procedure to take out Coin is quite not done by a non-technical person.

Once in the capable hands of a professional, they will likely proceed to drain and meticulously inspect the fuel tank to locate and safely remove the coin. This thorough inspection ensures that no remnants of foreign objects remain inside the tank.

d. Fuel System Evaluation:

Apart from removing the coin, the technician will assess the overall condition of the fuel system to detect any potential damages or clogs caused by the coin’s presence.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

While dropping a coin in your motorcycle’s fuel tank may seem like a minor incident, it is essential to understand its potential consequences and how to address them effectively.

By following the steps outlined in this article and taking preventive measures, you can keep your motorcycle running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Your motorcycle deserves the best care, and with a little vigilance and proper maintenance, you can enjoy worry-free rides and an efficiently functioning fuel system. So, the next time you’re at the gas station, keep an eye on your coins and ride safely.

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