I'll admit it when I'm a newbie. I guess I should have inspected the gas cap. CRACKED RUBBER. Replaced the cap with a rubber one from a local auto store, fits nice n snug. I'm sure the cracked rubber on the cap's seal is the culprit We'll it works when I go for a real spin this evening. I do need to clean up all that residue from it spilling :p LAME!