Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Old Gas?

So, I did a bad thing. I basically didn't do anything to prepare the bikes (Speedmaster and 1999 Legend) for winter storage, being my first winter in an area where you have to do that kind of thing.

As I get them ready for riding, I'm wondering what I need to do, mostly related to the gas. I'm going to do the oil/filter change, fluid check, chain maint, etc and figure that should all be normal.
About the gas though, since I didn't put stabilizer in, should I just drain the tank and carbs and start fresh? Just the tank?
Do I need to clean the carbs because of the gunked up gas?
Can I just run the gas and not worry about it?

Thanks in advance.

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About the gas though, since I didn't put stabilizer in, should I just drain the tank and carbs and start fresh? Just the tank?
Do I need to clean the carbs because of the gunked up gas?
Can I just run the gas and not worry about it?

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Intersting question. I say that because i never put stabilizer in my tank and oftern leave the bike for six weeks or more between starting her up. So far i have never had a problem starting her and she has never run badly for me. Maybe im lucky,

I had a boat/motor that I left sit (this is in South Florida too) for about 3 months and had never touched the gas. It cost me a fuel pump, carb rebuilds, and a bunch of time.

Minimum, drain your tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Hopefully, you ran all the gas out of the carbs?

If not, I would drop the bowls and inspect them.

I would go ahead and drain the tank and carbs to be on the safe side. I parked my bike last night and wont be riding for 4-6 months and I will be putting stabilizer in the tank.
Sucks to put the bike away at the start of riding season.

1. Does it start? If Yes - Go to #2. If No - Go to #3

2. Does it seem to run okay? If Yes - Go to #4 If No - Go to #3

3. Drain gas and fill with fresh stuff. Put a little fuel system cleaner in with the new gas. Mix the old stuff with some new stuff and use it in your lawn mower.

4. Don't worry about it. Just use what ya got in the tank.

It would probably be a good idea to drain the tank, then remove the petcock and pour some gas or solvent through the tank to clear out any resedue that might have resulted from the old gas evaporating.

I agree with Greybeard. It's not how often you run the bike, but how often you fill the tank. Even running once a week for a few miles, but letting the gas sit in your tank for 3 months is not a good idea. "Stabil" does such a great job, silly not to use it (I know, you forget, next thing you know it's Spring)

I'd try JC's advice first.
I once bought a '63 Intnl scout that had sat for two years without running (had a busted rear end). I fixed the rear and checked the gas, both tanks full. The gas really stunk . Started it up and drove it. I had it for two years and never had to open the carb. I know, it's a differebt critter, but if you don't make a habit of storing it for long periods with no prep, I think you'll be OK. Of course, it's no big deal to drain and refill the tank.

If your tank was full there shouldn't be build up inside. Like you, I was a little sloppy with my shut down for the year as I was riding right up until they put salt on the road. I didn't run the carbs dry with the petcock off like you're supposed to. I did put Stabil in it however. It ran fine when I fired it up and I found no discernable choppiness or stuttering.

Not something I would do as a habit if your bike sits for a long period of time but if it starts, ride it and run it for a while. If the bike seems to handle fine, just fill it up and add some Lucas gas treatment every other tank.

If it runs choppy, drain it.

BB

If you do decide to drain the carbs you don't have to drop the bowls.On the bottom of each bowl is a drain port with an allen screw.All you got to do is put a small cup or tubing on the drain nipple and screw out the allens to drain the carbs.Will take only five minutes.