Winter storage query?

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

A bit early I know but thought I'd ask while I remember Rolling Eyes

I'm confused on the draining of fuel. There is a recommendation to drain the carbs (see here for example).
However, other advice I've been told is that an empty carb can result in cracked/holed diaphragms.
So which is it?

For myself I was thinking go with fuel stabiliser and run the engine every 3-4 weeks. I think Yamaha used to do a bottle of stabiliser, have to get down to the dealer and see if they still do Smile

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Big Pete · Spanner Monkey Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

if you are able to run it over the winter you dont need to do anything else. Make sure you run it long enough to get the engine and exhaust hot enough to boil off all the condensed water (probably 20 minutes or so at idle) and you will have no probs.
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Big Pete · Spanner Monkey Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

in that case, fill the tank and drain the carbs. next spring drain the tank into a can, refill the tank with fresh juice start her up. mix the juice fom the can with new petrol 1/2 a gallon or so at a time to use it up.
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Rory · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 May 2004 Karma :

Once you've prepped and stored the bike, don't start it up unless you're going to go for a ride, and thrash it if you do that. As Pete says, you need to make sure and boil off any water vapour.
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Guest · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

They sell a fuel stabilizer called Sta-Bil (oddly enough..) Ya just mix in the required amount when ya tank is full, ride around the block a couple of times to get the stuff into the carb & then park it up.
Saves throwing away an entire tank full of gas at $7/gallon...
Ya should be able to get it where they sell lawn mowers or jet ski's etc... & no need to drain the carb...

...change the oil.. & try to park it with the tires off the ground so no flat spots from sitting for months

If ya want to prevent rust on it get a can of BoeSheild T9 & spray it on EVERYTHING except the brake rotors, seat & tyres. It comes off with HOT soapy water. Smile