To Fuel Stabilzer or not to?

It's off topic now, but read this http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/bio-fuels/

[embee]

I'm with Ralph regards not using the bike for a few weeks or so, just fill it up.

If it's FI it should run absolutely fine on bulk stored fuel (i.e. a tankful) after a month or 2. If it's carbs I would always drain the carbs, preferably when laying it up but certainly before running it again. Problems can arise simply by the use of inappropriate seasonal fuel, if your tank is full of summer fuel it can still be difficult to start in cold weather.

Personally I would always drain carbs on garden equipment too, I do quite good business in Spring when people can't start their mowers. I always do an oil change on them to make it worth my while visiting and give the customer "value for money", but essentially it's a couple of minutes to drain the carb and refill with fresh fuel, clean the plug and presto.

Petrol is allowed to contain (IIRC) 5% oxygenates (i.e. alcohols) anyway, materials used in any reasonably modern vehicle will be OK with 5-10% blends though different materials are definitely used for high (85 etc) ratio alcohol blends.

I'm no expert but have on various occassions and different bikes had them laid up for months at a time. Never had a problem with running issues, or even starting issues. This has included a bike off the road for 6 months during the summer period and about the same again for another bike through the winter.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

It's off topic now, but read this http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/bio-fuels/

It well wide of the OP now! That is a good read, but my concerns with ethanol and Jap Carby bikes may be valid

STUDY INTO MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY AND CARBURETTOR ICING

An investigation was commissioned in the summer of 2010 by the DfT, and undertaken by Stephen Wall, Senior Scientist at the Fuels and Lubricants Centre, QinetiQ, based in Farnborough, to investigate the effects of petrol containing up to 10% ethanol. Specifically this investigated vehicle fuel system material compatibility and carburettor icing as well as other aspects such as drivability issues.

The FBHVC submitted a great deal of evidence as well as statistics on the size and economic effect of the historic vehicle movement in the UK.

The report was finished in October 2010 and is due to be in the public domain at the end of October. Early indications suggest that the situation is extremely worrying for any vehicle over ten years old.

Worth remembering the FBHVC have an agenda to pursue.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Worth remembering the FBHVC have an agenda to pursue.

Beards and pipes. Cursing the day 4 star was abolished

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

Beards and pipes. Cursing the day 4 star was abolished

The guy who send me that link doesn't have a beard or pipe, but he is in his 70's and mixes his own leaded petrol for his Tiger Cub and his AJS.
Amazing guy though, hope I'm still riding bikes at his age

EDIT: Though I do often wish he'd stuck to fettling bikes and never bought a computer!

[embee]

I've run my Tiger Cub on unleaded for years with no issues. Leaded fuel causes as many problems as it cures. Exhaust valve seat wear is highly speed dependent, and you can't rev a Tiger Cub engine high enough for long enough for it to be an issue (it'll eat a big-end long before the seat wears!)

Originally Posted by embee

I've run my Tiger Cub on unleaded for years with no issues. Leaded fuel causes as many problems as it cures. Exhaust valve seat wear is highly speed dependent, and you can't rev a Tiger Cub engine high enough for long enough for it to be an issue (it'll eat a big-end long before the seat wears!)

If you want I'm very happy to put you in touch with the gentleman concerned and let you try and argue that one. If he's happy with his leaded petrol, I'm leaving the subject well alone

[embee]

Err, no thanks, too busy.


(Phew, that was close!)