Fuel stabilizer/vehicle storage

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MexicoMike

MexicoMike

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FWIW, I thought I'd relate some info...

About a week ago we arrived in Mexico after a 2+ year absence. Before leaving in late 2019 I had put some StaBil in the tanks and attached a smart charger to each. Yesterday, I went out to the garage and tried to start them. My wife's Honda Africa Twin started instantly, as if it had been running yesterday. My BMW R9T was a bit sluggish in cranking. In fact, it sounded to me like the battery was nearly dead - despite the smart charger. However, at the third attempt the starter cranked sufficiently and, like the Honda, the bike started as if it had been running yesterday.

I always put StaBil in the tank for storage but the longest I had ever left a vehicle in that way until now was 7 months. 2+ years is pretty impressive performance!! TBH, I was expecting problems with deposits and thought I might have to disassemble/clean the fuel systems but the bikes are running great and are going on a 200 mile day ride today!
 
MexicoMike said:
FWIW, I thought I'd relate some info...

About a week ago we arrived in Mexico after a 2+ year absence. Before leaving in late 2019 I had put some StaBil in the tanks and attached a smart charger to each. Yesterday, I went out to the garage and tried to start them. My wife's Honda Africa Twin started instantly, as if it had been running yesterday. My BMW R9T was a bit sluggish in cranking. In fact, it sounded to me like the battery was nearly dead - despite the smart charger. However, at the third attempt the starter cranked sufficiently and, like the Honda, the bike started as if it had been running yesterday.

I always put StaBil in the tank for storage but the longest I had ever left a vehicle in that way until now was 7 months. 2+ years is pretty impressive performance!! TBH, I was expecting problems with deposits and thought I might have to disassemble/clean the fuel systems but the bikes are running great and are going on a 200 mile day ride today!
Click to expand...
Excellent info! When parked did they have pure gas, E5, E10 or what, and how full were the tanks?
 
Mexico sounds great right about now...

I use Stabil on non-ethanol gas with good results.

To Greg's point, I had suggested Stabil to a shop-mate and he ended up having a difficult time with his old CB550. I use non-ethanol gas for my motorcycles and shop projects, and he doesn't care. His carb bowls ended up looking like the bottom of a fish bowl (colored granular crystals) as he needed to rebuild them. I do think that his carbs were likely questionable to begin with though.

Also FWIW I've used ethanol gas w/ 2 cycle oil in lawnmowers (needed or not) + stabilize and no problems, but maybe the oil additive helps as prevent the creation of granular crystals in the bowls.
 
The gas was 10% ethanol; Both tanks were about 3/4 full. I've never looked for pure gas; I just put normal (ethanol, nowadays) gas of any brand whenever I need gas. I can confirm that WITHOUT stabilizer over the winter - say 3-4 months - ethanol gas can make carbs/fuel systems unusable without disassembly for cleaning.
 
I've gone four years with my 100hp outboard motor, StaBil came through.
The stuff works.
 
MexicoMike said:
The gas was 10% ethanol; Both tanks were about 3/4 full. I've never looked for pure gas; I just put normal (ethanol, nowadays) gas of any brand whenever I need gas. I can confirm that WITHOUT stabilizer over the winter - say 3-4 months - ethanol gas can make carbs/fuel systems unusable without disassembly for cleaning.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I have too many bikes sitting about and I hate emptying and refilling gas tanks to go for ride - my only choice is E10. I don't have many carb problem because I run them dry every time and then if not going out soon I drain what's left in the bowl.
 
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With the Norton I drain the tank/carbs when it's "in storage" because it's easy to do. Modern bikes...not so much! ;)
 
MexicoMike said:
This is what I used/been using for years - https://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta-bil-fuel-stabilizer/
Click to expand...
I have used this and the Stabil marine formula, same bottle but green with great results but I prefer K 100 which the company says preserves for 2 years and is actually true as long as you add to the machine, run it and not drain the carb. My toys sit for 7 months minimum and I am on the other temperature extreme, living 10 hours north of Buffalo NY
 
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