Let me start of by first saying that YES, I have heard of and do even have in my possession STA-BIL fuel stabilizers. But, I am just either too stupid or too lazy to have put some in my tank before my fuel went bad this past winter.
I parked my bike (2000 M750) in the backyard of my apartment building under a cover at the start of winter. Then, one warm February day, I took the bike out, filled up the tank (was almost empty) then added the STA-BIL fuel stabilizer then. I went to take it out today and couldn't start. After some effort, it started then stalled. Repeat a few times, then it started running. I rode it around the block. But, as I rode it, when ever I gave it throttle it chocked & sputtered before accelerating. When I gave it too much gas it actually slowed down! I then figured it was bad gas & that's why I only went around the block.
My question, what do I do now? Should I siphon the gas out? I'm afraid if I siphon that all the water & rust sediment at the bottom will be left behind. Also, what did I just do to my carbs by starting & running the bike with possible rust sludge in the tank? Also, once I get the gas out, what do I do with it? I live in an apartment building in Brooklyn NYC. So, I don't have a lawnmower to put it in and I can't very well burn it...
Any advice would be much appreciated!!
Drain or siphon some gas out and add some fresh gas and ride it.
If you're really worried about any sediment or rust that your fuel filter should pick up in any case, siphon as much gas out as you can, remove the tank, remove the fuel filter, sop up remaining gas and sediment, replace tank, refill with gas, then ride. [thumbsup]
Any suggestions on what to do with the fuel?
Quote from: DirtyDuc on April 18, 2009, 07:30:14 PM
Any suggestions on what to do with the fuel?
Unless it's really nasty when you get it out...
put it in your car with a 1/2 tank or more.
It won't mess with it, and it's environmentally responsible. ;)
Lol, my car... Funny thing, the only car I still have (the wife's e46 wagon) was just in an accident (she got hit by a cement truck 3 days ago). I just sold the e30.
So, until we get the car back from the body shop (if it isn't totaled) no car to dump in.
Ok, hopefully I can convince a neighbor to put it in HIS car...
You might also want to drain the float bowls. On the right side of the bike by the back of the engine there are two plastic tubes. If you follow them up to the carb float bowls you will see small (6,7,8? mm) heads screws where they connect. When you close them do not over tighten. Catch the gasoline in a clear container so you can see what comes out.
Let the stale gas settle before you put it in a car. Any water or rust will fall to the bottom. A little like Thunderbird wine [puke]
Quote from: DirtyDuc on April 18, 2009, 07:30:14 PM
Any suggestions on what to do with the fuel?
gas does burn
very well..........
i would think ;)
Burning seems simple enough, for most. But, I live in an apartment building in Brooklyn NYC. So, I would be burning either in he buildings alley or on the sidewalk. Either way, I'm fairly sure that would draw some negative attention from my building co-op board :P
I'm hoping I can find someone who wants the free gas here in the neighborhood. Maybe the gas station / service station on the corner would siphon & refill for me? I will ask Monday when the service part of the station is open...
Bean-o?
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 19, 2009, 11:18:18 AM
Bean-o?
I was wondering how long it would be before a smartass comment was posted. [laugh]
How much STA-BIL did you put in?
I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. I'd just get some carb cleaner and run it until she runs smooth.
I just helped a buddy de-storageize a couple of dirtbikes last weekend, neither of which had been run since around summer of 07. The big 230 needed a battery charge and a rear wheel rebuild, but for the 150 all he did was lay it on its side (whatever side the carb is on, I don't know how the older carbie ducs are built) until around a half a pint of gas left via vent tube, stood her back up, choked, kicked, and rode away. So long as you have a decent charge on the battery, just fire away until she starts.
Quote from: DirtyDuc on April 18, 2009, 07:51:40 PM
Lol, my car... Funny thing, the only car I still have (the wife's e46 wagon) was just in an accident (she got hit by a cement truck 3 days ago). I just sold the e30.
So, until we get the car back from the body shop (if it isn't totaled) no car to dump in.
Ok, hopefully I can convince a neighbor to put it in HIS car...
Dump it into the neighbor's car without telling him. Wait for him to start bragging about the great gas mileage he's suddenly getting. ;D
When you drain the tank, don't forget to drain the float bowls on the carburetors. There is a screw at the bottom on the side specifically for that. You can see it in this photo on the lower left:
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c67/scottrnelson/Ducati/MikuniCarb.jpg)
bump just to get this thread away from appearing just above the other thread called: "backfiring periodically" ;D
So, i was had taken the advice of "just ride it." But, it was extremely difficult to start and kept stalling while riding. Before getting into the hassle of figuring out where to dump the gas in Brooklyn, I decided to check / change the plugs first.
New plus + riding it worked!
I just got back from a morning ride and the bike is as good as new ;D
I would still be out riding right now, but it's my turn to watch the kid while my wife is out now. Oh well...