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Yes, it’s better to use motorcycle fuel stabilizer during winter storage.
In winter, you should be taking extra precautions when riding your motorcycle. There are many things to consider such as tire pressure and engine condition, but there is one important thing that often gets overlooked: fuel stabilizer for motorcycles in winter.
Using Fuel Stabilizer In Motorcycles for Winter
If you are thinking about storing your motorcycle for a long time, using a fuel stabilizer is a must. Otherwise, the fuel in the system may become stale and cloggy, preventing the motorcycle from starting or running smoothly.
When the bike isn’t running, these gums can cause significant damage, including clogged carburetor jets and combustion chambers, which lead to reduced power output and degraded performance.
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer
FEATURES WE LIKED
- Preserves fuel for up to 24 months
- Prevents fuel system corrosion
- Ensures quick and easy starts after storage
- Easy to use direct-to-tank formula
- Treats entire fuel system when run
Extreme clogging may sometimes lead to expensive repairs down the road. Let’s dig into the unique benefits of a stabilizer and how to use it on your bike.
Chemical Properties of Fuel Stabilizer
Made from petroleum products, a fuel stabilizer is a liquid solution that adds a protective layer to the fuel. It creates a bond with gasoline to stop evaporation and the formation of tacky resins that can damage many components, especially the carburetor.
Talking about the chemical properties, a fuel stabilizer is a compound of lubricants and various antioxidants. Together these chemicals resist water and slow the fuel’s evaporation.
When Is the Best Time to Use Fuel Stabilizer?
You don’t need a stabilizer when you are riding the motorcycle often. Regular driving means the gas in the tank burns up before degradation or evaporation. You should use it only when the bike is going to be idle for a long time — over three weeks, to be precise.
Mixing a stabilizer with the fuel will protect the fuel from untimely evaporation. This concoction is likely to last for a year or more (or less) depending on the fuel stabilizer’s brand.
You should mix the stabilizer with fresh fuel to get the best outcome. To avoid condensation build-up, the gas tank should be 95% full during the storage time.
After putting in the stabilizer, run the motorcycle’s engine for a few minutes for the mixture to reach the entire fuel system.
The Unique Benefits of Motorcycle Fuel Stabilizer Winter
Fuel stabilizer keeps fuel from going bad over time and can also prevent rusting of valves and carburetors. Because of the protective layer, the fuel does not turn gummy and clog up your engine.
Some people may feel that they don’t need it because the weather doesn’t get cold enough where they are at or because their gas won’t have been sitting in the tank long enough before being used.
Don’t make these assumptions! It can prevent water from freezing inside the gas tank too, so you will never have to deal with all that extra work again. Overall, it improves engine performance due to less wear on valves and piston rings.
If you don’t want to buy a big container of fuel stabilizer, then you can find individual servings at most motorcycle shops or online. Diesel fuel stabilizers for motorcycles also exist if you’re looking at something for diesel engines. Always use high-quality stabilizers to get the best results.
How long does stabilized fuel last?
Stabilized fuel is a type of gas that has been mixed with an additive to prevent the formation of lead and sulfur compounds. Does it last forever? Well, it certainly extends the shelf life of gasoline.
Stabilized gas can last for 1 to 3 years if the motorcycle is stored in a cool dry place. The maximum storage time will depend on how you store it.
Just make sure not to store the motorcycle near an open flame and don’t get it wet. During the summer months, don’t store it in a high-temperature place.
Mixing with fresh fuel brings the best result. There is no way to fix old gas once the contamination kicks in.
Conclusion
Before the winter arrives, you should start thinking about how your motorcycle will fare in the coming months. Owning a Beast can be a lot of fun, but winter brings its own set of challenges.
If you’re looking for some helpful hints on how to protect your bike from the cold weather and keep it running well, this blog post is just what you need!
FAQs About Fuel Stabilizer In Motorcycles
How many types of fuel stabilizers are there?
There are different stabilizer products for gasoline, ethanol blends, and diesel. Some products may work for both ethanol and non-ethanol blends.
What is the ideal ratio of fuel and stabilizer?
One ounce or 30 milliliters of stabilizer is enough for two and a half gallons or 9.5 liters of fuel. Always read the user instructions on the bottle because the amount could vary from one brand to another.
Can fuel stabilizer fix old gasoline?
Unlike what many people think, a fuel stabilizer cannot fix old gasoline that has already been contaminated with water and become stale. If you do have a supply of old gasoline that has already turned stale and contaminated with water, it’s best to drain the fuel system by siphoning all the dirt out first before adding a stabilizer.
Can fuel stabilizer kill your motorcycle?
No, but you should not use it in a new engine. Besides reducing fuel’s ability to absorb moisture, fuel stabilizers work by preventing ethanol from breaking down into formaldehyde gas, which can cause the hardening of rubber components often found in carburetors and hoses. This is why a stabilizer should not be used on new engines or freshly rebuilt ones because it could prevent proper seating for valves, rings, and other parts.
Why should I add fuel stabilizer to my motorcycle’s tank?
Adding fuel stabilizer to a motorcycle tank helps prevent fuel breakdown, corrosion and gum formation that can occur over time. It keeps fuel fresh when the motorcycle is stored for extended periods.
Does fuel stabilizer help clean my carburetor?
While fuel stabilizer can slightly reduce carbon buildup, its primary purpose is to keep fuel from breaking down. Regular carburetor cleaning is still recommended for optimum performance.
What happens if I forget to add fuel stabilizer?
Without stabilizer, fuel can turn acidic and gummy over time.This can clog carburetor jets and fuel lines, and make it difficult to start the engine when you return to riding. Adding a higher dose of stabilizer upon restarting can help flush the system.
Does higher ethanol fuel need more stabilizer?
Yes, gasoline with higher ethanol content (like E15) tends to break down faster. Using extra fuel stabilizer per tank is recommended for ethanol blends. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific dosing.
Will fuel stabilizer protect my fuel injection system?
Modern fuel injection systems have much better resistance to degraded fuel compared to carburetors. However, fuel stabilizer can still provide an extra layer of protection from ethanol-related issues that could impact fuel injectors, sensors and pumps over time.
