Forgot To Put Fuel Stabilizer In Motorcycle
It's happened to the best of us - you forget to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle before storing it for the winter. Now, you're left wondering what kind of damage may have been done and what you can do to fix the problem. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about forgetting to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle and how to prevent it from happening again.
What is Fuel Stabilizer?
Fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that is mixed with gasoline to help preserve it. It prevents the gasoline from breaking down and oxidizing, which can cause gum and varnish to build up in the fuel system. Fuel stabilizer is particularly important for motorcycles and other vehicles that are not used regularly or are stored for long periods of time, such as during the winter months.
What Happens When You Forget to Put Fuel Stabilizer in Your Motorcycle?
When you forget to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle, the gasoline in the fuel system can break down and oxidize, causing gum and varnish to build up. This can clog the fuel system and prevent the motorcycle from starting. In addition, the gasoline can evaporate, leaving behind a sticky residue that can corrode the fuel system and cause other damage.
Another potential problem is that the gasoline can begin to separate, with the lighter components evaporating and leaving behind heavier components that can clog the fuel system. This can cause the motorcycle to run poorly or not at all.
How to Fix the Problem
If you've forgotten to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle and are now experiencing problems, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem:
- Drain the fuel tank and carburetor: If the gasoline has gone bad, you may need to drain the fuel tank and carburetor and replace the gasoline with fresh fuel.
- Clean the fuel system: If the fuel system is clogged with gum and varnish, you may need to clean it out using a fuel system cleaner or by disassembling the fuel system and cleaning the parts by hand.
- Replace the fuel filter: If the fuel filter is clogged, you may need to replace it to ensure proper fuel flow.
- Check the spark plugs: If the motorcycle still won't start after cleaning the fuel system, you may need to check the spark plugs to make sure they are functioning properly.
How to Prevent the Problem
The best way to deal with a forgotten fuel stabilizer is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you prevent this problem:
- Add fuel stabilizer before storing: Whenever you store your motorcycle for an extended period of time, make sure to add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before storing it. Follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle for the correct amount to add.
- Top off the fuel tank: When storing your motorcycle, make sure to top off the fuel tank to minimize the amount of air in the tank. This can help prevent oxidation and evaporation of the gasoline.
- Store the motorcycle in a dry, cool location: When storing your motorcycle, make sure to store it in a dry, cool location to prevent moisture and condensation from building up in the fuel system.
- Start the motorcycle regularly: If possible, start your motorcycle regularly during storage to help keep the fuel system clean and the gasoline from going bad.
Conclusion
Forgetting to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle can be a frustrating and potentially costly mistake. However, by following the tips in this article, you can help prevent this problem from happening in the first place and take steps to fix the problem if it does occur. Remember to always add fuel stabilizer before storing your motorcycle for an extended period of time and to store it in a dry, cool location to minimize the risk of fuel system problems.
