Hi all,
I thought I was being a good bike owner by using Sta-bil when not riding the bikes for a while over this winter. I had no idea that ethanol posed different challenges and I may not be doing much good after all.
Here are some links to products that stabilize fuels with ethanol. I found this on another forum, maybe it will help someone here as well:
http://mystarbrite.com/startron/
http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/stabil/default.aspx
http://www.valvtect.com/ethanol.asp
The problem with ethanol is it separates from the fuel when the moisture content reaches a certain level. None of these products work for that. Your best bet is to run it dry. This is a huge issue in my industry.
Danny
ive always used sea foam not sure if it has ethanol but i have never had a problem. ive put it in everything at my house that takes fuel.
-Eugene-
2007 black hayabusa touring beast
2003 KTM 525sx/exc hybrid
2002 black and blue hayabusa- (SOLD)
2000 ZX7R STREETFIGHTER-(SOLD)
At our altitude, and our more arid climate, there is little to no need to use a fuel stabilizer over the winter. For years I did the stabilizer ritual. Then heard stories from others here who put their bikes away in October or November (without any stabilizer), got them out in April and they fired and ran with no woes. Last year I parked a Chevy Astro van for almost ten months. I needed to jump the battery, it started right away, and ran just fine.
altitude effects fuel breaking down? i didnt know that..
-Eugene-
2007 black hayabusa touring beast
2003 KTM 525sx/exc hybrid
2002 black and blue hayabusa- (SOLD)
2000 ZX7R STREETFIGHTER-(SOLD)
A little, it's more about the humidity than the altitude. Since the air is less dense it's not able to hold as much water.Originally Posted by usmcab35
Fuel also oxidizes, so lower air density = less oxygen = less oxidation.
Scott
Yeah, it's mainly the oxidation that is the problem but there are also reactions between some of the components of the gasoline. For storage over the winter, the cooler temperatures reduce the reaction rates, slowing them by about a factor of two for every 10 degree Celsius (18 F) drop, as you may remember from high school chemistry class. So, you can probably do fine without additives for a few months over the winter here with (as pointed out by Rybo) the lower oxygen levels and colder temps.
Dirk
Formerly MRA #211 - High Precision Racing
"A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self- preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property, and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means."
--Thomas Jefferson
...OR (and I know this is kind of an out-there suggestion) you could just ride the bike and not worry about it.
[SIGPIC][SIGPIC]
...OR (and I know this is kind of an out-there suggestion) you could just ride the bike and not worry about it.
-Eugene-
2007 black hayabusa touring beast
2003 KTM 525sx/exc hybrid
2002 black and blue hayabusa- (SOLD)
2000 ZX7R STREETFIGHTER-(SOLD)
...OR (and I know this is kind of an out-there suggestion) you could just ride the bike and not worry about it.
Yeah, that way you can avoid heater problems in your car
^^hes got a point lol
-Eugene-
2007 black hayabusa touring beast
2003 KTM 525sx/exc hybrid
2002 black and blue hayabusa- (SOLD)
2000 ZX7R STREETFIGHTER-(SOLD)
Rybo just laid down some pwnage...
But, Chris, yeah, that's my approach. I do use Stabil in the lawnmower and race/collection bikes.
Dirk
Formerly MRA #211 - High Precision Racing
"A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self- preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property, and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means."
--Thomas Jefferson
touche'....but I'm kinda blanking on the last time I actually saw you riding a bike on the street there Scott...Yeah, that way you can avoid heater problems in your car
To your point though, either way, I'm wearing winter riding gear!
[side note: heat works like a damn champ now! Thank God I didn't have an expensive coil replacement on my hands!]
I'll go run the project bikes for a bit to make sure that nothing is breaking down too much and then add a little fresh gas to mix it up.
Stabill in the lawn mower's not a bad idea though! Once I get the damned thing running again...
[SIGPIC][SIGPIC]
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