Author Topic: Winterization on ethanol  (Read 3405 times)

Offline mharrold

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Winterization on ethanol
« on: November 20, 2012, 09:44:42 PM »
Anybody know of a good way to winterize with ethanol fuel?
I think we only have one gas station that has ethanol-free fuel and it is not close.
If this weather continues I won't have an issue but I doubt we'll be mid-60's in January.
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Offline wytfut

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Re: Winterization on ethanol
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2012, 06:07:42 PM »
I've heard that more and more places around the country, that REAL gasoline is getting rare, and I think you are being smart by asking...

Here's my thoughts. Use a good stabilizer..... I've heard that Briggs/Strattons is the best, but there are more and more of these products out there... so there maybe some better. Make sure that tank is full..... as ethanol will collect some moisture with an air space. With that, I'd go out and mount the beast and shake it side to side occassionally, to keep it from separating (ethanol does that), as when it does, that's when it gets ugly.

I have plenty of real gas in our area, so I really don't have to deal with that issue. I'm a very proud owner of my lil beauty..... with that in mind, I'd probably drain the tank myself.  And no that isn't exactly convenient, but I don't want to deal with the liner coming out, and plugging the fuel pump and injectors.  I realize that I may sound like an alarmist... but that's just where I'm coming from, dealing with 2 other X's in the past year with ethanol and storage...

Jumper.... throw your 2 cents in here...

Bruce.... flatlandersupportingXWorld....
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Offline Jumper

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Re: Winterization on ethanol
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2012, 08:11:48 PM »
My two cents??! O.K.... Ride it all Winter!! Hmm.. can't ride with a foot of snow for the Winter? DRAIN THE GAS! This Ethanol is wrecking our X's! (IMHO). Run it low as you can and then drain the rest out...

Jumper

Offline Traveller

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Re: Winterization on ethanol
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2012, 01:41:22 PM »
I like Jumper's suggestion, "Ride all winter". However, I do understand that it may not be practical or comfortable to do so.

Fortunately most of the usual petrochemical companies are finally getting up to speed and offering Fuel Stabilizers specifically formulated for use with ethanol laced gasoline.

I used the Eastwood product last winter in several bikes and it worked fine for me. Be sure to follow the directions for which ever product you use.