winter storage
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
winter storage
I live in the midwest where winter sucks....already in the 20's here. Anyways, was wondering if you guys starve out your carbs before storing. After adding Stabil and topping off the tank, I turn off the fuel and let her run until she quits. But is this necessary or better to not do it.....your opinions. Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Excellent question re: winterizing.
I live in the midwest where winter sucks....already in the 20's here. Anyways, was wondering if you guys starve out your carbs before storing. After adding Stabil and topping off the tank, I turn off the fuel and let her run until she quits. But is this necessary or better to not do it.....your opinions. Thanks
The confusion usually starts when we all go out and purchase " fuel stabiliser " . This stuff is great and will keep fuel fresh for many months.
The problems occure when the stabiliser is poured into the fuel tank but not run through the carb.
Its the carb. that needs it most so after pouring it in the tank you must run the engine to ensure it has reached and filled the carb.!
I suggest that a carb. bowl be removed and cleaned every year , with or without stabilizer as there will usually be some crap in it . Your choise .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
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From: Indiana
Hey Hackster, why not just leave the battery in the bike?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,117
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From: In The Woods, PA
I've always changed my oil in the spring. I know that people say that you should put it away with clean fluids. I've never had an issue and I've doing it this way since 1998 in my flht.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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Isn't the issue not changing it in the spring due to condensation inside the engine over the winter? I've always been a stabil in the tank and make sure it finds its way to the carb. If the carb isn't empty it won't gum up if stabilized. If empty little bits can evaporate over time and cause issues.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
In my case, the garage sees frequent excursions below 0 F. in the winter, and a discharged battery can freeze. Better to be safe and pull it.
I've always changed my oil before storage, then changed it in the spring at the next scheduled interval. This year, winter has come early, and the bike is STILL at the shop waiting for the painter to paint the rear fender (going on 8 weeks), so I don't expect to get the chance to change the oil this year.
I don't drain the carb before storage, but I do remove the float bowl in the spring and empty it out before starting the bike.
I've always changed my oil before storage, then changed it in the spring at the next scheduled interval. This year, winter has come early, and the bike is STILL at the shop waiting for the painter to paint the rear fender (going on 8 weeks), so I don't expect to get the chance to change the oil this year.
I don't drain the carb before storage, but I do remove the float bowl in the spring and empty it out before starting the bike.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Nov 14, 2014 at 08:59 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
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From: Toledo, Ohio
I've always had bad luck whenever I've pulled a battery. I just leave it in on a tender….never had an issue. Getting back to the oil thing….I also run my bike up to operating temps once or twice during the cold winter. With or without fresh oil, has this been a good, bad, or indifferent thing to do? I guess I'm just paranoid since I know I'm never parting with this evo and find myself questioning some of my past practices.