Winterizing with EFI
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Winterizing with EFI
This is my first winter with an EFI bike.
What is the correct procedure for putting my baby to rest for the winter, as I am a fair weather rider?
Also, should I use Stable, Seafoam, or something else for the fuel?
Thanks, Lisa
What is the correct procedure for putting my baby to rest for the winter, as I am a fair weather rider?
Also, should I use Stable, Seafoam, or something else for the fuel?
Thanks, Lisa
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
With fuel injected bikes, run it long enough after adding the fuel stabilizer (sta-bil) to get it through the injectors. Usually about 5-7 minutes at a fast idle will dry out the exhaust system and get the stabilizer through the fuel system. Always store with a full tank to avoid condensation.
It is a good idea to change the oil and filter just before storage so as not to have acids and other contaminants sit in the motor. They can damage bearings.
If the bike is to be kept in a place that may freeze, remove the battery being careful to follow the proper procedure to avoid causing sparks by shorting the cables or terminals. Store the battery in a cool, dry place and not on concrete directly, a piece of wood under it will prevent the battery from being discharged. Check the water level (except in maintenance-free batteries) and top up with distilled water. I recommend the use of a Battery Tender to avoid sulfation caused by inactivity. You should use a 12 volt source to run the charge down just a bit before recharging which promotes activity in the battery and keeps the sulfate on the plates to a minimum over the winter.
Also remember that a charging battery emits hydrogen gas that is very explosive so always vent the area where you are charging a battery.
It is a good idea to change the oil and filter just before storage so as not to have acids and other contaminants sit in the motor. They can damage bearings.
If the bike is to be kept in a place that may freeze, remove the battery being careful to follow the proper procedure to avoid causing sparks by shorting the cables or terminals. Store the battery in a cool, dry place and not on concrete directly, a piece of wood under it will prevent the battery from being discharged. Check the water level (except in maintenance-free batteries) and top up with distilled water. I recommend the use of a Battery Tender to avoid sulfation caused by inactivity. You should use a 12 volt source to run the charge down just a bit before recharging which promotes activity in the battery and keeps the sulfate on the plates to a minimum over the winter.
Also remember that a charging battery emits hydrogen gas that is very explosive so always vent the area where you are charging a battery.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
I start running stabilized gas about the 1st of November. That way if I get caught short by sudden changes in the weather I just need to plug in the battery tender and life is good. As for filling the tank, two schools of thought. One says fill it up to avoid condensation, the other says to leave room to top off with fresh gas in the spring. Since I store my bike in the garage that while not heated is attached to the house (so the temps are above freezing) I don't worry about condensation.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
As for filling the tank, two schools of thought. One says fill it up to avoid condensation, the other says to leave room to top off with fresh gas in the spring. Since I store my bike in the garage that while not heated is attached to the house (so the temps are above freezing) I don't worry about condensation.
Last edited by peppi; Oct 13, 2010 at 06:44 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Good job, Peppi.
Now give us your advice as to why HD motors "puke" oil when a SE air filter is used?
Ride In Peace
Now give us your advice as to why HD motors "puke" oil when a SE air filter is used?
Ride In Peace
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the excellent responses and tips.
It actually seems easier than my carb'ed bike.
I guess Stabil is the way to go. I discovered Seafoam in the Spring when my other bike's carbs got a little gummed up over the winter. I had been using Stabil to store it at the time, but didn't empty the float bowls that fall. Someone suggested to me then that Seafoam was a better product than Stabil for storing the bike too.
Lisa
It actually seems easier than my carb'ed bike.
I guess Stabil is the way to go. I discovered Seafoam in the Spring when my other bike's carbs got a little gummed up over the winter. I had been using Stabil to store it at the time, but didn't empty the float bowls that fall. Someone suggested to me then that Seafoam was a better product than Stabil for storing the bike too.
Lisa
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
Seafoam and Marvel mystery oil are better for cleaning the fuel systems but Sta-Bil is better for long term storage to stabilize the fuel. It's best to add it to any fuel that you get as soon as you get it that will be used in any machine that may sit a while.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
It could be a problem with oil pump alignment, umbrella valves in the heads, overfilled oil level or just a poor design that doesn't have enough suction to draw in the oil fumes and mist that comes through the head breathers. The stock breather units have more suction due to the restrictiveness of the unit and this can cause more suction which in turn will draw on the vent lines pulling in the oil vapors to be burnt by the motor instead of dribbling down inside the filter.
Last edited by peppi; Oct 13, 2010 at 12:14 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
studiopeg
Softail Models
29
Dec 19, 2011 11:04 AM
bike, davidson, efi, fuel, harley, injected, king, motorcycle, motorcycles, road, seafoam, store, vrod, winterize, winterizing
