probably a dumb carb question

[bigbyrd]

so I was told I should drain my carbs every once in a while. im not/ havent winterized my bike. still riding it at least once a week. and so i would like to know if i need to drain my carbs ? sorry if its a dumb question, i searched but everything was related to winterizing it.

[fleshpiston]

No.

If you're riding once a week, don't drain them.


If you're going to park the bike for an extended period of time (over 3 months) then yes, drain them.

[Big Rich]

Actually, running Stabil in the tank during the end of riding season means you don't have to worry about your fuel system at all. Draining them will remove the vast majority of gas from the carbs, but it doesn't take much at all to gum up a jet.

But like FP said, riding the bike once a week should prevent a lot of issues as well. Assuming you aren't starting the bike and riding around the block that once a week......

[fleshpiston]

running Stabil

and make sure to get the marine grade (blue stuff) if your "storage" gas contains ethanol   

[bigbyrd]

thanks guys for the fast responses, i shouldnt need to use stabilizers if i dont put it in winter mode correct?

[Kijona]

It's somewhat of a double-edged sword my friend.

Draining the carbs and evacuating them of all gas does eliminate the possibility of a jet getting clogged. However, in doing so, you're also running the risk of drying out the o-rings, gaskets, and diaphragms.

Case and point: the motor (12HP Briggs) on the walk-behind blower I use at work was stored every year with gas in it, no stabilizer, no nothing. Always started right up the next season - even after sitting for 8 months. However, the owner (my employer) decided to drain the gas out before storing it last year.

Now, it's got all kinds of problems. It would barely run as-is, and now, it'll only run with the choke on and will not throttle up. The problem was the diaphragm inside the carb dried out.

With the above in mind, do what you feel is best. I will tell you that SeaFoam is a great fuel stabilizer/treatment. It's better than that colored crap because it obviously lacks any sort of dyes or other things which, if nothing else, will stain your carb parts. Not that it really matters. Just food for thought.

[fleshpiston]

i shouldnt need to use stabilizers if i dont put it in winter mode correct?

Correct.

If you're riding at least once in a few weeks then no worries   

[Big Rich]

Hmmm. Kijona, draining the carbs does NOT eliminate that possibility. A tiny bit of gas hangs around the surfaces of the insides - and it doesn't take hardly anything to clog the emulsion tubes and pilot jets.

Draining them will prevent having float bowls full of syrup though.

[Kijona]

Hmmm. Kijona, draining the carbs does NOT eliminate that possibility. A tiny bit of gas hangs around the surfaces of the insides - and it doesn't take hardly anything to clog the emulsion tubes and pilot jets.

Draining them will prevent having float bowls full of syrup though.

Well, what I usually do is start the bike, let it run until it dies, then turn it over a few dozen more times to remove all gas, which is what I thought he was talking about doing in addition to draining the float bowls.

You also have to consider that any small amount that's left over will surely evaporate. The carbs are vented.

[slipperymongoose]

Yeah if your riding once a week ish you should be ok if your really worried put stabilizer in. Otherwise drain away.

[bigbyrd]

This is my first bike, wasnt sure if this was standard maintence that needed to be done. thanks again guys.

[BaltimoreGS]

Draining the bowls can also lead to a float sticking open.

-Jessie

[mister]

Don't bother.

Due to living in a tropical environment, many times of the year I am unable to ride for a week or two at a time due to rain/storms. My bike fires up fine once the weather clears up and I can get on the road again without needing to ride through puddles. I do not drain anything. I do not put anything in the tank. Just fill up with 95 - the equal of your middle fuel I believe.