Found My Vacuum Leak, Finally
Mooskee:
Quote from: Jess from VA on August 23, 2025, 04:25:49 PM
Mooskee, I have some 35 carburetors at my house, including two Valkyries. I am incompetent as a carb repairman (but have used a gifted motorcycle mechanic and a lawnmower shop from time to time).
I burn no ethanol gas in any of them.
My county and others close-by do not allow the sale of non-ethanol gas, so about quarterly I drive 100 mile round trip to get about 40 gallons of it to bring home to use in my machines. I have always dosed this gas with the proper amount of Marine grade Stabil (1/2 oz per 5 gallons), but also have added a "slosh" of both Seafoam and Berryman's B12 to each 5 gallon can. Of course I've done this to make the fuel last. And it generally gets used up in 3-5 months, then replaced, but it's been my understanding that it should be good for 1-2 years. Of course it sits out in a shed in high heat all summer, winters are mild.
The area I can get the nonethanol is where I always ride (out in beautiful horse country, not in urban traffic where I live), so I usually fill the bike I'm riding before the 50 mile trip home. But some rides are shorter and then I top up from my storage gas at home.
I've been doing this for years, and never had any problem with either of my '99 Interstates, or any of my other equipment from using this treated gas (as far as I know).
But after reading this thread and your posts, I'm wondering if you think the Seafoam and B-12 is a bad idea? Overkill?
Well, I am sorta waiting for 98Valk to come in on the answer. He has done a lot of research on said subject. I think I know what the response will be, but I am not the engineer. We might have just started another "What oil" thread!
Jess from VA:
Well, I am sorta waiting for 98Valk to come in on the answer.
Well, I'd be glad to hear it from him too.
A "slosh" is not scientific, but I would guestmate about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of each additive per 5gal can.
I've used B12 in higher doses (once) to clean out a weedwhacker, blower, yada also (with good results).
Jess from VA:
Thanks Pluggy.
The Marine Stabil at a half once per 5gal of non ethonal is GOOD.
I've added the Berryman's B12 and Seafoam (at a quarter to third cup each per 5gal can) as added insurance to keep all carbs and fuel systems clean, as well as add longevity/stability to my stored gas.
But these additives may well go above your 99.2% gasoline recommendation (I'm not doing the math).
I'm wondering if I should reduce the B12 and Seafoam per can, or just stop using it all. Again, I've been doing this for years and have no ill effects that I'm aware of.
All this is because I am a terrible carburetor mechanic.
I take almost no medication at all, and I am very sensitive to it as a result. I have probably not taken a single aspirin or Tylenol or cold medicine in 15-20 years. The stuff in my medicine cabinet should probably go in the trash.
Pluggy:
Jess, a friend recommended Berryman's. I bought a bottle but had not used it. I coated the deck with Sherwin-Williams Acrylic and the brush hardened up solid. Nothing would clean it, until I tried Berryman's. Out of the bottle and onto the brush, it softened and removed that material quickly. Saved a $14 brush.
Some guys will dump a whole bottle of Sea Foam or Berryman's into a small motorcycle tank. That seems risky. Consumers don't know at what point a product goes from helpful to harmful. We should follow the instructions or avoid such products entirely.
Jess from VA:
Out of the bottle and onto the brush, it softened and removed that material quickly. Saved a $14 brush.
Ha ha, never used to clean a paint brush.
I use gasoline, which is a bit brush destructive, but works with all paints. Cheaper and faster working than paint thinners.
I have a can with 10-12 brushes in it (large, small and tiny) half full of old gas, which I just leave them in. When I need one, I select the size, wire brush it clean, dry with a rag, and I'm all set.
Funny you mention it because I'm about to go out and use one right now for a little touch up work.
I painted my way through college (industrial) and as the FNG, was often put in charge of cleaning dozens of nasty 4" horsehair brushes with toxic skin burning solvents.
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