Mixing additives

[Crashgordon74]

Getting close to winter storage time here in the Pacific NorthWest. I have a full tank in the Valk right now with a little B-12 mixed in. Question is can I add Seafoam to the mix with no incompatibility problems??

                                                                Crash

[Hoser]

Guess so, I have done that with both products you mentioned, even had a little techron to boot.  All it did to my bike was clear my idle jets, which was what I wanted to happen.    Hoser

[Toledo Mark]

I would put Stabil in it and run it for about ten minutes then fill the tank as much as possible.

[valky1500]

Getting close to winter storage time here in the Pacific NorthWest. I have a full tank in the Valk right now with a little B-12 mixed in. Question is can I add Seafoam to the mix with no incompatibility problems??

                                                                Crash

Gasoline refined and marketed today is far different from what it was just a few years ago. Many new blends of gasoline have been developed to comply with regional and state air quality regulations. As a result, there are about 17 different kinds of gasoline that are sold across the country.

Each major oil company typically adds its own proprietary additives to the basic recipe for gasoline in order to provide or enhance specific performance features. And, most important, each company provides the technical expertise to back its brand. They also ensure that the additive package is contained in every gallon of gasoline sold under their brand name.

Because of that it makes more sense to pick a major brand and use it exclusively for several months at a time. Then, from time to time, switch to another major brand.

Until you're happy that is.  

[salty1]

I would be hesitant to store my bike having Chemtool in the tank. It's my impression it's one one of the stronger cleaning additives and there have been reports that it can attack rubber. Don't get me wrong, I love Chemtool and use it. I would be much more comfortable storing my bike with a strong dose Seafoam. FWIW

[BF]

Getting close to winter storage time here in the Pacific NorthWest. I have a full tank in the Valk right now with a little B-12 mixed in. Question is can I add Seafoam to the mix with no incompatibility problems??

                                                                Crash

Gasoline refined and marketed today is far different from what it was just a few years ago. Many new blends of gasoline have been developed to comply with regional and state air quality regulations. As a result, there are about 17 different kinds of gasoline that are sold across the country.

Each major oil company typically adds its own proprietary additives to the basic recipe for gasoline in order to provide or enhance specific performance features. And, most important, each company provides the technical expertise to back its brand. They also ensure that the additive package is contained in every gallon of gasoline sold under their brand name.

Because of that it makes more sense to pick a major brand and use it exclusively for several months at a time. Then, from time to time, switch to another major brand.

Until you're happy that is.  

Not exactly.  It may be different in your part of the country, but at least here and in our region of the country, gas comes in by barge up the Intercoastal from Texas to one central terminal here and then gets sold and delivered to most every gas station around here (not all, but most).  The stations then (or at least the minimum wage clerk that works there) add their own additives to the underground tanks after the tanker truck delivers their supply of gas. 

It's all the exact same gas........at least, untill it gets to the station.  Every station, regardless of brand, buy the exact same gas from the same terminal. 

[Jess from VA]

Crash asked what additive(s) to use to store a bike. 

I understand the info on additives to gas before it is sold to us (having to do with air quality or combustion), but I do not understand that any (or all) of those additives is sufficient or adequate to leave in a bike gas tank over the Winter.... esp if it is polluted with 10% ethanol.  I don't think so.

I ride year round, but I alternate riding two bikes 3-4 months at a time.  And I ride far less in the Winter.

I can only get 10% ethanol crap.  I add the proper amount of Marine Grade Stabil (blue) and StarTron enzyme for the ethonal crap (and some Seafoam) in a full tank, run it, then leave it for months.  My bikes are on BTenders 24/7 year round. 

[JaysGone]

When Im storing one of my vehicles or gas driven generators I use Stabil.
Regardless of the type of gas.
Add the propper amount of stabil called for 6 months storage and a then add a little more.
Run the bike for a few minuts so the mixture gets into the carb bowls.
Shut it off and refill to the top.

[Ricky-D]

I suggest to drain the carburetor float bowls.

It's easy and a sure way to keep the jets clear for the duration.

The problem with leaving the bowls full is that, because of dilution it would take a longer period of time to achieve the proper strength of additive in each float bowl.

Riding around for ten minutes or so will not suffice.

***

[Jess from VA]

Well, how long riding/running would get the additive solution into the bowls?

[Ricky-D]

You could graph it!

Visually,,,,,, imagine the pendulum, reducing the distance by one half,, each swing.

Never actually gets there!

***

[T.P.]

I stopped by Sea Foam A few years back to talk with Technical Service Manager Jim Davis about Sea Foam use for long term winter storage. he said it would not be a problem to use a whole can per tank. since 2004 I have used a whole can, and now use 3 whole cans for 3 Motorcycle's   T.P.

[Crashgordon74]

O.K. well thanks for all the feedback. I plan on draining the float bowls like I did last year. I never used to do that until a couple of years ago I discovered that by the time I fired the bike up in the spring almost all the fuel had evaporated from the bowls anyway.

                                                                       Crash

[cookiedough]

I see no need to drain float bowls, never had for winter storage, always use stabil and seafoam and sometimes mystery marvel oil as well, but more stabil and seafoam.  Most times you never let the gas sit for winter storage more than 5 months, so shouldn't be an issue as long as additives are in there.  I also agree on the posting to not use a strong does of B-12, etc. since is stronger and can attack rubber, etc. over a longer period of time sitting. 

I just bought ethanol treatment stabil on sale, but have heard the best stabil to get is the marine grade stabil that says marine use on the bottle. Run the engine a few miles or more and should be good to go for spring.

[sugerbear]

I see no need to drain float bowls, never had for winter storage, always use stabil and seafoam and sometimes mystery marvel oil as well, but more stabil and seafoam.  Most times you never let the gas sit for winter storage more than 5 months, so shouldn't be an issue as long as additives are in there.  I also agree on the posting to not use a strong does of B-12, etc. since is stronger and can attack rubber, etc. over a longer period of time sitting. 

I just bought ethanol treatment stabil on sale, but have heard the best stabil to get is the marine grade stabil that says marine use on the bottle. Run the engine a few miles or more and should be good to go for spring.



i agree. i've owned a valkyrie for about 8 years now my buddy also. we have never drained the bowls. the bikes sit for 4-5 months each winter. we use sea-foam, and have never had a problem. his sits in an unheated garage mine sat on a carport for most of the time, last winter was a first in an unheated garage.
both bikes stock jets.

maybe we live in an area with really good gas?