Old smelly petrol

[BigAlan]

So if someone wanted to lay up a bike for a year or so I know it's best to try to get all the fuel out before but is there some sort of additive on could add to the last remnants of petrol to ensure it does not go off so to speak?

Alan

[Longtom]

I use an additive meant for mowers etc, any petrol engine basically, there are plenty to chose from form Halfords or online from Amazon, I'm not aware of anything else that might do it, but that has worked for over  year for me in certain garden machinery. Prevents it going stale and 'varnish' forming.

[BigAlan]

So if I put some stuff in and come back a year later do I have to drain it out or can I fill it back up with petrol and start it again? I am trying to not take the tank off at all.

Alan

[virginiajim]

For whatever additive you buy, you'll need to check the directions on how long it's good for.  We use Sta-Bil over here and it's advertised to last at least 12 months.  You should be able to start it without draining, however gasoline does lose some of it's effectiveness over time and to minimize that you should fill the tank as close to the top as you can.  This will also prevent rusting as well.

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/sta-bil

[BigAlan]

Fill the tank before laying it up with the additive or fill it up afterwards to start it?

Alan

[virginiajim]

You are better off adding the additive whilst fueling it for the last time.  Then ride it home.  If you can't do that then add the additive to a can filled with gas, shake it up some, and then add it to the tank.  Putting the additive in to an already full tank on a sitting bike isn't a good idea as it will not get mixed very well.  If all goes well when you do crank it up, it should start.  You should not have to drain it.

[Lonewolf]

Nobody has asked yet why you need to lay the bike up for a whole year, that's sounds serious.

[BigAlan]

Nobody has asked yet why you need to lay the bike up for a whole year, that's sounds serious.

Simply lost interest in it, so leave it in the garage on the carpet perhaps starting it when I can be bothered until I regain my interest in it, if I don't get back on it then it will be sold, simples.

Alan

[Lonewolf]

I must admit I have moments like that. This time of the year doesn't exactly help either.

[doebag]

If you are not draining the tank, leave it full to the brim, less chance of condensation forming and the risk of rust.

[O.C.]

You are better off adding the additive whilst fueling it for the last time.  Then ride it home.  If you can't do that then add the additive to a can filled with gas, shake it up some, and then add it to the tank.  Putting the additive in to an already full tank on a sitting bike isn't a good idea as it will not get mixed very well.  If all goes well when you do crank it up, it should start.  You should not have to drain it.

spot on....he's good that  Jim ya know   

[Charlie747]

spot on....he's good that  Jim ya know