View Full Version : I Accidentally Left the Petcock in Prime
It was left that way for about a week now.
How do I make sure there will be no engine damage if I start it?
Do I remove the spark plug and smell for gas?
Do I check for a gas smell in the crankcase?
Water Warrior 2
11-09-2011, 03:18 AM
Oops!! Don't start to worry just yet. Check your oil level to see if it is over filled due to gas in the crankcase. Check your gas tank to see if the level is down noticeably. So far so good we will hope. If the carb is in good shape there may be no leakage into the engine and you should be good to go. And yes, smelling the crankcase will help determine any leakage of gas. If you have any doubts about diluted oil due to gas then an oil change will do the trick.
Thanks WW (Bob)!
I'll check the oil later on when it's light out. Haven't been able to ride since the end of July so have been starting it once a week or so. Lately it's been getting hard to start so I've been priming it. Almost time to put it up anyway, hopefully I can squeeze a ride or two in before I have to change out oil, etc.
alantf
11-09-2011, 05:36 AM
Haven't been able to ride since the end of July so have been starting it once a week or so.
Definitely NOT a good thing!
An excerpt from "Motorcycle Handbook" by Kevin Maher & Ben Greisler :-
Once you have put it in storage, LEAVE IT ALONE. You can drool on it (as long as you dry it afterwards). You can rub body parts against it (as long as you don't scratch it or remove too much wax. You can get in your leathers, sit on it and go "Vroom.....Vroom" while spitting on yourself. But don't start it just to listen or to "warm the motor". Idling it won't warm the motor very much, probably will not charge the battery, definitely won't do anything for the drivetrain and will most likely leave some condensation in the exhaust to rust your precious pipes and mufflers. LEAVE IT ALONE UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY REMOVED FROM STORAGE.
(The capitals are theirs)
Hi Alan,
I probably should clarify that the bike has not been put into storage yet. I had a "mishap" at work and have been unable to ride. I have not actually done anything to prepare the bike for winter storage yet. I am able to ride again and was hoping for a couple of rides before I actually put the bike up for storage.
I checked the oil level and though it appears a little high, it has been that way since I got it. But to be safe, I am thinking I will drain the oil and just use regular oil both for now and when I do actually store it. Then in Spring I will drain it and put in good synthetic oil.
blaine
11-09-2011, 08:33 AM
That's fine to use a cheaper grade of oil for now.Just be sure it's not "energy conserving". :) :cool:
alantf
11-09-2011, 09:05 AM
Hi Alan,
I probably should clarify that the bike has not been put into storage yet. I had a "mishap" at work and have been unable to ride.
Not riding for a considerable time is the same as "storage". Whether it's "stored" or "unridden" you're still doing negative things to a bike that is not getting ridden enough to get the engine up to temperature & the battery recharged. :)
Gz Rider
11-09-2011, 09:08 AM
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That's fine to use a cheaper grade of oil for now.Just be sure it's not "energy conserving". :) :cool:
Thanks Blaine. Cheaper is the word here. I'll make sure it's ok for wet clutches. :cool:
Not riding for a considerable time is the same as "storage". Whether it's "stored" or "unridden" you're still doing negative things to a bike that is not getting ridden enough to get the engine up to temperature & the battery recharged. :)
I see what you're saying. :2tup: I was thinking in terms of the GZ manual's definition of storage where the crankcase gets filled to the filler hole, etc.
It sounds like to understand the concept of storage and that's good but, have you put any fuel preservative in the tank?
Hi Gz. No, not yet. I was thinking of Stabil for Ethanol? I have used a little Chevron Techron in the past, probably couldn't hurt to do so again.
Gz Rider
11-09-2011, 09:30 AM
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blaine
11-09-2011, 09:33 AM
Hi Gz. No, not yet. I was thinking of Stabil for Ethanol? I have used a little Chevron Techron in the past, probably couldn't hurt to do so again.
After sitting so long,it wouldn't hurt to add some berrymans b12 or SeaFoam and go for a good long ride.
:)
http://s8.postimage.org/tvdsjblch/Chopper_Emo.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)
jonathan180iq
11-09-2011, 10:14 AM
It was left that way for about a week now.
How do I make sure there will be no engine damage if I start it?
Do I remove the spark plug and smell for gas?
Do I check for a gas smell in the crankcase?
I would perform an oil change and pull the spark plug and blow some compressed air down into the chamber.
Let it sit overnight and then fire it up in the morning.
Several people on the forum have done this over the last year and we haven't heard any horror stories, yet ;)
alantf
11-09-2011, 10:16 AM
Just read my European mamual. It says not to use fuel with more than 10% of ethanol, or 5% of methanol. It also says that if the fuel contains MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) you can use it if it's above 15%, because it is an oxygenated fuel, without alcohol. This all goes completely over my head, but someone may be able to make sense of it. :??:
jonathan180iq
11-09-2011, 10:44 AM
Ethanol is an oxygenate, but must be more corrosive than the MTBE, so they let you use the latter in higher doses.
It's all just watered down garbage.
"I don't always burn fossil fuel. But when I do, I prefer real gasoline."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a5/The_most_interesting_man.jpg/150px-The_most_interesting_man.jpg
blaine
11-09-2011, 04:53 PM
Well said,Jonathan. :)
http://s8.postimage.org/5amgv3pwh/bellylaugh.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)
Jvacustoms
11-09-2011, 05:01 PM
Ethanol is an oxygenate, but must be more corrosive than the MTBE, so they let you use the latter in higher doses.
It's all just watered down garbage.
"I don't always burn fossil fuel. But when I do, I prefer real gasoline."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a5/The_most_interesting_man.jpg/150px-The_most_interesting_man.jpg
Dont forget... Stay thirsty my friends!
Water Warrior 2
11-09-2011, 07:33 PM
Not riding for a considerable time is the same as "storage". Whether it's "stored" or "unridden" you're still doing negative things to a bike that is not getting ridden enough to get the engine up to temperature & the battery recharged. :)
I see what you're saying. :2tup: I was thinking in terms of the GZ manual's definition of storage where the crankcase gets filled to the filler hole, etc.
In the 5 years of being a member on 3 different forums you are the 2nd person to bring up the idea of filling the "entire" crankcase for storage purposes. I wouldn't bother. I think that is a very long term storage idea(think years) and totally not needed. Your off season is not so long to consider a long term storage procedure.
Gonna get some flack here but here is what I have been doing. If the bike is 1/3 or less on the oil change schedule I don't bother with an oil change for the winter down time. We have a somewhat short warmer winter though.
The bike is basically ready to go for a ride anytime with a full tank, Stabil and a well lubed chain. Check the tire pressures and lights and wave good bye. The battery gets it's Tender feeding once a month. I try to keep it simple and it seems to work for me.
Well my main point was to anyone that if the bike is going to sit that long, it should have fuel preservative in it.
As for what to use, I believe Stabil for ethanol is meant for E85. You may be using the 10% ethanol blends in vermont but I believe regular stabil is correct for that. Check both the labels and be sure which gas you are putting in the tank.
Definitely a good point.
We have 10% around these parts, some non-ethanol premium is available about 20 miles (32 KM) away. I might make a point next time to fill a jug so I can keep it at the house for the bike. I've got one of the bigger cans of Stabil around somewhere, I'll have to take a look.
Two of the local stations used to carry non-ethanol Indian gas, but both are selling 10% now. Don't know why.
After sitting so long,it wouldn't hurt to add some berrymans b12 or SeaFoam and go for a good long ride.
:)
Mmmm, me like Berrymans. :2tup:
I would perform an oil change and pull the spark plug and blow some compressed air down into the chamber.
Let it sit overnight and then fire it up in the morning.
Several people on the forum have done this over the last year and we haven't heard any horror stories, yet ;)
Cool! Didn't think of the compressed air. I've got one of those little portable air tanks with a nozzle on it for this kind of stuff. I probably live on one of the worst areas here. My bike is parked about 10 feet from the side of the road. We use road salt here in winter which means in the summer the streets are DUSTY. The lawn in front of my house is about 6 feet higher than the lawn in back, which means my walk-in basement leads out to the flood plain from the river that's about 4 feet from the back of my barn. So, if I park in front, I have dust to contend with. In the back, high humidity with the possibility of flooding such as from Irene. :curse:
Ethanol is an oxygenate, but must be more corrosive than the MTBE, so they let you use the latter in higher doses.
It's all just watered down garbage.
"I don't always burn fossil fuel. But when I do, I prefer real gasoline."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a5/The_most_interesting_man.jpg/150px-The_most_interesting_man.jpg
Dont forget... Stay thirsty my friends!
Haha!
Seems I have enough to drive me to drink as it is. :tongue:
In the 5 years of being a member on 3 different forums you are the 2nd person to bring up the idea of filling the "entire" crankcase for storage purposes. I wouldn't bother. I think that is a very long term storage idea(think years) and totally not needed. Your off season is not so long to consider a long term storage procedure.
Gonna get some flack here but here is what I have been doing. If the bike is 1/3 or less on the oil change schedule I don't bother with an oil change for the winter down time. We have a somewhat short warmer winter though.
The bike is basically ready to go for a ride anytime with a full tank, Stabil and a well lubed chain. Check the tire pressures and lights and wave good bye. The battery gets it's Tender feeding once a month. I try to keep it simple and it seems to work for me.
The 2nd person? So I'm not totally unique???!!! :tongue: j/k
I was thinking I'm only going to get maybe a week's worth of riding at most. What I was going to do was change the oil, blow out the combustion chamber, air filter, put some Berryman's and a little Stabil in the gas and get a few more miles on her. I don't know but with things around here, I fight a constant battle with rust issues on my tools etc. I was thinking I would probably just fill it the rest of the way with oil once I put it in storage as I'll have 1/2 quart left over anyway. In Spring I change out to synthetic. Battery will sit in the house so it doesn't get too cold. Hopefully we won't get much -20F or worse -30F this year. Been lucky the last couple of years but you never know. I might build a small lean-to for the bike at the side of the house and just close it in for winter. It's out of the flood zone and out of most of the dust there hopefully. Oily rags in the intake and exhaust and I should be good to go (or store).
Late April/early May is when I think of taking the bike out. Or a good January thaw lol But no it will stay till warm weather gets here again.
Gz Rider
11-10-2011, 11:49 AM
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Water Warrior 2
11-10-2011, 02:34 PM
In the 5 years of being a member on 3 different forums you are the 2nd person to bring up the idea of filling the "entire" crankcase for storage purposes. I wouldn't bother. I think that is a very long term storage idea(think years) and totally not needed. Your off season is not so long to consider a long term storage procedure.
Gonna get some flack here but here is what I have been doing. If the bike is 1/3 or less on the oil change schedule I don't bother with an oil change for the winter down time. We have a somewhat short warmer winter though.
The bike is basically ready to go for a ride anytime with a full tank, Stabil and a well lubed chain. Check the tire pressures and lights and wave good bye. The battery gets it's Tender feeding once a month. I try to keep it simple and it seems to work for me.
The 2nd person? So I'm not totally unique???!!! :tongue: j/k
I was thinking I'm only going to get maybe a week's worth of riding at most. What I was going to do was change the oil, blow out the combustion chamber, air filter, put some Berryman's and a little Stabil in the gas and get a few more miles on her. I don't know but with things around here, I fight a constant battle with rust issues on my tools etc. I was thinking I would probably just fill it the rest of the way with oil once I put it in storage as I'll have 1/2 quart left over anyway. In Spring I change out to synthetic. Battery will sit in the house so it doesn't get too cold. Hopefully we won't get much -20F or worse -30F this year. Been lucky the last couple of years but you never know. I might build a small lean-to for the bike at the side of the house and just close it in for winter. It's out of the flood zone and out of most of the dust there hopefully. Oily rags in the intake and exhaust and I should be good to go (or store).
Late April/early May is when I think of taking the bike out. Or a good January thaw lol But no it will stay till warm weather gets here again.
Make that 2nd out of 3 now. A 3rd person mentioned a total fill late last night on a different forum. The consensus was just fill to the full line as usual when changing the oil. Also you could just switch to the synthetic now and save yourself an oil change in the spring. The oil will be just fine sitting out the winter in the bike. Keep it simple.
Make that 2nd out of 3 now. A 3rd person mentioned a total fill late last night on a different forum. The consensus was just fill to the full line as usual when changing the oil. Also you could just switch to the synthetic now and save yourself an oil change in the spring. The oil will be just fine sitting out the winter in the bike. Keep it simple.
I guess it shows people are reading their manuals. :2tup:
My train of thought on the oil change in the Spring is that if I take a couple of rides with the fresh oil, it's going to degrade some over the winter from the contaminants and so would need to be changed before riding for next season.. I could be totally wrong on that though.
blaine
11-11-2011, 09:35 AM
I change my oil before storage in the winter.I never change in the spring until ready for regular oil change.
:) :cool:
jonathan180iq
11-11-2011, 09:54 AM
Motor oil isn't really contaminated by particulates or debris or whatever. It suspends them.
Oil filters remove as much of the particulates as they can. But oil doesn't loose its ability to lubricate.
Sitting oil can change PH over time and become more acidic. But we're talking extended periods. Not just a measly 3 month winter break.
I mean, how long does oil sit in a container on the shelf? How fresh is the oil you buy, really?
If particulates and contaminates actually became part of the oil, then it wouldn't be possible to filter old oil, hydro-crack, add a additive package it and produce things like this:
http://www.realcarguys.com/Gallery/NextGen-Oil-Introduction-2b-Special-Rebate-Offer%5CNextGen2.jpg
Well I'm not one to argue with experience.
I still have go pick up some oil anyway so I'll just get some synthetic and call it good. :)
mole2
11-12-2011, 03:10 AM
I change my oil before storage in the winter.I never change in the spring until ready for regular oil change.
:) :cool:
I used to do the same thing on my boat as I didn't want to leave old oil which contained acids from combustion in the crackcase over the winter. I took up the bike after I moved here (to SC) and can ride basically all year long so I just change the oil depending on mileage or time.
:)
Well finally! Got the oil changed, took the air tank to the spark plug and put some fuel stabilizer in the tank. I used this stuff:
http://www.kevinscycleracing.com/images/crlubes/Enzyme%20Fuel%20Stabilizer.jpg
Guy at the motorcycle shop said it was good stuff.
I had the battery on the charger, which was probably a good thing considering how long it took to get started. Even on prime it took quite some time for it to catch. I'd crank it, stop, crank stop, etc and then it would catch, run for about a half second and cut out again. I let it sit a little bit between crank sessions and I'd also open the throttle about half way and let it out again right off. Finally it caught and kept running. Seems like it's going to be fun to get started next Spring. O_o
Took her out and rode for about 10 miles or so. It's currently 54F here but sure felt colder. I was so eager to get out there I forgot to close all the vents on my jacket. :whistle: It's supposed to be relatively warm again tomorrow and I'll be out again for sure. Then I'm going to take the air hose and clean off the air filter, use some kerosene for the chain and make sure no more warm weather is coming before I put it up for winter. I originally planned to build a lean-to for it but I'm probably going to have to settle for a couple of tarps. So much for plans I guess.
Water Warrior 2
11-16-2011, 10:01 PM
Keep in mind the air filter flows air from the inside to the outside. Opposite of most normal air filters. Tap the filter on the floor first to dislodge the looser stuff. Be careful not to blow a hole in the filter with enthusiasm.
Thanks Bob, I was reading that in the manual. I meant to do this before I took it for a spin. TONS of dust around here, even worse than usual.
I also wasn't too impressed with the small o-ring on the oil filter. I'm still not entirely sure I've put it on correctly. When I took it out of the old one it fit inside the inner hole real snug. I couldn't get it to do the same on the new one. I put it on the shaft inside and then put the oil filter on but I'm not quite sure it's doing anything.
jonathan180iq
11-17-2011, 08:59 AM
You'll know if it's not installed right. You'll start getting oil seeping from around the oil filter cover.
I'll have to check. I'm pretty sure I got the large o-ring in place. Or do you mean that if the smaller o-ring is out of place, the extra pressure would overcome the seal on the cover?
jonathan180iq
11-17-2011, 09:52 AM
I'll have to check. I'm pretty sure I got the large o-ring in place. Or do you mean that if the smaller o-ring is out of place, the extra pressure would overcome the seal on the cover?
In that case, I don't know.
I assumed you meant the larger O-ring.... to be honest, it's the only one I remember.
blaine
11-17-2011, 03:45 PM
You should be fine.The small o-ring is there to insure that the oil goes through the filter,by making a good seal.The outer spring holds the filter tight. :) :cool:
You should be fine.The small o-ring is there to insure that the oil goes through the filter,by making a good seal.The outer spring holds the filter tight. :) :cool:
Great, thanks Blaine.
I've ridden the last couple of days. Pretty cool today, about 38F. Wasn't too bad but for my fingers. I only made it about 10 miles out, but had to turn back because they were freezing. I'll pick up some snowmobile gloves tomorrow. The Suzuki dealer is about an hour away but they seem to be a pretty good shop, great hours - open till 6 pm weekdays and 5 pm on Saturdays.
mrlmd1
11-19-2011, 10:58 AM
Do you have a windshield on your bike? Get one with extended hand guards to reduce the wind chill. it makes a big difference, SS28 or Plexistar for example.
Thanks for the tip mrlmd1. Right now I have an OEM Suzuki windshield. I'll check those out though.
Water Warrior 2
11-19-2011, 02:23 PM
Do you have a windshield on your bike? Get one with extended hand guards to reduce the wind chill. it makes a big difference, SS28 or Plexistar for example.
You could also install some Symtec grip heaters. The combo would be very nice for keeping toasty.
Thanks Bob. Sounds like they work real good. I'm saving up for an engine guard at the moment, not sure if Santa (me) is going to come through yet. O_o
Cold is supposed to hit around Monday or so, probably won't be out much longer. I was also having trouble with my chin freezing, I'm thinking it's a losing battle. I got a neck gaiter to wear but it's tough to keep it in place whenever I turn my head. Tomorrow's supposed to be nice, so it might be the last day for this season. :cry:
Water Warrior 2
11-20-2011, 04:41 AM
Thanks Bob. Sounds like they work real good. I'm saving up for an engine guard at the moment, not sure if Santa (me) is going to come through yet. O_o
Cold is supposed to hit around Monday or so, probably won't be out much longer. I was also having trouble with my chin freezing, I'm thinking it's a losing battle. I got a neck gaiter to wear but it's tough to keep it in place whenever I turn my head. Tomorrow's supposed to be nice, so it might be the last day for this season. :cry:
A light bella clava from an outdoors shop will keep your chin warm. I was quite surprised how warm I was on the highway wearing mine. It stops drafts from circulating in your helmet too.
Thanks Bob. Sounds like they work real good. I'm saving up for an engine guard at the moment, not sure if Santa (me) is going to come through yet. O_o
Cold is supposed to hit around Monday or so, probably won't be out much longer. I was also having trouble with my chin freezing, I'm thinking it's a losing battle. I got a neck gaiter to wear but it's tough to keep it in place whenever I turn my head. Tomorrow's supposed to be nice, so it might be the last day for this season. :cry:
A light bella clava from an outdoors shop will keep your chin warm. I was quite surprised how warm I was on the highway wearing mine. It stops drafts from circulating in your helmet too.
Best piece of clothing I have bought. :2tup:
The irony here is that I saw those on the bottom rack as I was buying the gloves. Of course I didn't think to get one. Gloomy out today, showers. Dang it all...
PimpS
02-03-2012, 04:09 PM
Going through the threads and saw this topic and fell into a special negative type of mind, cause i thought you should keep the petcock in prime... went down to garage to check the gz and wanted to start the machine, but due to low temperature during the night, battery's dead... :(
I hope i didn't messed it up... What a newbie, squid....
Gz Rider
02-03-2012, 04:13 PM
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