24Dec/103
motorcycle What happens if you try to start an engine that has been sitting for over a year?
I added fresh fuel to the tank. There was some old gas that may have turned in the tank. My guess is less than a quarter of a tank. Is it ok to try to start it or should I empty the tank? What is the worst that could happen?
December 24th, 2010 - 06:38
run some berrymans b-12 in with the gas to eat up the lacquer in the carb(s) use starter fluid to ease the startup and save the starter
December 24th, 2010 - 07:05
If the gas sat in the tank for a year, figure the gas in the carb’s float bowl did too.
Most likely the gas went bad, started turning into almost a varnish, and plugged up at the very least, the idle circuit of the carb.
So it probably wont’s start (without starter fluid, and then only until it uses up the starter fluid), and more likely won’t idle right.
Also, you really need to be concerned about the oil.
Change the oil and filter. It’s probably contaminated with God knows what.
December 24th, 2010 - 07:06
Pull the plugs and put a couple of teaspoons of oil in the cylinders, the rings are probably brittle, and can break if you dont at least oil them. Let it sit overnight after you add the oil, and turn it slowly, to make sure they arent frozen. Run some seafoam thru the carbs, change the oil, gas, and fuel filter. Youre probably going to have to remove the carb and have it cleaned properly though. Its most likely going to be gummed up with varnished gas, and clogged.