Z1OwnersClub GB

Fuel in the float bowls is open to the air via the overflow pipes. A tiny bit via the pilot/main/needle. Thinking about winter lay ups and stopping carbs gumming up, how long would the bowls remain fuelled if you just blocked/clamped the overflow pipes air tight?
Just pondering out loud, well not out loud, via the keyboard.

Just a thought to put in the pot

If you fill your Tank with UK super 98 Plus (Shell) (is the best)) there is no ethanol in it which seems by all accounts to be bad for all things "engine"

I started this practice a very long time ago 15 odd years and I have almost never had any problems, yes now and then some 95 ron gets in

the classic bike and Car mags are saying drain the tanks but this is a pain and things dry out and then leek

a full tank is better than a half full one
I have lots of bikes and its always a job keeping battery's and carbs in good shape

jell Battery's and the way forward as they will take being left discharged if it happens and then recharge with out a problem


just what I have found

greetings Bruce

Where did you get the info that there is no Ethanol in UK Super Unleaded?

From the stuff I've read, I thought it was only Esso Supreme super unleaded that had no ethanol.

from a petrochemical engineer friend at Castrol labs just out side Reading

mmmmm


new data may be

http://armchairbiker.com/ethanol-in-pet ... d-to-know/

Most premium 97 + octane fuel has no or very little ethanol content.
It all depends on which distribution center it comes from as it is added there and not at the refinery so varies regionally.
Shell V power seems to the most consistent for no ethanol.
Just Google ethanol free fuel and you will get all the info, especially from classic vehicle sites.

Thanks everyone, just wanted to make sure the super unleaded no ethanol thing was correct

This was the info supplied by Esso in April 2017

"The majority of unleaded 95 Octane petrol sold in the UK contains 5% ethanol as required under the Government's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO).

There is currently no requirement for renewable fuel (such as ethanol) to be present in super unleaded (97 grade petrol).

Esso super unleaded petrol (Synergy Supreme+ Unleaded 97) is ethanol free (except in Devon, Cornwall, the Teesside area and Scotland) and we have no current intention to add ethanol to Synergy Supreme+ in other areas of the UK.

We would therefore advise anyone who has concerns about the presence of ethanol in petrol to use Synergy Supreme+ - providing they do not fill up in Devon or Cornwall, the Teesside area or Scotland."

Just Google ethanol free fuel and you will get all the info, especially from classic vehicle sites.[/quote]

I do ash body work for a vintage car trimmer's and I can still get u 4* if you need it

So are we saying there is no need to drain the carbs for winter lay up if we use ethanol free fuels? (which I always do).

I've never had a problem with any fuel on bikes that are stood over winter.
The trick is to start them up once a week or two and let them get nice and hot.
Even top grade fuel will go stale if stored in small amounts such as in the float bowls.
Ethanol seems to gum up more readily though so it's a good excuse to spend some time in the shed.

warren3200gt wrote:So are we saying there is no need to drain the carbs for winter lay up if we use ethanol free fuels? (which I always do).

I think it all depends on how long the ethanol will evaporate a lot quicker and which leaves varnishing in the carb

I would say you will be OK up to 6 months with out even needing to drain the carb due to being stale before starting
my RD400 stood for 8 months last year and started first kick
as its auto lube there is no two stroke in the fuel

I know I have left stuff for much longer with a full tank that has Fuel injection and as it primes it cleans the old fuel out and they start, I always flick the kill switch a few times just to run the fuel from the tank round a bit

as I said I have a lot of bikes 20 odd running so things do get stuck at the back for longer than I would like

Good thred

So , I was playing devils egg nog a bit with that last post. I kinda new the answer already. So next step, does any one run cleansing additives all the time? or LR?
I have heard all kinds of alternatives from a cap full of brake fluid, diesel etc per tank. Personally Iuse a cap of redex.
Additionally, going back to the original musings, would there be any merit in sealing off the overflow pipes. Essentially the fuel in the bowls would be in a ealed container so couldnt go off or evaporate regardless of ethanol free or not?

hi, i put an additive called" fuel fit"stops the petrol seperating, , stops the petrol seperating, use it for my bikes, ride on, chainsaw, never have any problems