Petrol conditioner - for long term storage - any tips please?

**shafty** · 4th August 2009, 17:02

I'm parking up the ST1300 and VT750 for a year while in Bahrain, so asked HONDA what they recommend re storage. They sent me a "Wintering Guide". Most is common sense, including fulling the tanks with gas and adding a "Fuel Conditioner" .

Asked the local Honda Dealer about Conditioner and he tried to get such a product from STP, but they drew a blank - they no longer have it.

I've e-mailed Wynns, - but does anyone else know of a suitable product?

I'm told it's to prevent the gas "going off" or "breaking down".

Thanks Peeps

**The Stranger:Me** · 4th August 2009, 18:10

Originally Posted by shafty

I'm parking up the ST1300 and VT750 for a year while in Bahrain, so asked HONDA what they recommend re storage. They sent me a "Wintering Guide". Most is common sense, including fulling the tanks with gas and adding a "Fuel Conditioner" .

Asked the local Honda Dealer about Conditioner and he tried to get such a product from STP, but they drew a blank - they no longer have it.

I've e-mailed Wynns, - but does anyone else know of a suitable product?

I'm told it's to prevent the gas "going off" or "breaking down".

Thanks Peeps

OMC used to have one for their outboards. The name of it esacpes me, but I have purchased it from a outboard dealer in the past.

**jonbuoy** · 4th August 2009, 18:45

Outboard motor shops sell engine fogging spray for cylinder bores can be used to fog the inside of the fuel tank, you could use CRC/WD but the fogging spray is made for the job. When I leave my bike I've started emptying the tank and carbs. Always seem to get hassel from stale fuel and gunking up otherwise.

**AllanB** · 4th August 2009, 18:48

If you leave the tank empty for a long period it could rust. You could remove it, empty it and put in some lightweight oil and swish it around until it's all coated.

Fuel conditioner sounds easier!

**LBD** · 4th August 2009, 19:01

Good dose of 2 stroke oil say 10.1 in fuel tank.....Remove air filter and dribble oil in while running until the plugs oil up and engine stops. (Fogging)

Store bike in dry place with somewhat constant temps.

On return, drain remaining fuel from tank and Carbs? Remove plugs and crank engine for a time, fill tank with clean fuel and fit cleaned plugs.

Reregister and away you go.

Remove battery from bike before storing, and have friend occasionally charge.

**CookMySock** · 4th August 2009, 19:02

Originally Posted by AllanB

You could remove it, empty it and put in some lightweight oil and swish it around until it's all coated.

You could fill it to the brim with diesel. You will have a cleanout job on your hands when you get back. It might be that diesel degrades worse than petrol does, but I doubt the tank will rust.

Consider also, you might be able to empty and actually seal the tank properly and not rust at all.

Steve

**=cJ=** · 4th August 2009, 19:19

As far as I know, diesel tends tho not enjoy storage that much either.

**2_SL0** · 4th August 2009, 19:23

The product is called Fuel Conditioner. Most outboard manufacturers have some form of it. It lengthens the life span of fuel and minimises the damage stale fuel does to fuel system componentry. Fogging oil will coat the inside of the bores etc, protecting them from rust etc.

Be aware its not the be all and end all of saving fuel. It just lengthens the shelf life.

**YellowDog** · 4th August 2009, 19:35

To save your battery knackering up, get a battery conditioner.

**Bert** · 4th August 2009, 19:40

Try a product called STA-BAL.
Found some a while ago at:
OMC POWER EQUIPMENT
100 Gasson St Sydenham 8023
+64 +3 366 1829

But I would assume that most boating centers can source it. i think its a Yamaha product, but could be wrong.

**Meanie** · 4th August 2009, 19:56

Leave them art my place mate, ill make sure the fuel doesnt go stale

**shafty** · 4th August 2009, 20:46

Originally Posted by Meanie

Leave them art my place mate, ill make sure the fuel doesnt go stale

Yeah right! I know you just can't wait to get your hands on the ppower of the mighty VT750! lol

**The Pastor** · 4th August 2009, 20:47

you can get a cheap one for $20 at dick smiths, you'lll need to solder better clamps on to it tho.

**shafty** · 4th August 2009, 20:59

Thanks for the replies so far Peeps

I've got a Deltran Battery Tender all rigged up nicely for the batteries, ie twin conditioner covers both Bikes - its great, wish I'd got one years ago.

**cs363** · 4th August 2009, 21:12

This is the stuff you want, available from any Yamaha outboard dealer and some motorcycle dealers (they can order it for you if necessary).
About $25 for a litre or $10 for a 355ml