Draining fuel from a motorcycle is a process of removing gasoline from the cylinders and carburetors of a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. Moreover, draining gas can also improve performance and help with other motorcycle issues.
So how to drain the bad gas from a fuel-injected motorcycle? A motorcycle can be drained of bad gas in a few different methods. These techniques include totally removing the gas tank and draining it, using a siphon pump, and unplugging the gasoline line from the carburetor.
In this blog post, we will show you different methods to drain gas from a fuel-injected motorcycle. This is an imperative procedure that should be followed routinely to help keep your motorcycle running in top condition. So, let’s get started!
What is the purpose of draining fuel from motorcycles with fuel injection?
When storing a fuel-injected motorcycle for an extended period, it is imperative to drain the gas from the tank because of the following reasons:
1. Prevents deteriorating clogging up fuel injectors
The gas in your motorcycle’s tank contains ethanol if it is fuel-injected. Ethanol is a solvent and will gradually break down any gunk or grime that may have accumulated in your fuel injectors over time. If you don’t drain the gas, this can cause your fuel injectors to clog up, which will lead to engine performance issues.
2. Prevents the fuel tank from rusting
When gas sits in a metal tank for too long, it can start to rust the tank. This is especially true if your fuel tank is made of steel. People often think that aluminum tanks can’t rust, but they can if the gas contains ethanol. The ethanol will gradually eat away at the metal, making it fragile and eventually prone to developing holes.
3. Reduce the fuel lines from deteriorating
Gasoline is a solvent and over time it will break down the fuel lines and seal the fuel system. This can lead to expensive repairs down the road. So when you are not using your motorcycle, it is advisable to drain the gas out of the tank.
It is also prudent to remove and clean the gas tank before storing your motorcycle for a long period.
4. Avoid gas leaks
If you don’t drain the gas, it can leak out of the motorcycle and onto the ground, causing an environmental hazard because gas is a pollutant.
Spilling gas should be avoided whenever possible. Nevertheless, if you do spill some, be sure to clean it up immediately and dispose of the gas properly.
Different Ways To Drain Gas From Fuel Injected Motorcycles
There are a few different ways that you can go about draining the gas from your fuel-injected motorcycle.
Method 1: Disconnecting the fuel line
It is the most common and easiest method. All you need to do is disconnect the fuel line from the fuel tank, and then let the gas run out into a container. Be sure to have something to catch the gas, and be careful not to spill it. This method is probably the quickest and most efficient way to get all of the gas out of your tank.
Method 2: Using the carburetor
Draining the gas through the carburetor is probably the most common method that people use. To do this, you will need to remove the gas cap and then place a small funnel into the opening. Once the funnel is in place, you can open up the drain valve on the carburetor and let the gas flow out into a container.
In addition, it is a smart idea to have a rag handy to catch any drips or spills. Make sure that you do not let the gas run for too long, as this can damage the carburetor. After the gas has finished draining, close the valve and remove the funnel.
Method 3: Remove bad gas with Siphon Pump:
A siphon pump functions by inserting one of the tube’s ends through the gas cap hole into the gas tank and the other end into your emptying container. In this method, you will use the siphon pump to remove the gas from your motorcycle.
Here are the steps on how to use a siphon pump:
Step 1: Fill the siphon pump with gas.
Step 2: Insert the tube of the siphon pump into the gas tank.
Step 3: Suck on the other end of the tube to start the siphoning process.
Step 4: Once the gas starts flowing, put the other end of the tube into your container.
Step 5: Continue until the gas tank is empty.
This method is simple and effective, but it can be messy. Make sure the tube contacts the deepest section of the gas tank at the very bottom when you insert it. You will receive all of the gas if you do this.
Method 4: Drainage by the petcock
This is most likely the quickest and most effective method for completely draining the gas from your motorcycle with fuel injection. Simply turn the petcock to the “off” position, then run the engine until it stalls to accomplish this. When the engine stalls, you can take off the gas cap and empty the entire tank of gas into a container. However, ensure both the container is marked and that it’s only intended use is the storage of gas.
Tips To Consider While Draining Gas From Fuel-Injected Motorcycles
There are a few things you need to take into consideration when draining gas from a fuel-injected motorcycle.
- You will need to find a safe place to do this as gasoline is flammable. It’s also critical to make sure that you don’t drain all of the gas out of the motorcycle as this can damage the engine.
- Park the motorcycle in a well-ventilated area and put on safety gear, including gloves and goggles.
- Remove the gas cap and use a siphon pump to remove the gas from the tank. Pump the gas into a container for proper disposal.
- Replace the gas cap and start the motorcycle to check that the fuel system is working correctly. If the bike doesn’t start, consult a professional mechanic.
What bad gas can do to your motorcycle?
There are many different types of gas, and each type has its own set of characteristics. Some gas is great for your motorcycle, while other gas can be bad for it. Here are some of the things that bad gas can do to your motorcycle:
1. Cause your motorcycle to misfire:
If your motorcycle’s engine is receiving bad gas, it can cause the engine to misfire. This can lead to a loss of power, and it can also cause your motorcycle to emit strange noises.
2. Make your motorcycle hard to start:
When your motorcycle’s engine is receiving bad gas, it can make it harder for the engine to start. As a result, the gas is not igniting properly, and the fuel and air mixture is not the right one for the engine.
3. Cause your motorcycle to run rough:
Motorcycle engines can run rough if they are running on bad gas. Engine performance will be affected and power may be lost as a result.
4. Void your motorcycle’s warranty:
Bad gas can void the warranty on your motorcycle. If something goes wrong with your motorcycle, you won’t be covered.
FAQs
Final Verdict:
Draining the gas from your motorcycle is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. To help maintain the engine, do this at least once a year. There are a few different methods that you can use to remove the gas from your fuel-injected motorcycle. The most suitable method for you will depend on your circumstances.
You can either drain the gas through the carburetor, through the fuel line, or by removing the gas tank. Moreover, if you do not have the time to do it, you can always take it to a professional mechanic.
Whichever method or approach you choose, don’t forget to use caution when handling gasoline and dispose of it properly once you’re done draining the motorcycle.
