Gas and Storage for Two-Cycle Engines

[graucho]

I don't really trust any additive that contains powerful solvents to clean deposits and also claims to be a lubricant. Since a two stroke derives its lubrication from the fuel it consumes, it is counterintuitive (IMHO) to put solvents in the fuel. In a four stroke engine crankcase, the addition of such additives will thin the crankcase oil a little, but there is plenty of base oil left. If you are putting a couple of ounces per gallon in a two stroke, the solvent content is more than trivial in relation to the lubricating oil. In the combustion chamber, the solvents will burn off - leaving the lubricant - but I'm more concerned with the bearings in the crankcase.

Good points yet....
Over 36 years. 3 choppers, 1 drag bike, 37 mini choppers, 11 MB's, 4 street rods, 2 racing boats,
hydrogen engine designer, and growing up the son of a small engine repair shop, I think
I know a little about the storage and care of engines.

 

[will_start]

ok, I'm no expert on this storage stuff, I remember reading somewhere you can put two-stroke oil into the cylinder and it'll help it store.
Is this true ?

I'll have two stroke oil to use, so when the law changes in 2018, I can pull my bike out,
&
RIDE THAT THING.

 

[machiasmort]

Graucho,

Not discrediting you one bit, I love reading the insight of other mechanics out there. I have to agree with Acreeguy's opinion and further throw my 2 cents in. Nothing replaces frequent and regular oil changes for max engine life. I've never had bad luck with stabil but have with engine "cleansing" products. I run all my carb bowls dry before in onset of winter here in the North East. I make a lot of money tho from people who leave gas in them!

K-1000 (stay away!) IMHO. I think I did serious dammage to a 98 Grand Am Gt with it! Traded the car in immeadiately after using it!

 

[Member 5549]

I just start up my 2 strokes in the off season and run them a couple of times. that seems to do it. But Its pretty warm here all winter.
I did use stabil and it does work good for keeping your gas all winter.

 

[terrence]

Im also a major fan of seafoam. It must be a big product in the north central states.
If I know 100 people 85 use it in my town. People who are a seafoam fan usually don't
use it full strength unless trying to remedy a problem or as a fuel line de-icer when
its -10 below or colder. Since I use it constantly in 1/3 dose amounts all summer, all I
do to winterize is drain the tank, run it dry and then drain the bowl.

 

[arceeguy]

Good points yet....
Over 36 years. 3 choppers, 1 drag bike, 37 mini choppers, 11 MB's, 4 street rods, 2 racing boats,
hydrogen engine designer, and growing up the son of a small engine repair shop, I think
I know a little about the storage and care of engines.

I "think" I know a little about the storage and care of engines too, but I don't feel the need to try and prove anything to anyone with my "qualifications". Sorry if you felt threatened or something.

 

[graucho]

Not at all. IMO
There are a ton of people here who are "the best of the best" ego's are high. Years of experience are constantly challenged. Ill admit truthfully my ego's high. I'm constantly frustrated here. I give 5% of my knowledge due to this. (see, sorry high ego) I love to teach but there's no fair way to do it here. So, I stay in tune here since I'm selfish and still learn alot from people.

 

[machiasmort]

Graucho,

Something we agree on!!! I absolutely hate these people, equally without prejudice.

I just keep comming back to learn!

Hahaha Just jokin Guy's! ooop's sorry, and Gal's

 

[Esteban]

I run all 2 cycles dry after every use, unless I will use it again within a couple of days. Some people run a little Stabilizer mixed with the gas at all times.

 

[Mountainman]

ok, I'm no expert on this storage stuff, I remember reading somewhere you can put two-stroke oil into the cylinder
RIDE THAT THING.

will-start --may have the money saving -- best all around thought

a small shot of (ANY) oil into the cylinder
turn the engne over a few times in the off position
this is a good storage method -- especially for long periods -- even years

that's regarding the heart of the engine
back to -- the gas issue
I think all of the ideas above would probably case no harm
but - after a life time of just running engines dry of gas before storage
many were stored outside -- covered -- close to 9 months out of the year
I have never had 1 that wouldn't start after storage

I bought an old 51 Chevy years ago
it had been sitting in the back yard of the seller for around 15 years ?
with a fair shoot of oil in each cylinder and fresh battery, new gas
it fired up in a few minutes

now as wiil-start has stated up above -- RIDE THAT THING