Switching To Reserve Fuel: Can You Do It While Driving?

Whether or not you can switch to reserve fuel while moving depends on the vehicle you are driving. For example, in a Honda Rebel 250 or 450, it is possible to switch to reserve fuel while moving. In fact, it is a good skill to learn to switch to reserve fuel without looking at the petcock valve, as this will allow a fuel-starved, sputtering engine to run normally again. However, in a Polaris Sportsman 450 HO EPS, there is no reserve tank for fuel. Instead, there is a fuel gauge, and the pump draws fuel from the bottom of the tank.

The petcock valve has three positions: ON, RESERVE, and OFF

The petcock is a small shut-off valve used to control the flow of liquid or gas. The petcock valve has three positions: ON, RESERVE, and OFF. In the ON position, the valve draws fuel from the upper part of the tank. In the RESERVE position, it draws fuel from the bottom of the tank. The OFF position is used to shut off the fuel supply completely, typically when the vehicle is not in use.

The ON and RESERVE positions allow the vehicle to access fuel from different levels within the tank. When the fuel level is low, switching to the RESERVE position can provide access to additional fuel, helping to prevent the vehicle from running out of fuel. This can be particularly useful when the vehicle is in motion, as it allows the driver to continue without having to pull over and restart the engine.

It is important to note that leaving the petcock valve in the RESERVE position for extended periods can result in using all the available fuel, as it draws from the bottom of the tank. Therefore, it is recommended to switch back to the ON position to ensure there is spare fuel available. Additionally, using the RESERVE position can draw out any moisture that has condensed and fallen to the bottom of the tank, improving fuel quality.

Some riders choose to drive with the petcock valve in the RESERVE position to help prevent water accumulation and rust formation in the tank. This practice may also reduce the risk of drawing foreign particles into the carburetor, as they tend to settle at the bottom of the tank. However, it is essential to periodically switch back to the ON position to ensure proper fuel distribution and maintain engine performance.

The ON position draws fuel from the upper part of the tank, while the RESERVE position draws from the bottom

There are some disadvantages to this system. Water and crud can collect at the lowest portion of the tank, so when the switch to reserve is made, there is a good shot of gunk going into the carbs. It also means that if the bike is left on reserve, all of the fuel will be used with nothing left in reserve.

It is a good skill to learn to switch to reserve while moving without looking at the petcock. This will allow a fuel-starved, sputtering engine to run normally again without needing to pull over.

It is good practice to switch to reserve fuel while moving to prevent the engine from sputtering and dying

Some riders will turn the petcock to reserve after filling up to draw out any moisture that may have condensed and fallen to the bottom of the tank. However, it is important to remember to turn it back to the 'ON' position to ensure you have spare fuel for your journey. This is especially important if you are not using gasohol, as this type of fuel absorbs condensation to a certain extent. Filling the tank after every ride minimises the formation of condensation.

If you are riding a carbed machine, it is a good habit to turn the fuel off each time you kill the engine and to fuel up before each ride. You can also adjust the main fuel supply standpipe if you wish to change the height of the main fuel intake pipe.

Knowing how to switch to reserve fuel while moving is particularly useful if you are riding in traffic. If your engine dies, you can let it run in gear and quickly turn the petcock to reserve. The engine will then fire up again as soon as it gets gas. This means you won't have to pull over in a potentially unsafe place.

Riding on reserve fuel can help draw out any moisture that has condensed and fallen to the bottom of the tank

Riding on reserve fuel can be beneficial for drawing out any moisture that has condensed and settled at the bottom of the tank. This is a good practice to avoid fuel pump issues and engine problems.

Some riders will turn the petcock to the reserve position after filling up to draw out any moisture that has condensed and fallen to the bottom of the tank. However, it is important to remember to turn it back to the 'ON' position to ensure you have spare fuel for emergencies. This practice can help to prevent issues with the fuel pump and engine, as riding on reserve fuel can cause the fuel temperature to increase, affecting engine performance.

Riding on reserve fuel can also help to flush out any foreign particles that have settled at the bottom of the tank. However, it is important to note that using reserve fuel needlessly can risk drawing these particles into the carburettor. The draw tubes inside the tank from the petcock are usually encased in a micro-fine screen, which prevents larger particles from entering the engine. Nonetheless, it is still recommended to add a filter to the fuel line for extra protection.

Riding on reserve fuel can be a useful technique to ensure that any moisture or foreign particles are drawn out from the bottom of the tank. By doing so, riders can help maintain the health of their fuel pump and engine, preventing potential issues down the line. However, it is crucial to monitor fuel levels and only use reserve fuel when necessary to ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey.

It is important to switch back to the ON position after using reserve fuel to ensure you have spare fuel for emergencies

The reserve fuel switch has three positions: OFF, ON, and RES (reserve). When the fuel in the main tank is completely used, you can turn the fuel switch to the RES position and the fuel in the reserve tank will flow into the carburetor, allowing you to ride to the nearest gas station to refill.

It is important to switch back to the ON position after using the reserve fuel. This is because the ON position draws fuel from the upper part of the tank, while the RESERVE position draws from the bottom. If you leave the switch on RESERVE, you can use all the available fuel and be left with no backup. By switching back to the ON position, you ensure that you have spare fuel for emergencies.

Additionally, using the reserve fuel all the time can make it harder to gauge how much gas you have left in the tank. You may end up having to push your vehicle to the nearest gas station. Therefore, it is advisable to use the reserve fuel only when necessary and switch back to the ON position once you have refuelled.

Practising switching to the reserve fuel while moving is a good skill to have. This way, if your engine starts sputtering, you can give it gas before it dies without having to pull over. However, remember to switch back to the ON position afterward to maintain your fuel supply.

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