Sylvie Willis
Cleaning your motorcycle's fuel lines is an important part of maintaining your bike, especially if it has been sitting unused for a long time. A clean fuel system ensures that no harmful materials, such as gum, varnish, or debris, get into your engine and cause damage. There are several methods for cleaning fuel lines, including using fuel additives and treatments, manually cleaning the tank, and replacing fuel filters. It is important to be cautious when working with cleaning products, as some can be aggressive towards paint and finishes. Additionally, knowing the components of your bike, such as the location of the fuel valves and sensors, will make the process easier.
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What You'll Learn
Drain the fuel tank
To clean your motorcycle's fuel lines, you'll first need to drain the fuel tank. This is a crucial step in ensuring no harmful materials get into your engine and cause damage. It's important to do this if your bike has been sitting for a long time, as the gasoline can turn bad and cause issues like gum and varnish buildup in the fuel system.
Before draining the tank, it's recommended to remove the petcock bowl and dump any remaining gas inside. This is an important step to ensure that you're starting with a completely empty tank. Additionally, make sure that the motorcycle is turned off and cooled down before beginning any work.
Now, let's move on to draining the tank. If your motorcycle has a fuel valve linked to the gas tank, make sure to close it. This will prevent any further fuel from entering the lines and allow you to work with a partially empty tank. Next, locate the drain plug or valve at the bottom of the fuel tank. Place a drain pan or container underneath the drain plug to collect the fuel. Remove the plug, and let the fuel drain out completely. Make sure to properly dispose of the drained fuel according to local regulations.
If your motorcycle doesn't have a drain plug, you might need to siphon the fuel out using a siphon pump or a similar tool. This process may take longer, but it will effectively remove the fuel from the tank. Remember to exercise caution when handling gasoline, as it is highly flammable and can pose a safety hazard.
Once the tank is drained, it's important to unhook the gas lines or vacuum lines connected to it. This will ensure that you can work on the tank without any fuel leakage. Additionally, if your motorcycle has a low fuel sensor attached to the tank, it's recommended to remove it as well. At this stage, you can also inspect the fuel filter and consider replacing it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
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Use a fuel system cleaner
If your motorcycle has been sitting idle for a long time, the fuel may have turned bad and caused corrosion inside the tank. In such cases, using a fuel system cleaner can help get rid of any gunk or varnish in the fuel system.
To clean your fuel injection system, you will need a fuel injector cleaner product. When your tank is almost empty, add the cleaner, then fill up the tank and ride your motorcycle as usual. The movement will cause the fuel and cleaner to mix, allowing the cleaner to rid your entire fuel injection system of deposits and ensure optimal injector performance.
If your fuel injectors are completely clogged, you will need a pressurized solvent to clear them. Locate the fuel injector by referring to your motorcycle's owner's manual. Remove the fuel pump and disconnect the fuel line, following the manufacturer's instructions. Then, connect the solvent to the fuel injectors according to the provided instructions and turn on the engine until the solvent fills the injectors.
You can also use a spray-through carb cleaner to remove any gunk from your motorcycle's carburetor. If your motorcycle uses a carburetor, this should be prioritized over fuel injector cleaning. Dismantle and clean the carburetor, focusing on jets and passages that are prone to blockages.
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Clean the carburettor
To clean the carburettor, you will need to start by draining the gas tank. If your motorcycle has been sitting for a long time, there could be a build-up of debris in the fuel tank, which can cause clogging in the fuel lines. Once the tank is drained, remove the gas lines or vacuum lines from the motorcycle fuel tank. If your motorcycle has fuel valves linked to the gas tank, remove them as well before beginning to clean the carburettor.
If your carburettor is aluminium and has been sitting with ethanol-based gasoline for a long time, it may have corroded internally. In this case, you will need to remove the air filter and spray a carburettor cleaner directly into it. This will help smooth out the idle and improve runnability.
If your carburettor is not corroded, you can use a fuel additive to clean it. First, drain as much of the base gasoline as possible. If the gas tank can be removed, add a few ounces of B-12 Chemtool Fuel Treatment to it and swirl it around carefully. Drain the blend and repeat until clear, then reinstall the tank. At this point, add a fuel additive like B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up at 1 oz/gal. This will help clean the fuel pump, fuel lines, carburettor, intake valves, and combustion chambers.
Be cautious when using B-12 Chemtool products, as they are aggressive towards paint and finishes. If you are concerned about the finish of your gas tank or other parts of your motorcycle, you may need to consider alternative cleaning methods.
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Wipe the inside of the tank
To wipe the inside of the tank, you will first need to drain the tank and remove it from the motorcycle. If your tank is corroded on the inside, you will need to clean and seal it or replace it. If you choose to clean it yourself, you can use a lint-free rag with brake cleaner or lacquer thinner. It is also a good idea to blow it out with compressed air, if you have access to it. However, a couple of wipes with a rag and solvent should do the trick.
If your tank has gum and varnish buildup, you can use a product like Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner (part #0116) to remove it. Pour the product into the tank and either let it soak or swirl it around, then drain it. Repeat this process until the B-12 comes out clear and colourless. If the tank is still installed, you can try spraying Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner (part #0117) onto the inside of the tank.
Another method for cleaning rust out of the fuel tank involves using ball bearings and diesel. With the tank removed from the motorcycle and all openings blocked off, pour in half a gallon of diesel and a handful of ball bearings. Shake the tank vigorously, making sure that all openings are blocked to prevent spills. The rust particles will be suspended in the diesel, making it easier to dump them out later. Be aware that this method may require a lot of shaking to fully clean the tank.
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Flush the fuel lines
Flushing the fuel lines of your motorcycle is a crucial step in ensuring its proper operation and longevity. Here is a detailed guide to help you effectively flush your motorcycle's fuel lines:
First, it is important to drain the fuel tank. Remove the gas lines or vacuum lines from the tank, ensuring you are familiar with your motorcycle's components. If your motorcycle has fuel valves linked to the tank, remember to remove them before proceeding. Additionally, if your bike has a low fuel sensor, it is advisable to disconnect it as well.
Once the tank is drained, you can start the flushing process. One recommended method is to use a fuel system cleaner, such as Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner (part #0116). If your gas tank is removable, pour the product inside, let it soak, and then drain it. Repeat this process until the cleaner comes out clear and colorless. If your gas tank is not removable, you can try spraying the cleaner into the tank. Be cautious, as this product can be aggressive towards paint and finishes.
Another approach to flushing the fuel lines is to use ball bearings and diesel. This method is particularly effective for removing rust from the fuel tank. To do this, manually shake the tank vigorously with all the hoses blocked off and the fuel cap securely in place. Fill the tank with half a gallon of diesel and a handful of ball bearings. The diesel helps suspend the rust particles, making it easier to dump them out later. Be prepared to shake the tank for an extended period to ensure a thorough cleaning.
After flushing the fuel lines, it is important to reinstall the tank properly. Ensure that all hoses, valves, and sensors are correctly fitted and secured before filling the tank with fresh fuel. Additionally, when refilling the tank, consider adding a fuel additive to help maintain the cleanliness of your fuel system.
Remember, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice or refer to your motorcycle's manual for specific instructions regarding your make and model.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to clean your motorcycle's fuel lines. One way is to drain the tank and add a few ounces of B-12 Chemtool Fuel Treatment, swirling it around before draining it again. Repeat this process until the B-12 comes out clear and colourless.
You can use B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner (part #0116) to clean your fuel tank and fuel lines. If your tank is still installed, you can try spraying Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner (part #0117) inside the tank.
If your bike has been sitting for a long time without being started, there could be a build-up of debris in the fuel tank. This can cause clogging in the fuel lines.
