Long-term storage of the FCR carburetor – Drain the gasoline from the drain bolt.

Long-term storage of the FCR carburetor – Drain the gasoline from the drain bolt.

This is a column-like post about the FCR, focusing on the CBX1000.

Japan is currently in winter. Many areas have accumulated snow. As we move towards spring, I will be writing an article about long-term storage.

In Japan, motorcycling tends to decrease during the winter months. There are few such posts on the web. For long-term storage, simply remove the drain bolt and drain the gasoline, similar to replacing the main jet. The jets can turn green if not done.

So, I will be writing various things in sections. Let’s start!

Turn off the fuel petcock and loosen the drain bolt.

Loosen the drain bolt of the FCR chamber as if you were replacing the main jet. The spanner size is 14mm. This completes the process of draining the gasoline from the chamber gasket.

Remove the accelerator pump chamber or turn the throttle.

The accelerator pump can be removed with a 3mm hex wrench. Turn the throttle several times to expel all the fuel.

Disconnect the fuel line once as well.

Disconnect the fuel line once and expel all the fuel. For those who regularly disconnect the fuel line, this should not be a problem. However, if you have never disconnected the fuel line before, it may be stuck and difficult to remove. Please be cautious with any parts that involve joints or plastic components.

Regarding the gasoline that flows out

Laying down a towel to absorb the gasoline is also an option. I use a measuring cup to collect it as much as possible. The amount is about 50cc per carburetor. Since there are six cylinders, it totals 300cc, which is a surprisingly significant amount of fuel that should not be overlooked.

If you want to completely remove the fuel…

The best method is to remove and reinstall the carburetor to drain the fuel. Removing the chamber, spraying rubber-compatible parts cleaner into all the holes to blow out the gasoline, and then storing it during the winter might be the best approach. There may still be some gasoline remaining in non-disassembled parts.

What happens if gasoline remains?

Gasoline deteriorates. A greenish solid can form inside the carburetor. Most of it will evaporate and become invisible, but if a large amount of gasoline evaporates in one spot, it can create solid residues. These residues can block jets and fuel passages. This can lead to serious problems. You may need to replace the jets and thoroughly clean the passages. Although gasoline seems like a chemical substance, it does deteriorate. In any case, gasoline is not healthy for the body. Consider that gasoline does deteriorate.

Warning! Soaking in carburetor cleaner or kerosene

Rubber parts can dissolve. It is best to avoid this. Although carburetor cleaner is often perceived as a cleaning agent for the carburetor, it is actually a cleaner intended for use with the engine. It is not meant for cleaning the exterior of the carburetor. Soaking parts in it can cause rubber components in non-disassembled areas to dissolve, which is likely to lead to serious problems.

Be mindful of long-term storage

For long-term storage, I recommend draining the gasoline from the carburetor and disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. I have personally experienced situations where I couldn’t use my motorcycle for an extended period, such as during long overseas business trips. Similarly, if you experience drastic changes in your lifestyle due to a job change or relocation, it’s not uncommon to leave the motorcycle unattended for a year or more. These are the times when motorcycles often end up being neglected.

Reviving a dormant motorcycle often involves high costs.

It’s not just gasoline, but also engine oil, brake fluid, and the battery, which all contain liquids and require replacement during long-term storage of a motorcycle. Performing all the maintenance at once can sometimes make it difficult to identify issues, leading to higher costs and time spent. Additionally, covering the bike and exposing it to rain can lead to rusting of parts like the suspension and bearings due to rain splashes from the ground. Even if you intended to store it properly, it can sometimes just accelerate deterioration. When storing a motorcycle long-term, proper preparation can sometimes result in lower costs in the end, so please be aware of this.

Long-term storage of the FCR carburetor – Drain the gasoline from the drain bolt. 【summary】

During winter, please develop a habit of performing proper maintenance and preparing for long-term storage by draining the gasoline. Especially in cases where long-term storage happens by chance, it's important to remove the motorcycle battery and drain the gasoline from the carburetor. Personally, I take the opportunity to thoroughly disassemble my motorcycle in winter. The worst thing for a motorcycle is long-term storage without any preparation. Starting in December, I disassemble my motorcycle in the garage until it's non-operational. Setting a clear schedule is key to enjoying your motorcycle for a long time. I also pay attention to the vehicle inspection deadlines and ensure that my inspection is always valid. Being ready to ride whenever you want is important. There will be times in life, such as due to relocation or marriage, when riding a motorcycle becomes difficult. Please make sure to avoid long-term storage without proper preparation. See you again!

FCR Photos

Removing and maintaining the carburetor becomes easy once you get used to it. Please give it a try.