Britbike forum Forums British motorcycles in general The triple forum Prepping carbs for storage...?

Greetings all,
I did not run the T160 at all last year. None.

The engine was stored properly and I have done some maintenance over the late Winter into the Spring;

Removed the carbs and thoroughly cleaned them, completely, oil filter, sump screen, valve cover gaskets etc... among other non-engine related items, quite a bit of work actually.

This was all done with the intent to fire the engine for the first time since and that I would ride it this Summer. Other events have taken place and I have decided to put the T160 back into storage without starting the engine, I have not even introduced fuel to the newly cleaned carbs.
The carbs are back on the manifolds and have K&Ns fitted.

So, the question is whether I should spray some light oil into the carbs to protect them or just leave them as is, clean and dry do nothing, maybe cover them with a plastic bag....?
I certainly do not want to have them get gummed up sitting with a heavy oil but I would like to keep them clean.

Thanks,
Rob

In a bag with maybe a silica bag for moisture prevention.

Ahh, good idea K...

I'll go looking for some silica packs.

Thanks,
rad

Hi Rob,
Would you like me to exercise it for you? That'd save you worrying about plastic bags, silica packs and similar? I'd only take it out on dry days, exercise it gently? If this sounds like a goer, pop the bike in a crate and send it over. Soon as you can use it, I'll send it back.

Just as a matter of interest, what are the carbs.?

Regards,

Cosmoline and of any sort silicon foggin is out.
I like Schrodinger's Cat questions.

If separated, clean and dry seem to be a sucessful path.

Most of us (meaning me) store all our parts attached to the scooter,
so that they can't escape and hide under a bench somewhere.

Nothing but use and attention seems to keep slider rust spots, coagulated oil products and fuzz on pot metal
from gaining an upper hand in storage.

Mecham's auction was on yesterday at a friend's house.
The statement was made that he wishes that he had put his Hemi 'Cuda in a cave somewhere,
and brought it out for the prices that are avaible today.
Worst thing for it.

My old British Iron stash speaks for itself on that point.

I seem to remember vacuum packaging large items from somewhere..

https://www.carbag.com/

Hey Stuart,
I knew I could count on you, appreciate that.  Funny that I too offer the very same service to friends that have infrequently used motorcycles and now I am one. 

Like many I have waaay too many things going at the same time and Summer home projects take precedence, not a great deal of time for either riding and working on my motorcycles or projects. 
 
The Trident is in very good condition, I bought this one five years ago from a fellow that owned it for thirty odd years and I have spent some time and funds straightening out some of those improvements that he had performed.  She is not pristine but very good and well sorted, I like it a great deal. 
 
Along with the '78 T140 that has turned into a full on resto I have the '71 Daytona in the wings, a couple of Guzzis, one that I recommissioned last year and that too gets No exercise, another that needs a going through. 

So I had forgotten about desiccant bags that we in the ship maintenance biz had used for gas turbine engine lay-up in the enclosures... I will get the desiccant and store the T160 this week.  I regularly store cycles for Winter with the exhaust ends wrapped in a plastic bag and light oil on a cloth stuffed into the end, I will use desiccant now.

The carbs are Keihin PWK 26 units. They were on the Trident when I bought it and they work so well I have only cleaned them, made no changes internally.  I do have two sets of original Amals and have no plans to put them back on. 

Apologies for the ramble...

Best,
Rob 

========
Chip H,
The carbs are back on the engine.  I just decided that I am not going to add fuel and touch her off, just store it. 

Thanks for the carbags link, I have long thought of doing just that so I think I will order a couple. 

Cheers,
Rob