Basic Details You Need To Know

The Problem

All fuels (gasoline and diesel) will experience some deterioration in storage. This is a natural process known as oxidation and can create deposits in the fuel system. However, ethanol-containing fuels present another more serious problem in storage—water absorption. Ethanol, like all alcohols, will attract and absorb water. When a vehicle is put into storage for several months, condensation will form in the vapor space of the fuel tank above the liquid level. The more vapor space there is, such as in half-full fuel tanks, the more condensation and moisture is present.

This is not a new problem, but it is a problem greatly exacerbated with ethanol-containing fuel, which have a strong attraction to water and will absorb the moisture in the fuel tank. When too much moisture is absorbed (approximately 0.5%), phase separation will occur and the result is a water/ethanol slurry at the bottom of the tank that can plug fuel filters, prevent engine starting and cause corrosion of fuel system components. In addition, the remaining gasoline layer is now stripped of ethanol and the result is lower octane, which can cause engine pinging and rough idling.

The Solution

Harley Davidson® Fuel Stabilizer is formulated with an oxidation inhibitor to prevent deposits caused by fuel deterioration in storage. In also contains an inhibitor to fight corrosion due to phoase separation in ethanol-containing fuels.

It’s critical to follow proper procedures before putting vehicles using ethanol-containing fuel into storage, as follows:

► Treat the fuel tank as directed with Harley-Davidson® Fuel Stabilizer
► Fill the tank with gasoline (ethanol-containing or regular)
► Run the engine for a few minutes to fill the fuel system with the treated fuel