draining carbs for storage?

I am parking my 3rd gen for winter storage and was just informed that I should drain the carburetors completely instead of simply adding fuel stabilizer and running it through them. (Thanks S-man and TC)
My "service manual" has no specific instructions to follow?
Little help please!

 

the owners manual has some directions for storing a bike that includes draining the carbs among other things.

 

I've always debated this too as there are benefits either way.... I'd run stabilizer for the last tank for sure.... I think the key is carbs need to have fuel running through them, OK to store for a few months and but take it for a good run in the spring with stabilizer in it (most have naptha that will slowly dissolve any gum type residues).... so yeah, don't let them dry out completely.

 

Hummm, seems to be some debate on this one?
I was thinking about putting the stabilizer in a full tank of non-ethanol 91, running it for a while, shutting the fuel valve off until it dies.
Then every month or so turning the fuel on and running it for a while and do the same thing...... and repeat.
Any thoughts?

 

I'm also not a believer in starting up an engine for a few minutes in the dead of winter..... leave it. Put some stabilizer in the last tank along with your corn-free fuel and, sure, ok to run it until it's dry.

 

Have drained carbs for winter storage in my 88 VFR750 for last twenty years or more. Do not run engine over winter as this only risks moisture in oil and exhausts.
With modern fuels have seen too many gummed up carbs from having been left with fuel in carbs.

But as with many subjects there are differing opinions.

 

okay, it definitely sounds like I should not run it periodically through the winter.
still debating whether to drain carbs manually or run it dry, what is the difference, you still end up with empty bowels right?
I did find the subject of long term storage in the owners manual, although it does not tell you how.

 

if you have read the storage suggestions in the owners manual, you know it says to drain the carbs. on your bike, that would require fairing removal to gain access to drain screws, which can be a pia. if you want to run them dry it's ok, but turn off the fuel tap on the tank and unplug the fuel pump first.

as others said, it's not good to just run the engine for a few minutes each month, but i think it's good to turn the engine over with the starter periodically so it doesn't sit in the same rotational position all winter ........with sparks turned off.

 

Yes, thank you that is the information that I was looking for!
It also mentions putting oil in the cylinders via the spark plugs?
With the boat I "fog" the motor by pouring ATF into the carb while it is running is this a good idea or NO ?
It will be in my garage witch is dry and remains a constant 50 degrees F give or take a couple.

 

I've just ran the carbs on my own bike dry, after having them gum-up during winter storage for the first time ever last year. I considered adding stabilizer, but having watched this video I decided against it:

 

Those videos are good entertainment.

 

Okay, so where is the fuel pump and its connecter?
Is it accessible or do I need to take the tank off?

 

left side of the tail, red 2-wire plug. easier to pull pump fuse (if that doesn't disable the starter).

 

I just have one fuse?

 

I think it's about time you obtain a Factory Service Manual.

 

yes, I believe you are correct!
I have the owners and service manuals but the shop manual is in more detail right?
more specific.

 

What "shop manual" are you talking about?