Fuel Additives

Q: Just got a 72 Custom Shovelhead Chopper. Everything rebuilt. Needs gas tank clean out, no problem there. Engine rebuilt around 1980. Sat in a shed for many years. Maybe 300 miles on Engine. Do I have to add a Lead additive to the gas? Should I use Premium or regular. Any help is much appreciated.

A: You should be using premium pump gas. No fuel additives. If this m/c was sitting for a prolonged period of time, you will need to replace intake seals and and a carb cleaning / rebuild. Would not even try to turn the engine over before, at least, inspecting these areas.

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10 Responses to “Fuel Additives”

  1. Chris Huffman

    Have a1979 fxef has S &S stroker kit &branch heads,&more. Has a belt primary from early 80s belt drive did OK for few years.belt is 1 1\2 wide.last year broke twice I think it's from engine gear has some kind of rubber between slots.where can I find new one,or good one .Can't afford new set up, or chain drive right now I can find belt but not gear with that pitch.want to ride before season is over!.

  2. Ken McDonald

    I have 2006 Ultra. WHEN I first start the bike charging system is fine. After riding approximately two miles and engine idles amp merger shows dis charging. Upon take off charges normal. After riding a while gauge shows discharge. Any ideas? Dealership said it was a bad gauge. When I got home from dealer I used volt meter and at idle only showing 12 volts. Also what manufacturer has sealed magnets for charging system rotor?

  3. John

    Would you let " and do you think that my local Harley service place is able to change my stock front tire and rim 15in ... to a 21in on my 2015 roadglide cvs..... ???

  4. James

    How do you bleed ABS brake lines if the resevour empties in the process of replacing a brake line? James

  5. Jason Wise

    I have a 1988 Harley Springer 1340cc engine. Should I burn 93 octane fuel?

  6. Angel L.

    I have a 2003 dyna superglide, my problem is when I hit throttle it tends to chock sometimes.Also what do you recommend to do if you have not ridden bike for 7 month

  7. William Gardiner

    Hmmmmmmm - as you stated: "Hi, William. No “clean (corn) gas” for you. You should only be running 93 octane pump gas.. . . Then I am cornfused. Mah manual for this 2014 Deluxe states to run the low grade of octane. Maybe that is why my mileage is so darn low and not a heck of a lot of power on the take off.

  8. K Vilas

    Hello Bob, I am not sure how I can post a new question/topic on this website. Do you have a provision for that? Also, I would like to know how to bleed brakes with ABS installed on the system. I do have a dyna 2103 with ABS on it. Could you let me know if you have any content with regards to this or would you be posting anything on this topic in the near future?

  9. William Gardiner

    I can buy "clean gas" - not the unleaded junk we put in our vehicles. Is this gas okay to use in motorcycles? I've heard pro's & con's on this. Pro - better mileage & keeps the engine running cleaner. Con's - it can wreck the engines. However, cars are waiting in line to buy this clean gas!

  10. al

    My 1998 road king needed petcock.Having trouble getting filter out?? Filter stuck inside tank?? Suggestions??