This morning, the cold temperature made it feel even more "Monday" than usual. The outlet strip inside the garage that was providing power to the block and battery heaters on both the truck and my son's car decided to fail sometime yesterday. Fortunately, his car started right up. Not bad for a 20+ year old car. And, no, I did not ride today. That would just be silly...
By mid-day, the sun was shining brightly and, as you can see in the photo, sunset will be after 5pm with the sun above the horizon for almost 8 hours! It still amazes me at how quickly the daylight returns after the Winter Solstice. These temperatures are forecast to continue well into next week. The clear skies bring cold temperatures and these temperatures are "normal" for this time of year.
Over the weekend, I was seeing water in the carb bowls again. It only takes a minute to empty both bowls but it's still a hassle. I ordered a
Mr. Funnel F3 debris and water fuel filter from Amazon. I was thinking of ordering this earlier but planned instead on picking one up locally. That never happened. I will then completely drain the tank through the filter to see how much water I get. I may start carrying the filter on the rig and use it for Winter fill-ups as water has been a problem since around the end of October.
That's a nifty looking funnel. I might have to shop for something like that.
ReplyDelete-34, we weren't too far behind you this morning. It was officially -18 this morning, but our thermometer was even a few degrees cooler. It's got to get better soon!
I have been procrastinating hoping the water problem will magically disappear and I wouldn't have to completely drain the tank. I don't care for all the gasoline fumes in the garage but this has been going on way too long.
DeleteI think your water puzzle is interesting. Do your 4 wheeled vehicles have severe cold running issues too? or just the motorcycle? Are you filling the bike from a can? or at the gas station? Keeping it full, or does it sit at half or less for long periods of time? 100% gas or 10% ethanol blend? Ever drained any from the tank into a clear jar and let it sit for a couple of days to see if anything settles out?
DeleteNo problems with anything except the bike. Filling up at different gas stations and fill up about once a week at the gas station. I've again drained quite a bit of gas from the tank into a glass bottle and no water. Only 100% gas sold in Alaska, no ethanol anymore. Yellow bottle Heet doesn't seem to prevent or eliminate the problem.
DeleteInteresting problem. I'm thinking that the best solution is to completely drain the tank after removing it from the bike and seeing what comes out.
If it's not suspended in the fuel or on the bottom of the tank, is it coming in to the carbs from the air? Carb icing and melting, letting water settle into the bowls? I'm guessing the BMW has an air box.. Ever check the insides after a ride in the cold? frosty? sucking in snow? BMW or Ural ever make a cold weather carb heater kit, like some chain saws have?
DeleteI'll be watching to see what you find..
I'm so glad to hear your weather is more seasonal. Knowing we're significantly colder than Sochi has helped people's mood around here.
ReplyDeleteReally! I think that Sochi is supposed to be some sort of resort area.
DeleteMy Bonneville has carb warmers. I expect they've forgotten how to work. I wore mesh for my night ride to work tonight. That's spring-like.
ReplyDeleteThat's almost summer-like temperatures. I can't see how water can get into the carb bowls through any ice in the throttle area. Plus, there are no symptoms of carb icing.
DeleteI'll be curious to see, RichardM, how much water ends up in the funnel's inner well. I've got the same one and never did find any water while fueling up in Alaska.
ReplyDeleteIt could have built up over the years and now there's probably a bunch of rust in the tank. I don't know...
DeleteBrrrr. Glad you didn't ride at those temperatures. Even though you can ride that cold, not necessarily a good idea to.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are seeing more daylight.
It's warmed up into the negative teens already. We are definitely starting to get some warmth from the sun. At -26°F this morning, the truck didn't feel like starting. Plus it looks like the door hinge wiring has failed in a second door. The wiring just doesn't like to flex when it's really cold.
DeleteYou are right, just because I could ride doesn't mean that I HAVE to.
Richard:
ReplyDeleteJust looking at how cold you are, makes us feel warm. We missed all the snow storms. Was supposed to snow several times since last Thursday and also on the weekend, but so far Nothing. Just a bit of rain and now above zero but this morning the roads ware all covered in ice
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Hope our temperatures help make you feel a little better. Seriously, I've been in Fairbanks for the last 32 years and the weather is just what it is. Not something to complain about or even tolerate or put up with. It is what it is. No matter what I think of it, it isn't going to change. I may as well enjoy it...
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