Topic: GASAHOL ???

[Cartier]

Newbie here in the process of rehabbing a 1975 cb550 that my son bought for $350 with only 1000 miles.  It has been laid up inside for a few years, but well cared for.  Since this is a pre-gasahol bike I'm concerned about the use of current day gas/alcohol blends harming internal gaskets, etc. We plan to change out all the fuel lines with alcohol resistant lines.  Should I be concerned with any other internal fuel-related parts?  TIA

[JBMorse]

Well at home we have plenty of ethanol in the gas, and I haven't had trouble as long as I put the bike away with stabilizer in the fall.  We're on a cross country trip right now, and out west I've bought lots of "no ethanol" gas and cannot tell the difference between the two.  Maybe others can offer more, but that's my experience anyway.  Good luck with the 550, they're awesome!

[Inigo Montoya]

Should not be an issue. Most pump gas is on 10% alcohol and unless your rubber is really old, nothing will really happen other than some things may need replacing in 30 years instead of 35. I can live with that.

[333]

I agree, but here's more.  Burning ethanol creates carbon, which is harder than steel, and can do some serious damage.  And this is true for any air cooled engine, 2 or 4 stroke.  So use this advice from the bike on down to the weed wacker.

Sea Foam.  This is an additive the reduces the build up of carbon.  Use it regularly in the gas.  Put it in the oil about 100 miles(30 minutes in lawn mower) before an oil change.  It is available at most auto parts stores.