Do you turn off the fuel valve?

Teen Rider

Teen Rider

Wannabie Member
So I've been riding about 4 months so far and I always turn the fuel off when the bike is not on. They told us in the MSF Course that you always should turn it off so fuel doesn't leak into the cylinders and what not. The thing that confuses me is that some people that I have met say that its not necessary and that they never do it and there bike is fine. Do you turn it off?

Btw im also talking about older bikes with carburetors.
 
Yeah I made it a habit to turn off the fuel to my carbs when I had my ZZR. When I knew I wasn't going to ride the bike for a couple weeks time, I would shut off the fuel and then let the bike run a little bit longer to dry out the carbs some. Not sure if that was smart or not though lol. But I turned off the fuel when I wasn't riding from habit...but sometimes I left it on by accident and didn't have any problems. I have a feeling it's only a huge problem for older carbureted bikes maybe? Because, like you, I have also had people tell me they just left theirs on. Something inside me said that was a bad idea, but probably because I learned that in the MSF. Good topic...
 
Yeah, umm, when i did my test, 1987. Same thing was said to us. And they are right. BUT, most bikes run a kinda vacuum return thingy (oldies). So the fuel CANNOT run while the motor is off.
So YES, you 'technically' should turn it off, but why??
In 25+ years, ive NEVER had a bike flood or have issues from leavin it on!!

Your choice.
> : )
 
The MSF still makes you turn off the fuel every time you switch off the bike, even when their bikes are fuel injected :confused: They make you go through the actions of turning off an imaginary fuel tap.
 
TriumfAnt said:
The MSF still makes you turn off the fuel every time you switch off the bike, even when their bikes are fuel injected :confused: They make you go through the actions of turning off an imaginary fuel tap.
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Depending on where you take the course.... We (I) will encourage my students to simulate the motions so that in the event they run out of primary fuel, they know where the fuel shut-off valve is so they switch to Reserve without taking their eyes off the road. (Rule #1 for Basic Riders: Keep your head and eyes up) Running through the motions, Thumb, Key, Valve is just part of the MSF curriculum. Seeing as though the students are going to be getting on and off their bikes a number times during the riding days, I never actually make them turn the valve off. It is funny to watch those who do turn it off and forget to turn it back on when they start an exercise. It's even funnier when it happens to the demo rider. FINE-C (Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine Cut-Off, Choke/Clutch) also stands for Funny, I Never Even Checked when they sputter to a stop because the fuel valve is off.
 
I've never turned the fuel off if the bike is not standing for longer than a month. If the bike is standing for longer, I would empty the fuel completely out from the tank. Run the engine dry and then leave it be..

I don't think you need to turn the fuel off ever but, if the the fuel is off it wouldn't condensate (if thats the correct word simular to evaporate).
 
itsatruestory said:
I've never turned the fuel off if the bike is not standing for longer than a month. If the bike is standing for longer, I would empty the fuel completely out from the tank. Run the engine dry and then leave it be..

I don't think you need to turn the fuel off ever but, if the the fuel is off it wouldn't condensate (if thats the correct word simular to evaporate).
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think of the s*** that collects at the bottom of your tank going through the engine by doing that
 
Teen Rider said:
So I've been riding about 4 months so far and I always turn the fuel off when the bike is not on. They told us in the MSF Course that you always should turn it off so fuel doesn't leak into the cylinders and what not. The thing that confuses me is that some people that I have met say that its not necessary and that they never do it and there bike is fine. Do you turn it off?

Btw im also talking about older bikes with carburetors.
Click to expand...
I never turn my fuel tap off, its always on, and when its Not ON, its On reserve.
 
I've never turned it to off on any of the bikes i've ever owned unless i'm storing them for a long time. Then i'd set it to off and run the motor until it dies so the ethanol doesnt gum up the carb over time. I've never had any issues doing this.
 
I haven't had a bike that had a off position in years until I bought a kx for just the dirt. Otherwise my dual sports have only had on, prime, and reserve, due to the vacuum petcock
 
I ALWAYS turn mine off.

If the carburetor's float valve and seat are in good condition then you "shouldn't" have to turn off the fuel float valve and seat stop the flow of fuel. But it is possible for them to stick and/or wear out and allow fuel to overflow the carburetor, so why take the chance. Driving with a crankcase full of gasoline diluted oil will not be good for the health of your engine.
 
Yes I do.
I like the idea that while I'm away from the bike the fuel is secured. The carburetors may and generally do shut off completely and everything is fine. However knowing that the tank is also secure makes me feel a little extra secure.

I generally turn them off (I have two) a few blocks from home and let the carburetors and engine run on the fuel from the hoses and the bowl. It rarely runs out, but I just like knowing that there is less fuel above the carbs. I've had the needle valve stick (crap from old, disintegrating fuel lines) and cause the carburetor to flood and pour fuel over my boot.
Things have been working great lately though.

I also turn them off when I arrive at any location.
I have forgotten to turn them off after leaving as well. Caught that in the middle of one of my videos (#0017). Talking away giving good advise... hold it... engine's dying... :p
 
Teen Rider said:
Btw im also talking about older bikes with carburetors.
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Of course you are, EFI bikes have no fuel cut-off afaik.

I never touched the fuel valve because it is not readily accessible nor hand-operated on a ninja 250. On my dualsport though, I only touch it to get reserve fuel.

I don't think it's neccessary to turn it off. I never did.
 
i have the vacuum petcock on my bike so its prime on res. gas only flows through on and res when valved is opened due to the carbs sucking air from a different hose. if i want the valve to be open and just drain or fill the carbs u switch to prime.

they tell u to turn it off when u have just on/ off because if ur carbs are off by just a little can cause ur float bowls to overflow and gas drain out the overflow valve then that just money right down the drain
 
yeah i dont have to turn it off on my supermoto, i do however have to turn it off on my moped, not sure if thats because its old, or just poor build quality:P
 
Certain bikes need it turning off, some would leakfuel from the bowl otherwise and its also something else to make it harder to steal, and the main obvious thing to look for is if your bike has such an open fuel tap that is clearly defined then you should be turning it off,
 
I turn my valve off and then run the gas out of the carb. If Im not going to be using that bike for a long time I go as far as draining the whole tank.
 
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