QuestionHi, I have a 1969 trail 90, and i keep having to take the carburetor out to clean it because it gets clogged. Someone suggested that it is because i am using non leaded fuel. Will non leaded fuel affect my motorcycle? And if so what can I do, since no one in town sells leaded anymore.
Answer
Hi Jeriah,
The leaded fuel will not immediately clog your carb but over time
the newer fuels will tend to gum up small jets due to the fuel
mixtures they use now. Many use ethanol and grain based
fuel added to the gasoline base and these do not go well
with small carbs.
If you ride the bike often this should not be a problem as
it takes a month or more for fuel deposits to develop
while the bike is parked.
You should if you don't already have small fuel filters in
your fuel lines. The tank and the kines can sometimes
have small particles in them that will clog your carb as well.
Some CT90 carbs have a small fuel screen under the fuel petcock or valve.
It is still good to add more inline filters on the lines.
If the bike runs okay then adding filters and running often can help.
If you plan to park the bike for long then add "fuel stabilizer" to the fuel.
This can found at auto stores or maybe a lawnmower shop.
This prevents the gummy buildup that plugs up your carb jets.
The CT90 has no problems with unleaded as the valves springs are
not strong enough to pound the valve seats to pieces as some
cars did without the lead buffer.
The valves and seats are also hardened so lead is not needed.
The lead is not the problem but the other fuels used these days is.
WS
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