Motorcycle Repair: gas in crank case, fuel stabilizers, crank case

Question
I started the bike for the first after winter. I did not put stabilizer in it. Fuel filled the engine oil reservoir. It is a 2001 Yamaha V Star. Now what do I do. I'm going to drain the oil, but should I do anything more to the engine before replacing the oil? What would cause the gas to fill the engine?

Thanks    Scott Snyder  

Answer
Hi Scott.

First of all, the entire fuel system, including the tank, should be drained of all fuel when you put the bike in seasonal storage.  Fuel stabilizers almost never work as advertised.  What you have is probably a couple of problems.

Start with the following things in the fuel system;

Carbs.  Clean them and check the floats.  Make sure that the floats are not sticking.

Fuel tank.  Reseal it or clean it.  Resealing is easier.  It will seal out any varnish that has built up.

After all of that is done, the bike should run fine without any fuel getting into the oil.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON