Just installed the manual Pingel petcock on my daily '84

[TheRadBaron]

I've been having problems with the vacuum petcock on my '84.  It was always dribbling even though I changed o-rings (tried a few different sizes, too).  The only way that I managed to get it to seal up tight was to put in a stiffer spring, and I had a suspicion that it was starving the bike for fuel under sustained high-load conditions.  Between that and the known safety problems with the early petcocks, I decided to go with a manual Pingel valve from Randy.  Every bike that I've ever owned has had a manual petcock, so I don't consider having to manually work the petcock to be an inconvenience.
I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to reach the petcock to turn it on and off when the side panel was installed, though.  What I did was cut out the metal screen in the upper slot in the fairing.  This allows the petcock lever to be reached.  It's not the easiest thing to reach, though.  You have to stick your hand into the opening and feel for the lever.  It's not too bad.  Some clever bending of a new lever might make it a lot easier to access, but for now I'll run it as is and see if I can live with it.
So ultimately it's not the most convenient setup, but I like it a lot better than the leaky, problematic, unsafe stock unit.  Hopefully this is a help to anyone else who's considering the Pingle for a daily rider.

[SlowOldGuy]

I thought I read that Pingel also makes a vacuum operated valve, but I can't find it on their website (which has to be one of the worst sites I've every seen).

I'm still looking for a solenoid shutoff valve (but everyone keeps trying to sell me a starter, reference to another post :-)

DavidR.

[rktmanfj]

I'm still looking for a solenoid shutoff valve (but everyone keeps trying to sell me a starter, reference to another post :-)

DavidR.

They're probably listed as 'relay' shutoff valves...     

Randy T
Indy

[Travis398]

 

[JMR]

 I installed a Pingel adaptor plate ( not sure of part#)with a 90 degree fitting (part#229-8-6). I use Pingel's inline vacuum valve (part# 9050-AV) with the vacuum hose running off of #3 carb manifold. Very simple and has no problem keeping up with 39 FCR's.

[Pat Conlon]

Thanks Mike, that's a cool solution:

http://www.amazon.com/PINGEL-VALVE-LINE-VACUUM-9050-AV/dp/B0013LF0H8

[racerman_27410]

 why not just use the pingle vacume valve inline with the stock petcock?


KOokaloo!

[Pat Conlon]

why not just use the pingle vacume valve inline with the stock petcock?
KOokaloo!

Sure, why not? Turn the oem petcock to prime, disconnect the vacuum line and plug it into the Pingle unit.... . 

[JMR]

why not just use the pingle vacume valve inline with the stock petcock?


KOokaloo!

Sure...why not. As a side note, I had a Pingel petcock on the bike but there clearance issues with the FCR's and K&N filters. The 90 degree fitting easily clears everything. It is probably a less expensive set up (as opposed to a Pingel petcock) as well.

[Pat Conlon]

So Mike, you have a straight elbow fitting between the tank and vacuum unit with no provision for a manual shut off?

[TheRadBaron]

Well, I just got done riding the FJ all over while running errands.  All in all, I'm quite happy with the Pingel.  After a few times, I've learned where to feel for the lever with my fingers, so turning the fuel on and off isn't difficult at all.  It did occur to me though, that those with large hands and/or great big sausage fingers might have a tough time of it.  Though I hate to admit it, I have pretty small hands. 
Also, I don't know how the access would be if using the stock air box.  I have Uni pods on my bike, and the petcock lever is right on top of them.  The stock airbox may or may not be a problem at all.  Just something to consider.
The Pingel vacuum unit might be a slick solution, but I really prefer a manual petcock.  I just don't trust the vacuum units.  After riding manual-fuel bikes my whole life, the process of turning the fuel on and off is so firmly ingrained into my motorcycling conscious that I don't forget to do it.  In fact, the FJ always weirded me out whenever I turned the bike on or off since I didn't have a petcock to operate.  I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was forgetting something. 

[JMR]

So Mike, you have a straight elbow fitting between the tank and vacuum unit with no provision for a manual shut off?

Pat...I have a 2 way stop quick release between the 90 elbow and the vacuum valve. It works great.

[Pat Conlon]

Ok, sounds good, thanks again Mike!

[gilangie]

I installed a Pingel adaptor plate ( not sure of part#)with a 90 degree fitting (part#229-8-6). I use Pingel's inline vacuum valve (part# 9050-AV) with the vacuum hose running off of #3 carb manifold. Very simple and has no problem keeping up with 39 FCR's.

Hi

reading the thread has helped a lot - the pingle petcock has a gauze filter but the pingle plate and 90 degree elbow doesn't seem to have anything to filter out crap and rust from the tank.  Has this ever been a problem for you?  Perhaps put a simple valve down low where it is easier to reach would be easier with just the pingle petcock plate and elbow and fuel filter.

Your thoughts?

Regards

Gil

[JMR]

I installed a Pingel adaptor plate ( not sure of part#)with a 90 degree fitting (part#229-8-6). I use Pingel's inline vacuum valve (part# 9050-AV) with the vacuum hose running off of #3 carb manifold. Very simple and has no problem keeping up with 39 FCR's.

Hi

reading the thread has helped a lot - the pingle petcock has a gauze filter but the pingle plate and 90 degree elbow doesn't seem to have anything to filter out crap and rust from the tank.  Has this ever been a problem for you?  Perhaps put a simple valve down low where it is easier to reach would be easier with just the pingle petcock plate and elbow and fuel filter.

Your thoughts?

Regards

Gil

Gil....I run a Pingel in line fuel filter. The quick release fitting allows me to get the tank off in 60 seconds.