Prospect purchase

[FJmonkey]

I don't have much faith in petcock repair. I know too many people that try it and still have their problem. This petcock has had both its external oval o-ring and its spring replaced by the PO... and yet here we are.

Really don't want to wait for a new petcock to be shipped in, would prefer to just make it to randy in California and do it there. Is that unreasonable? As in, is this going to make starting it after parking every time difficult?

Guess I'll start looking at those prices and shipping times... Anyone have a spare lying around that will get me by temporarily for cheap right now? On a tight budget.

Edit: $173!?!!!!? Why are they so expensive, and the 89 up so much cheaper?! My god! Guess I'll be looking up articles on ptcock repair after all?

And yes, it just dribbles out slowly. Its clearly visible when the tank is off.

You can have my original 86 petcock, it does not leak fuel but the opposite, it has a vacuum leak preventing fuel flow at low vacuum conditions. Might have enough parts between the two to get you to Randy's safely. I upgraded to an 84/85 petcock. Still vacuum controlled but in place of the electric quasi reserve it has a control valve with Prime position. Worked like a charm for the 400+ miles in Napa.

[fintip]

I think I might be forced to take you up on that monkey. Only other option I can think of is removing the tank and disconnecting the fuel line for all stops over 5 minutes...

[fj11.5]

Or an inline tap from a plumbing supplies shop,, , a small one will a ball valve would shut off the flow 

[FJmonkey]

I think I might be forced to take you up on that monkey. Only other option I can think of is removing the tank and disconnecting the fuel line for all stops over 5 minutes...

You could leave the Left side panel off and get a hemostat like devise to clamp off the fuel line when you stop. If your seats are good then short stops should not be an issue, but it sounds like you have issues. Let me know if you need /want it.... And if you swing south enough we can meet up. North Glendale area of CA. I remember my adventure days, Kookaloo mate....

[Flying Scotsman]

What does it look like in the gas tank.
What petcock do you have.
I just replaced the tank on my 90.Petcock was different so used my old one.Safety wired it at the same time so i didnt have a fire issue.Carb parts might add up you can buy good used sets for about $200 and new sets for $400.Personally I would have brought a good set with me,pulled the old set and installed the new ones.
Are you sure that your leaking at the petcock and not at the fuel fittings or breathers.

[fintip]

Where could I find a set of hemostats? Would autozone carry them? That's a pretty good idea. Only problem is what to do with the side panel when traveling. I guess I can just leave it on and deal with removing it everytime--easier than removing the hoses every time by a long shot.

Have people here had much success replacing the o ring inside the petcock? I suppose that's worth a try, now that I see how much these petcocks cost...

Gas tank looks quite clean inside. I am sure the petcock itself is leaking, as I removed it and brought it to a gas station, filled it up, and brought it back. Petcock was dribbling on me as I was putting it back.

[aviationfred]

You may be able to find some hemostats at a drug store. Also try Radio Shack, hemo's are often used as a tool in electronic repairs.

Fred

[FJmonkey]

Where could I find a set of hemostats? Would autozone carry them? That's a pretty good idea. Only problem is what to do with the side panel when traveling. I guess I can just leave it on and deal with removing it everytime--easier than removing the hoses every time by a long shot.

Have people here had much success replacing the o ring inside the petcock? I suppose that's worth a try, now that I see how much these petcocks cost...

Gas tank looks quite clean inside. I am sure the petcock itself is leaking, as I removed it and brought it to a gas station, filled it up, and brought it back. Petcock was dribbling on me as I was putting it back.

Like needle nose pliers that lock closed:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hemostat&id=D76BB421CABD9BEF82A53F364AB9F8A3430F93DF&FORM=IQFRBA

[Flying Scotsman]

Petcock will drip a little whille you move the tank about.It drips though the outlet.Not a problem.If it leaks its coming out between the tank and the petcock (oring) or petcock is coming apart and its leaking from the body.

[fintip]

It was definitely dripping too much; also, I hadn't brought it up, but the PO had put 2.5 gallons 2 weeks ago, and more than half of that was gone when I arrived.

What about putting one of these in?

http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-698183-Shut-Off-Selected/dp/B0038U3JKM/ref=pd_sim_auto_2

[FJmonkey]

It was definitely dripping too much; also, I hadn't brought it up, but the PO had put 2.5 gallons 2 weeks ago, and more than half of that was gone when I arrived.

What about putting one of these in?

http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-698183-Shut-Off-Selected/dp/B0038U3JKM/ref=pd_sim_auto_2

Yep, get clever enough and you can shut the fuel off with the side panel on.

[fintip]

Does anyone know what size the fuel hose is? 5/16"? 1/2"? About to order one.

[Flying Scotsman]

If its the petcock I think it is it might be seperating.Can you pull the outlet out of the body.My petcock on my 90 was coming apart so I pressed it back together and safety wired it.
I have the petcock from the tank I just bought I couldnt use it as it had no vacume nipple on it.Guessing its for a fuel pump which I dont have previous owner changed a few things.
Fuel hose is different size for early and later carbs and petcocks.

[pdxfj]

I replaced the o-ring inside the petcock on my 87 just after I bought it.  That was 11+ years ago.  It's been trouble free since.

One other thing to look for is a slightly stiffer spring for the plunger, or stretch the one in there a little.  Adding a little more pressure helps seal the o-ring when you shut the engine off.

You won't find an exact length spring so find one that feels good and cut it to the correct length.

You say the po replaced the o-ring that seals the petcock to the tank.  There is a rather small o-ring inside the petcock. A small crack in it will cause fuel to dribble out when its not supposed to.  that is the o-ring causing you problems.

[fintip]

Definitely going to try the o-ring. Is there a guide for the procedure in the documents section?

By the way, I'd be doing less asking and more searching, but I have to do everything from my tablet now since my laptop was inside my friend's car when it was stolen a couple weeks ago in Austin, so it's kind of hard to handle multi-tab searches like I'm used to doing.

Also: going to order the on-off valve just in case, since I can have it here Monday for $5 total, as a backup. Somehow, fuel hose size is ridiculously difficult to research? Even on rpm's website I couldn't find my answer... I am beginning to assume its 3/8" for the 87's and 5/16" for the 88/89 and onwards, but I can't confirm. Can't find it in the clymers or owners manual either.

Did I mention this bike still has the factory key and the factory owner's manual? And that I'm the 4th owner? That it's always been garage kept? I can't wait to ride this bike.