Is this petcock thingy junk

[Guest]

I just picked up a non-running GS 650 g that had been sitting for a year. The petcock lever was very hard to turn. So I tore into it. I gave it a shot of WD-40 and was able to get it to turn, and come apart after a little push through the middle of it with a screw driver.

So any way, this curly q thing was in there. Did I damage it, or is it supposed to be this weird shape. I do plan on a new petcock in the future, but money is super tight right now after buying the bike. So I just need to get this thing fired up as cheap as possible. I haven't seen this metal thing in any rebuild kit's. So I guess the question is if I really need it, or is mine ok. Thanks.

[cowboyup3371]

I believe you do need it so yea, I would pop for a new OEM...Z1 has a decent one for $56

[DanTheMan]

Put it back together the way it came apart, if all the internal parts look good, and test it for operation. You need the curlyque metal "thingy", that's the spring that makes it all work properly.

[Quick Cal]

Thanks guy's. But I was questioning weather or not I bent the part, or it's supposed to be that way. I'm going to try and run it like it is if I ever get the tank from the guy that won't give it up.

[Allie]

That thingy does look like a piece of wreckage doesn't it? Hmmm if it's actually supposed to look that way maybe it's to push the diaphragm back in 'prime' mode? There's nothing like that in the 750 petcock, it just uses a separate passage to bypass the diaphragm. Interesting.

[Nessism]

The part is shaped that way, but I'm not sure if there has been some subtle tweaking as well.

If you take some 600 grit sandpaper to the tapered plastic barrel and smooth out the surface (go easy) the lever will turn easier.

Carefully check the small O-ring on the diaphragm nipple and replace with a viton O-ring as necessary since this the main seal for the assembly controlling flow when the engine is turned off.