Petcock/Fuel flow question

[ScrumDown]

I bought a petcock because that said it was for a GS550, but I have a slight problem.

It attaches fine and flows fine BUT when I put the tank on, it butts right up to the #1 carb. It doesn't quiet pinch it, kind of puts a small crease, for lack of a better word, in the line. It doesn't seem to impeed flow. Can you see an issue with this?

Here is what it looks like. (I have a clip on the hose now. Didn't when I took the picture.)

[rustybronco]

I think if you keep an eye on it for a possible rub through on the hose it should work fine.

[ScrumDown]

Thanks, Rusty. That is what other people who don't own a GS said. But I wanted to ask real GS owners their thoughts.

Also, I think the petcock I bought of eBay was for a GS1000 per this picture and not a 550. Could this be or should this not be a problem?

[rustybronco]

Here's a picture of my 1K petcock. the outlet comes off the rearward side of the tank, not the carb side like yours does.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/rustybronco/PICT3079.jpg

[ScrumDown]

OK ... either way I'll keep an eye on it and see it leaks or impedes flow or rubs through.

[sedelen]

I think you'll be ok as long as it doesn't impede the flow. You could grease the line to lube where it's chaffing. Perhaps in time it may take a memory in the hose and not be so much of a concern. Maybe you could use one of those springy hose protectors like on some gas and brake lines.
Of course a extreme measure would be to mount the petcock with the lever on the back so your hoses mount aft of the petcock instead of between the petcock and carbs. I can't think of any reason it wouldn't mount this way.

[ScrumDown]

Of course a extreme measure would be to mount the petcock with the lever on the back so your hoses mount aft of the petcock instead of between the petcock and carbs. I can't think of any reason it wouldn't mount this way.

My concern of about doing this is some jackhole punk messing with it. But then again, if a jackhole wants to mess with your bike he will be a jackhole and mess with your bike.

[sedelen]

My concern of about doing this is some jackhole punk messing with it. But then again, if a jackhole wants to mess with your bike he will be a jackhole and mess with your bike.

I'm not suggesting you do this, it's only a idea that might work.
You must be concerned about the location of the hoses should you try this. Your vacuum line would then be closest to the outside of the tank,
and your fuel line would be to the inside of the vacuum line, you would have limited access to your petcock lever. The only issue I think there could be would be the lever clearing the airbox, which may be a real issue.
I wouldn't think this mod would invite a jackhole to tinker anymore than
what you got right now. Even right now a "jackhole" has access to your lever and could switch it to "Prime" allowing gravity fuel flow to your carbs where you could find a puddle of gas under your engine and perhaps have some finding it's way to your crankcase.

[rustybronco]

Sorry, it's a bit out of focus...

1980 GS850G petcock with 44mm spacing.

[ScrumDown]

OK ... I have a GS850 petcock? Is this a bad thing, Rusty?

[koolaid_kid]

To be quite honest, I would be extremely concerned about having my fuel line rubbing like that. I would not accept that on either bike or car. You really need to find the correct petcock for your bike, one that does not rub. The last thing you want is to have 4 gallons of gasoline burning between your legs.

[rustybronco]

koolaid_kid I would be concerned as well and that's why I suggested he keep an eye on it. still, you are correct, replacing what's on the bike now with a petcock which has the proper outlet orientation would be best.

[ScrumDown]

I plan on replacing with a 'better facing one'. It's just that the people selling the petcocks want an arm and a leg for them. To me, they are asking outrageous prices. (And I'll have to save up that arm & a leg. Our govt is not helping my "play money" budget, if you know what I mean.)

Again, thanks for the input.

[Super]

Here's a thought. Maybe you can back off on tightening up your tank. Or use a rubber spacer on the tank bolt. On a 78 GS550E that I have, if I tighten the tank bolt all the way, the tank is pushed up toward the handle bars far enough that I can't turn the petcock on reserve. So for now, I back it off some to allow me to use reserve. I'll probably find me a rubber spacer to fix that soon but for now, it's not a problem to back off the tank bolt some.