Anyone know how this petcock works?

[Guest]

The 1980 GS550E I recently obtained bears this vacuum petcock. Does it appear to be original?

More importantly, does anyone know how it works, i.e., how to switch it out of the reserve setting? The owner's manual says to move the lever, but the lever does not move from the pictured position. I am reluctant to exert much force, and I am used to the late 70s Suzuki petcocks, but this one has me stumped.

[Steve]

I have only read about those, but I believe that you rotate it counter-clockwise so the lever points DOWN.

If I remember correctly, the screw off to the side is for PRIme.

.

[gsrick]

The 1980 GS550E I recently obtained bears this vacuum petcock. Does it appear to be original?

More importantly, does anyone know how it works, i.e., how to switch it out of the reserve setting? The owner's manual says to move the lever, but the lever does not move from the pictured position. I am reluctant to exert much force, and I am used to the late 70s Suzuki petcocks, but this one has me stumped.

I don't remember having one like that on the 550T we had but the 450S did. I'm guessing the lever is stuck and the rubber part that looks like a button or smiley face inside will probably will be hard as a rock. Well that one may not look like a smiley face, because the prime isn't part of the levers movement. I'd replace it with a normal petcock.

It appears you have a unique petcock.
ASSEMBLIES WHERE 44300-49170 IS USED

• 1979 GS1000L - FUEL TANK
• 1980 GS550 - FUEL COCK
• 1980 GS550E - FUEL COCK

[mmattockx]

More importantly, does anyone know how it works, i.e., how to switch it out of the reserve setting? The owner's manual says to move the lever, but the lever does not move from the pictured position. I am reluctant to exert much force, and I am used to the late 70s Suzuki petcocks, but this one has me stumped.

I would agree with Steve that pointing down is the 'ON' position from the looks of the labeling. Try using a set of pliers to rock the lever back and forth to break it loose. It may take a fair amount of force to move it. I would grip with the pliers as close as possible to the pivot end of the lever to minimize the chances of breaking the lever off.


Mark