Anyone know of a high quality vacuum petcock?

[tom203]

Hmmm...I'm thinking you should correct this before you make the 6 o'clock news. Which carb (or carbs) is overflowing so easily? Float heights good? Any chance of a float bowl gasket hanging up a float?

[BigD_83]

Hmmm...I'm thinking you should correct this before you make the 6 o'clock news. Which carb (or carbs) is overflowing so easily? Float heights good? Any chance of a float bowl gasket hanging up a float?

I was having similar thoughts...some of the aftermarket gaskets are cut a little large

[blittlej]

mmmm interesting. Never thought of that. Gasket hanging up on the carb float. Another question, are the carb floats good forever? They are not brass or plastic. Some kind of compressed material.

[blittlej]

So, the OEM suzuki petcock works like a champ. It does not leak even with a full tank of gas (the $16 ebay look alike did). I ordered and replaced the carb #1 float needle and seat. Now the bike does not leak gas even on PRI. Look at the old needle and seat. There was new microscopic black trash in the seat. That was probably the issue. The previous owner let the bike sit around for years. I cleaned out the carbs and other stuff. But, I guess junk is still breaking loose from places I can not see. Oh well, It is what I signed up for and I am learning.

[bwringer]

If you really want the problem solved, don't leave your bike parked with the petcock on PRI. PRI (prime) should only be used to fill the bowls after the carbs have been serviced or the bike has been sitting long enough for evaporation to occur. You should only leave the petcock set to PRI for about 30 seconds or so, then turn it to ON or RES. The float needles were never designed to hold fuel back while the bike isn't running.

Emphasis added. Leave it on prime and yes, even a perfectly functioning system WILL leak.


Sounds like you did have a damaged or low-rent needle and seat as well.

Thanks for reporting back with a happy ending!


Several times, I've seen leaks caused by forcing an old petcock to move after it's been in the "ON" position for years. Even if the valve still functions, little corrosion crudniks from inside the petcock can make their way into the needles and seats and prop the needles open.

[blittlej]

"I've seen leaks caused by forcing an old petcock to move after it's been in the "ON" position for years. Even if the valve still functions, little corrosion crudniks from inside the petcock can make their way into the needles and seats and prop the needles open."

I bet that is what happened. Thanks for the resolution. Now back to enjoying worry free rides on the bike.