Installing new petcock..quick questions

[Steedracer]

Installing a new petcock (vacuum kind). Two simple questions...I know it has a rubber gasket, but do I put any additional kind of sealant along the gasket or bottom to help ensure no leaks? Secondly, when I took the two screws out to remove the petcock from the tank, whatever kind of washers were on there (rubber?) were basically dissolved and shredded and fell to shreds as I removed the screws. What type of washers should be fitted on the two screws (bolts)?

[2BRacing]

I have always fitted the petcock without any sealant around the rubber gasket, but others may do it differently.

The washers for the mounting bolts have a rubber lip on the inside of the metal washer (called a "dowty washer"). Suzuki OEM part number 09168-06023.

[Steedracer]

Thanks for the response. Not the first time I’ve wound up needing dowty washers on a repair job with this bike LOL. I should order a box of them and keep ‘em at the the ready. LOL

[chuck hahn]

Dont waste the high cost on Suzuki parts. just hit any mom and pops hardware and get a 1/4 inch dowty washer. If they dont have them look for those self tapper screws they use for metal roofing. They usually have a slightly curved sealing washer on them. I have take said washers off the screws and tapped them flat with a hammer. Place the rubber side against the petcock base.

Note that you may have to ream the washer with a drill bit to get the bolts in..but keep things as snug as you can to affect a good seal.

[Steedracer]

Thanks guys. Installed the petcock with no additional sealant, except I did coat the bottom half of the screws (nearer the head) with a Permatex 2 sealant I had (I didn’t have any Hylomar) just in case. All seems to fine. No leaks and everything seems to be functioning fine now.