Petcock conumdrum!

[Boondocks]

If you're the original owner of that machine you are to be commended for keeping it in excellent condition and having VG luck. Does the '80 1100E have the slotted petcock? I know not all '80 models were cursed with the 'infamous '80' valve.

Thanks. I am the original owner, and feel lucky to have owned and enjoyed this red beauty for so long. At its introduction, it was the world's fastest production land vehicle and had received rave reviews from the bike mags. When I first saw it in my favorite color, it was love at first sight . I lost interest in my 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 and sold it. The last time it has seen the inside of a dealership was when I bought it in January 1980. The bike has never been worked on (including tires) by anyone else but me.

It has the slotted petcock, which is always left in the horizontal postition. It can be turned vertically with a screwdriver for the "Prime" position if desired.

[jimcor]

Man, that's great. That crazy 80 slotted valve has given so many such trouble... I won't even mention the ___________ system. I've been thru too many _______ and */*s. Sure wouldn't want to pass the curse along. Whatever you're doing, keep it up!

Peace bro'.

[Tom MLC]

It has the slotted petcock, which is always left in the horizontal postition. It can be turned vertically with a screwdriver for the "Prime" position if desired.

Hey Boondocks, was that slotted petcock originally covered over with some kind of filler? The petcock on my '80 1100E has no handle. Just a flat spot. If I were to try to dig it out, would I find the illusive screw?

[Boondocks]

Hey Boondocks, was that slotted petcock originally covered over with some kind of filler? The petcock on my '80 1100E has no handle. Just a flat spot. If I were to try to dig it out, would I find the illusive screw?

The slotted petcock was never covered with anything. If you look closely there should be a screwdriver slot. This is a page from the owner's manual with an illustration of the petcock.

[jimcor]

I'd say someone literally plugged a vacuum leak in your petcock, Tom. That is where air gets in the valve body if the o-ring is bad. You dig out the sealer and your petcock will probably quit working. I 'fixed' my old one that way. It works, but of course there is no longer a prime position. Too bad the o-ring can't be replaced.

[jonr]

Wow, many replies since I last posted.

Well, it's fixed and Brian's comment about inferior rebuild parts was a correct assessment. The o-ring that came with the K&L kit was too small and would not seat into the petcock correctly. I have a meager o-ring assortment in my garage and I put on one that was slightly larger in its place. Bingo! Works like a charm.

I went with the standard K&L kit since it worked fine with my '82 petcock. Lesson learned even though it was fixable.

Thanks to all once again.

Jon