Fuel petcock rebuild problem - intake tube

[froldt]

I'm sure this is a newbie question, but I haven't been able to find an answer anywhere. (I'm sure it's there, I just couldn't find it.)

I removed my fuel petcock to rebuild it (got a kit from Z1Enterprises), and as I was pulling it out of the tank, the intake tube slid out and back into the tank. I was finally able to get the tube back, but it won't stay in the petcock. Every time I turn the tank upside down (I know this won't happen once I get the bike back together) it falls out and I have to take the petcock off to reinsert it.

I worry that it might work it's way lose in some spirited riding. I don't think it would really make a difference, except that I would not have the option of On or Prime.


Is there something that I can use to make it stay in place? Some sort of sealant that won't dissolve in gas, or a wedge, or something? Or should I just install it and not flip the tank upside down any more?

[Dave8338]

Or...Buy a new petcock. Just an opinion. :? All the jerry rigging to a device that is required to run the bike, acts as a safety feature in the event of a crash, and if (when) it fails, can all but destroy an engine if not detected, ie. fuel in the crankcase, hydrolock to the cylinder if vacuum actuated, or just plain fail and leave you stranded. I know, there's the soap box! Not worth it to me IMO.

[chef1366]

Isn't there an o-ring that holds the petcock filter in place?

[froldt]

Isn't there an o-ring that holds the petcock filter in place?

I assumed there would be, but... dunno. I do have a smaller o-ring that will fit, but I haven't tried it. I'll give it a try when I take it out again. If that doesn't fit, I guess I'll just leave it out.

Or...Buy a new petcock. Just an opinion. :???: All the jerry rigging to a device that is required to run the bike, acts as a safety feature in the event of a crash, and if (when) it fails, can all but destroy an engine if not detected, ie. fuel in the crankcase, hydrolock to the cylinder if vacuum actuated, or just plain fail and leave you stranded. I know, there's the soap box! Not worth it to me IMO.

This petcock works just fine, it's only the intake tube that doesn't. I don't need it; so far as I can tell, the only difference that it makes is to allow me to have a REServe (shorter intake) or regular ON (longer intake). The petcock body has a gasket that seals it to the tank, so the tube doesn't make a difference that way, so far as I can tell.

[robertbarr]

If it's an interference fit that no longer requires any force, try galling the male end with pliers. The raised tooth marks will help reestablish an interference.

It's been a long time since I've had a petcock apart, so I don't really recall what that riser tube is made of. I kind of recall it being nylon... not sure though.

[chef1366]

Plastic and mesh of some sort.
Don't run your bike without the petcock filter!

[froldt]

Plastic and mesh of some sort.
Don't run your bike without the petcock filter!

Ahh... filter. See, knew there was a reason for it being there! Thanks!

If it's an interference fit that no longer requires any force, try galling the male end with pliers. The raised tooth marks will help reestablish an interference.

Yeah, it's some sort of plastic. I'll give this a try, that should work.