Help with a stiff cock

[Killer2600]

I got a '82 GS750E with a petcock that doesn't leak and works good but it's too damn hard to turn by hand and requires additional leverage to turn it. When I first got the bike the petcock was utilized so little (thanks in part to a fuel gauge and sitting) that the thing was frozen good even with 6" pliers. I've dismantled the petcock in effort to make it easy to turn by hand, something that comes in handy when you run out the main supply and didn't bother to bring "petcock" pliers. So question is "Is there some lube or something I should/can use to make the petcock turn nice and easy?"

[catfishk]

i find the spray-can lithium grease works great when mine gets stiff. i usually spray it on there and work it a few times back and forth

...

[Steve]

Nope, not gonna touch that one!

I have found that the operation of the petcock can be eased considerably by a good cleaning. What I found is that by removing the plate on the front that will allow the turning lever to come out, you can clean some of the corrosion off of there with a green ScotchBrite pad or some steel wool. I also used a brass wire wheel in my Dremel tool to clean out the petcock housing itself. I did not use any lube in there, not sure what might be compatible. I just re-assembled it and have enjoyed the "new" feel.

I first did this to a Kawasaki KZ1300 almost 30 years ago. When the bike was warm, I needed pliers to move the petcock. After cleaning, it had a nice, firm feel, but could be moved with fingertips. \\/


.

[jetta90]

oh boy.......................this should be good.

[chef1366]

UHHHHHHHHHHHHHH





KY?:shock:

[rustybronco]

Generally it signifies that it's dead, so if it hasn't been more than about 12 hours may I suggest 3-4 quarts of water, celery, onion, carrots, chicken stock and some noodles...

[koolaid_kid]

I have found that the operation of the petcock can be eased considerably by a good cleaning. What I found is that by removing the plate on the front that will allow the turning lever to come out, you can clean some of the corrosion off of there with a green ScotchBrite pad or some steel wool. I also used a brass wire wheel in my Dremel tool to clean out the petcock housing itself. I did not use any lube in there, not sure what might be compatible. I just re-assembled it and have enjoyed the "new" feel.

Steve, can you do this while fuel is in the tank?

[DimitriT]

The rubber washers in there get dirty. I just clean em off and rub in some armorall. That helps preserve them and also makes them a little slippery.

[Steve]

Steve, can you do this while fuel is in the tank?

Only if the level is low and you tip the tank so it does not run out the now un-controlled outlet. :shock:

It's not that hard to drain the tank. Makes the job easier and a bit safer. I always have a gas can around for the lawn mower, and it's almost never full, so I just drain into that, then use it to refill the tank when I'm done.


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[argonsagas]

Generally it signifies that it's dead, so if it hasn't been more than about 12 hours may I suggest 3-4 quarts of water, celery, onion, carrots, chicken stock and some noodles...

And do not overlook the necessity of plucking it.:-D

[rustybronco]

And a little propane torch to singe the hairs off.

[Jethro]

So I put my stiff cock in a pot of boiling water and chicken stock and jezuz christmas now it may never move again. I don't think any liquid will pass through it ever again, and my o-ring shrunk up beyond belief. Whoever suggested that- thanks for nothing- my cock is now broken.

[Red Rocket GS1100]

I had the same problem

I just had my wife work it a bit. Now it's back to normal. :shock:

[catfishk]

we should amend the 'How To Get Lots Of Responses To Questions'... this forum is great fun sometimes

[emjay]

So I put my stiff cock in a pot of boiling water and chicken stock and jezuz christmas now it may never move again. I don't think any liquid will pass through it ever again, and my o-ring shrunk up beyond belief. Whoever suggested that- thanks for nothing- my cock is now broken.

I did the same thing and OWWWWW, that KILLS! I heard somewhere that milk is good for burns so I tried dipping it in a glass of milk. My wife walked in on me and said "I always wondered how you loaded that thing!" :-D