Petcock with off position?

[bwringer]

Well I went to a few different places online and found they were near $80, and since I'm in Canada I figured it would cost around $100 taxes in.

Oh, I see.

You might want to fill in your location so it shows up in your posts. There are sometimes some important differences between US and Canadian models, too. Maybe someone can point you to a better Canadian source for parts.

Z1 enterprises is located just across Lake Erie, and they have quite a bit of experience with shipping goodies into Canada. Might give them a call -- even if they can't source a cheaper aftermarket petcock, they can get Suzuki parts at pretty decent prices:

http://z1enterprises.com

You could also add an inline fuel valve from a lawn tractor as a cheap, low-rent, skanky bodge until you can pull together some cash to fix it right.

[MrZig]

Well the problem with adding a tractor on/off valve is that mine is still leaking. Argh.

I phoned the dealer and they want $96.07 for the pet cock. Owch. Anything I buy from the states I have to add another 20% from the dollar, plus shipping and customs so it won't be worth it.

Looks like I have to suck it up!

[tkent02]

Buy a good used one?
Not sure if it works in Canadia, but for shipping to Europe I have put "used auto parts being shipped for repair" on the box, they didn't have to pay anything.

[MrZig]

Buy a good used one?
Not sure if it works in Canadia, but for shipping to Europe I have put "used auto parts being shipped for repair" on the box, they didn't have to pay anything.

I don't want to buy a used one incase it decides to leak on me again or fail like mine did, heh.

Looks like I might just go and spend the dough on an OEM one. Just wish it didn't have that silly vacuum setup. Damn I hate vacuum actuated anything.

I've also thought about using a fuel cock from an old Honda 200cc trike we have, and somehow adapting it to use with the two screw holes in the fuel tank. Maybe make an adapter out of a block of aluminum or something.

[robertbarr]

Not to hijack, but does anyone know someone who has actually hydrolocked an engine this way? The only hydro lock i ever witnessed was a fool on an HD in Phoenix try to ride through a deep (too deep!)puddle...sucked a nice gulp of water through his pretty S&S aircleaner and EEEEERRP!

Yes, and I don't think it's all that rare. It happened twice with a 2001 Suzuki Bandit I bought last Thanksgiving. Same reason -- bum petcock, less-than-stellar fuel inlet seat / valve operation. Solution: replace both with OEM.

[MrZig]

You know what, I think I might try the TS250 cock. It uses the exact same mounting bolts, and I bet the spacing is the same as well.

Assuming it fit, would it flow as much fuel as the GS400's petcock? Or could it possibly starve the carbs?

Edit: Part comparison
TS250: http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-ts250-19...ist/86322.html
GS400: http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs400-x-...ist/91980.html

[Gimpdiggity]

Why exactly is yours still leaking even with the tractor valve put in place?? The tractor valve has a very clear on/off switch, and when it's in the off position there is no way that gas is going to be flowing through the valve.

[MrZig]

Why exactly is yours still leaking even with the tractor valve put in place?? The tractor valve has a very clear on/off switch, and when it's in the off position there is no way that gas is going to be flowing through the valve.

It's not leaking through the plumbing, it's leaking through the actual turning-knob-selector.

See the part to the immediate right of #2 in this picture: http://www.cmsnl.com/img/partslist/f...0046FIG-38.gif

I replaced the rubber seal around it and it slowed the leak down, but when I wiggle the selector it feels really loose. The screws are tight, too. Although I did round their heads off a bit. Basically gas is coming out of the front of it and dripping down.

Screw it, I'm not going to **** around and I'll just buy the OEM petcock for the 400. It should last as long as I own the bike and I know it was built for it.

[Gimpdiggity]

It's not leaking through the plumbing, it's leaking through the actual turning-knob-selector.

See the part to the immediate right of #2 in this picture: http://www.cmsnl.com/img/partslist/f...0046FIG-38.gif

I replaced the rubber seal around it and it slowed the leak down, but when I wiggle the selector it feels really loose. The screws are tight, too. Although I did round their heads off a bit. Basically gas is coming out of the front of it and dripping down.

Screw it, I'm not going to **** around and I'll just buy the OEM petcock for the 400. It should last as long as I own the bike and I know it was built for it.

Ah, I see.

I'd say it's time for a new one. I just got my GS, and even though I'm not sure if it NEEDS a new petcock, I'm ordering one for it anyways.

In my opinion, it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Spyder]

"Low-rent spanky bodge"... That's awsome, bwringer.

Anyway I just bought an nos in the suzuki box at a suzuki dealer in Youngstown Ohio, for 47.00, just 3 months ago.

unfortunately I'm still starving for fuel... I need a high flo after market.

besides the point! Do some more searching online...

[MrZig]

Okay so the question is whether to go with

A) 1978 GS400 Petcock http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs400-x-...ist/91980.html
or
B) 1980 GSX400 Petcock http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gsx400-1...st/FIG-49.html

They look like they mount the same, but otherwise look different. Would any one be more reliable than the other?

[makenzie71]

Mr Zig...get a late 90's (or compatible) RM250 petcock. You have on/off/reserve. No vacuum control and no doubts about when you turn the thing to "off". Also only about $20.

[makenzie71]

...wait, that's assuming the petcock for the GS400 has the same flange pattern as the 78 and 81 GS750's.

[MrZig]

...wait, that's assuming the petcock for the GS400 has the same flange pattern as the 78 and 81 GS750's.

Would the 250 petcock flow as much fuel as the 400 though? I wouldn't want to starve it for fuel at high rpm's/WOT.

And that's the thing, I can't be sure if it's the same flange. hmm.

[makenzie71]

Those 250's put down more power stock than your 400 has even the potential of creating...plus, petcocks don't really come in that many sizes. You'd be hard pressed to find one that wouldn't flow enough fuel for the biggest of the GS'.