Petcock replacement

[GSJake]

The petcock on my 80 gs850gl is cracking and needs to be fixed. Do the rebuild kits i have been finding on Ebay actually work? Or do i need to buy a new one for $70?

[rapidray]

I have had good luck with the rebuild kits from K&L Supply. I have never had one fail or not work like it was supposed to. Ray.

[Nessism]

Z1 Enterprises sells a 1980 petcock for $42.25 http://z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2636
I recommend you get one and don't fiddle with iffy rebuild kits that may or may not fix the problem.

[GSJake]

do these kits come with a new filter thingy? because that is the only thing wrong with mine is that filter is breaking down.

[Nessism]

do these kits come with a new filter thingy? because that is the only thing wrong with mine is that filter is breaking down.

"these" kits don't have the "thingy", but "those" kits do!

Seriously, the filter screen does not come with any rebuild kit I've ever seen.

[GSJake]

thats lame. So i guess i need to buy a whole new petcock for the filter?
or can i just do away with it and get an inline filter?

[GSJake]

........??

[Nessism]

First of all, petcock rebuild kits do not always work, and many of the knowledgeble members here recommend against them. I think the reason relates to internal corrosion causing deterioration of the metal. For less than $50 you can have a brand new petcock and never have to think about the issue again.

[LarryA_Texas]

filter

thats lame. So i guess i need to buy a whole new petcock for the filter?
or can i just do away with it and get an inline filter?

The internal filter is expensive. If it's cracked you should use it so the reserve position still works, but add an inline filter. Don't just toss it, or you'll never stand-pipe necessary to make run/reserve work.

I have rebuilt several with the kit and it's always worked for me. But if you have the cash a new one for $50 sounds reasonable.

[FunRide]

Kit

I recently bought a petcock rebuild kit from a guy on ebay (georgefix) for $23 inc shipping. I put it on just yesterday and it fit fine. The tag on it said made in Japan. My bike was running a little rough every now and then so I decided to get me a petcock kit and I also purchased two new Float valves for my bike from some other website (carbkitscapital.com). I turned her on after the service and the bike is running better than before. Not sure which one did the trick but they both needed to be replaced any way.

The petcock kit does not come with a screen but I would just get me an inline filter in your situation first. If that gives you problems, go with the new petcock. $42 plus shipping is not bad for a new petcock.

[Giblet]

This isn't the most popular fix but, here I go again. Get yourself a Pingle petcock. 5 years on the one I have now, on the second bike. Buy it, install it & forget it. I went the new vacuum petcock route, then the kit route. Pingle is the more expensive option but, worth it in my opinion. I commute most days on the GS so I'm flowing at least 2 gallons a day and have had no leak issues.