gas in oil+questions

[Anonymous]

Seems I've got fuel in the oil.
Is a faulty petcock the only issue that can cause this?
Even though I have in line fuel filters, could the petcock still cause this problem? And if so, what are the considerations for replacing the stock petcock with a Pingel? Which Pingel (Pingle?) is appropriate for Old '83 (1983 gs1100l)? Where do I buy the replacement?
And if its not the petcock, what else could cause the problem?
Dang, I scheduled tomorrow off from work to take my first out of state ride in 2 years, and, well, you know the rest.
Comments?
Scott

[daveo]

You've actually got 2 problems, the gas is leaking past the petcock, then past the float needle valves in the carbs,and ending up in your oil

[Anonymous]

Does the float needle valve problem require an adjustment or parts replacement?
I'm surprised I'm having a carb issue, as they were gone thru a couple seasons ago, and fuel cleanliness has been absolutely maintained.
Scott

[chuckycheese]

Petcock

I think Dave is just right but I'll bet if you solve your petcock problem, that will take care of the whole thing. Do a search on the forum for "Pingel" and you'll find out more than you've ever wanted to know about how to switch petcocks, including part numbers, prices, places to buy them, etc.

[daveo]

Does the float needle valve problem require an adjustment or parts replacement?

They're non-adjustable and they can wear out, or get a groove in the needle where it meets the seat, it may only be one of them, it may also be a groove in the pin that the float pivots on, not letting the needle seat completely, you need to find out which is doing it and investigate the cause

[Billy Ricks]

Could be o-rings on the float valve seats too. Even if the petcock is leaking if the float assembly is in good order fuel flow should stop. One other way for fuel to reach the crankcase is through the vacuum line for the petcock. If the diaphram in the petcock has a hole in it fuel will enter through the vacuum line.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice, all. I decided I'd rebuild the petcock and go from there.
Anything tricky about that repair?
Scott

[Billy Ricks]

People make too much of replacing the stock petcock with a Pingle. Glad to see you're going to fix yours. I still have my original stock petcock. It's only given me grief once or twice since buying the bike new.

When you pull the parts out from the lever side be sure to pull everything straight out. There is a piece under the barrel valve with a loop of spring built into it that is easily mangled. The length of that piece determines if fuel will flow on prime or not. Too short and it will not flow, too long and fuel will flow no matter what position the lever is in. Test for proper length by putting the petcock on prime to see if fuel flows. Then return the petcock to run to see if fuel flow shuts off.

[Anonymous]

Billy,
Thanks for the advice. Your heads up is appreciated.
Can't wait to get the parts, and put the bike right.
*Then* I'll schedule another day off, and take that long ride I had planned.
Scott

[Anonymous]

People make too much of replacing the stock petcock with a Pingle. Glad to see you're going to fix yours. I still have my original stock petcock. It's only given me grief once or twice since buying the bike new.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Such a simple device and everyone seems to get frustrated and give up so easily.

I rebuilt mine and found the 0-ring on the plunger (in the kit) to be too small to adequately seal the fuel passage when vacuum goes away.
I went down to the local hardware store and bought a slightly larger (thicker) o-ring and my petcock works perfectly!

Pingels are for Harleys, not for Suzukis.
Who wants to turn their petcock to off every time they turn their machine off anyway.