Petcock leak NO MORE

[Nessism]

But the point, perhaps, is that the "source of the problem" is a leaky petcock...not stuck or worn float valves, as some would have us believe.

The petcock has to work all the time. Get used to it.

S.

Ok, I accept that the float needles and seats may leak a little (although they shouldn't) so we need to focus on the petcock. Adding a manual valve as a supplement won't hurt but it should NOT be used as the primary means of controlling the problem. Fix the leaking petcock problem as the first course of action, and add the valve for peace of mind if that helps you sleep better. Happy?

[Zook]

You could completely remove the petcock and replace it with a piece of fuel line...IF the needles and seats don't leak.
The only way to find out if the seats leak is to have a bad petcock, right?

The properly functioning petcock masks the carb problem.

The fix?

Carbs that have properly functioning needles/seats. Then a petcock that doesn't leak.

The $3.50 B&S valve works like a dream.

And Dell'orto carbs don't have leaky needles and seats.

[sefu]

I'll take ghetto

the question was do you buy a $70 petcock or just replace it with a $3.50 in line valve. Well partner give me the $3.50 ghetto fix and I'll put the $66.50 in my ghetto pockets. Some of us can waste money like that, and some of us can't. I love to ride but sometimes when fixing things these prices are just off the hoos-nok, as we say in the ghetto. I love it everytime I can fix something for those ghetto prices. Goes to show the Stealers and engineers don't have it all worked out. I have that petcock leaking problem and my Stealer wanted $90 for a new petcock but now I guess I'll get to keep the other $86.50 in my pocket cause I'm going to get that ghetto fix.

[49er]

The fix?

Carbs that have properly functioning needles/seats. Then a petcock that doesn't leak.

The $3.50 B&S valve works like a dream.

And Dell'orto carbs don't have leaky needles and seats.[/quote]

All carb needles and seats will eventually wear/leak, even Dellorto's. In race configuration, they are often fitted to highly modified engines with lumpy cams. These engines are hard on seats and needles at idle and just above.

Seems that most of us prefer to ride, leaving the maintenance for tomorrow!! It is that mind frame that may cause us to forget to switch off a manual fuel valve.

3 weeks for a new set of K&L needles to leak. Gee, some people have all the bad luck!!

[Zook]

Yes, Dell'Ortos will EVENTUALLY wear out and leak but mine are 20 years old and never leak. In fact both my bikes are that old and no problems.
Yet my Concours was les than 5 years old when they went bad and the engine hydrolocked. Check the Concours message boards the problem is very bad with those bikes. And K&L needles wouldn't fix it. Got the OEMs and the problem went away.
I never worry about the Guzzis leaking or hydrolocking. Never heard of one doing it, either.
Meanwhile I bought a GS last fall...yep, the engine was full of gas.