Correct petcock for 1980 550e ?

[oldpara]

I've been reading these post for a few years now gaining some knowlege about the GS bikes. I have a 1980 550E and a 1981 1100E.
You guys have an incredable amount of knowlege about these bikes and I really need to get a definitive answer.
I've been laboring with this in my mind for a couple of years now.
I have a 1980 550E, the poor thing had a leaky petcock so I took it to a local vintage MC shop and asked to have it fixed.
They fixed it.
After they fixed it I noticed the petcock and hoses looked different, but I didn't/don't know the difference so I dismissed it.
Starting the bike is mildly stressful in that it fires fine but starts very
s l o w l y, finally building up speed and running normally.
Once running it runs smooth, no hesitations, good throttle reponse.
The petcock on the bike now has no prime just run and reserve.
Recently I thought perhaps the wrong petcock was put on and is not working properly on a vacum system.
So I ordered a suzuki petcock ( 1980 550E ) from Cycle Design part no. 44300 49172.
I recieved the part today and lo and behold it has only 2 positions, no prime.
Do I have the correct petcock for this bike? And if not do es anyone know the correct part number?
Thanks

[Larry D]

You sir, have the dreaded '80 petcock. As far as I know all of the '80 bikes had them. There is no prime. Do a search for "dreaded petcock" or "80 petcock" there's a bunch of threads about it.

[scott]

I believe you have the correct part. I just replaced the petcock on my 1980 GS550E with the same part (44300-49172).

It does have a prime - just not as easy to use. The prime is the gold/brass screw. Loosening the screw causes the fuel to flow without the vacuum.

[cmn1771]

I believe you have the correct part. I just replaced the petcock on my 1980 GS550E with the same part (44300-49172).

It does have a prime - just not as easy to use. The prime is the gold/brass screw. Loosening the screw causes the fuel to flow without the vacuum.

yep. same as mine. 1980 gs550e.

[oldpara]

Well, thankyou gentlemen !
I'll look to see if the petcock on the bike now, is like the one I just recieved. Now I may have a brand new part I don't really need.
Damn dreaded 80 petcock..........
even so, everytime I get on this forum I learn something.
Can't say that about everything I do

Thanks again

[Nessism]

The 1980 550E is the only bike I've seen with that style petcock. I suppose it came on other bikes too but most 1980 GS bikes received the lever less petcock I suspect Larry was referring too.

[Steve]

You sir, have the dreaded '80 petcock. As far as I know all of the '80 bikes had them. There is no prime. Do a search for "dreaded petcock" or "80 petcock" there's a bunch of threads about it.

The 1980 550E is the only bike I've seen with that style petcock. I suppose it came on other bikes too but most 1980 GS bikes received the lever less petcock I suspect Larry was referring too.

Not sure about the 1000G, but my 850G has a "normal" petcock.



.

[Larry D]

Yes, the leverless one is the one I thought he had, Ed.

I've never seen one with a brass screw PRI.....

I learn something new here all the time too.

[oldpara]

My 81 1100e has a normal (prime) petcock, works like a charm.
I looked again at the petcock that was fixed/replaced on the 550 and it has no prime and no brass screw for prime so the new one I just recieved with the brass screw prime will hopefully work better.

again thanks !