Fed up !!

[Guest]

Ok here is the deal. I put my bike up last October with it having no issues what so ever. I get it out this spring to find that it is leaking gas from the petcock where it meets the tank. I took the petcock off and cleaned the mounting surface ( it is bare metal now from where the gas ate it away) it was good for a couple of days then started leaking again, so I ordered another gasket (o-ring) and some new washers for the screws. The leak stopped for a couple more days then started again.

Just last Friday I replaced the Petcock ( even though the one on there was just replaced last spring) and the gas cap. The leak stopped for a couple more days but is now leaking again.I am at a loss as to what is causing the leaks to keep happening. So far I have been able to ride a total of 2 days. If I cant get the leak stopped within the next week or two I am just going to put the bike up for sale to afford buying a newer one that I can get out and enjoy.

I really don't mind throwing money into these old bikes but when I'm doing more spending than I am riding thats when I start getting annoyed. If anyone has any good solutions I am all ears. All I want to do is ride.....

Thanks in advance

[Big Rich]

Have you tried a thin layer of Blue Hylomar (or however it's spelled)? I used it on my Pingel petcock and haven't had any problems at all.

[Guest]

No I haven't tried anything like that.

[rustybronco]

What shape are the petcock bolt sealing washers in?

# 4 in this drawing http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1982%20GS850G/23.gif

[SweetP]

Are there any signs of rust/corrosion allowing the fuel to seep through at all? Perhaps a small pin hole some where maybe?

[allojohn]

Had the same problem, I lightly greased the rubber gasket. Fixed.

[tom203]

[QUOTE=rustybronco;1674525]What shape are the petcock bolt sealing washers in?
/QUOTE]
Just go to local hardware store and ask for 1/4 inch sealing washers-maybe 30 cents each.

[TheCafeKid]

It's got new OEM sealing washers along with OEM bolts from Zook. He's replaced everything that either he or I can think of and I'm just as stumped as he is.

[Dogma]

A carved-up old air box boot works disturbingly well as sealing washer. Make sure it's an old, hard one. Don't forget for two years that it was supposed to be temporary.

This might be a job for a smear of sealant to help the gasket. Gas is sneaky stuff, and will escape through tiny cuts in the seal or scratches in a sealing surface.

[Dogma]

It's got new OEM sealing washers along with OEM bolts from Zook. He's replaced everything that either he or I can think of and I'm just as stumped as he is.

It's not doing something crazy like running down from the fuel level sensor is it?

[rustybronco]

Check the sealing surface for flatness and for loosened paint allowing fuel to run between it and the metal of the tank. Check for a pinhole (pinholes?) in the tanks metal by applying a tracing powder like talcum in the general area. Check for a defect in the sealing surface of the petcock.

[Guest]

What shape are the petcock bolt sealing washers in?

# 4 in this drawing http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1982%20GS850G/23.gif

They are Brand new OEM. Second set this year.

[Guest]

It's not doing something crazy like running down from the fuel level sensor is it?

Lol no checked that too.

[Buffalo Bill]

Dogma and allojohn have the 2 best ideas.
As a plumber, I like the idea of some gasket sealer slop on those surfaces.

If you got all OEM stuff put in the right way, it's gotta be something else, or a detail you ain't found.

Could be one of the hoses is actually leaking.

No way I'd let a tiny thing like this get me stupid.

[1_v8_merc]

I RTVed the crap out of my petcock, going on 3 years now, not a drop.

Oem gasket is leaking? Why am I not surprised.