80 gs850L How does the petcock supposed to work?

[jdvorchak]

As the title says. Anyone know how that thing is supposed to work? It looks like they only put that thing on the 80 model. It has no selector lever but has a flat blade screwdriver slot. From what I gather there is no "on" or reserve only on or prime. But it's not clear to me where the prime position is. That screw on mine turns rather easily. The PO had an inline petcock installed and it works but I'd like to see if I can take this one apart and get it back to working condition. Good news it doesn't leak!

[chuck hahn]

I believe if the slot is verticle that the prime position. Youll b ump the starter for a few roll overs and stop so the diaphrams opened and it will prime the carbs. may need to do this a few times. Horizontal is the run position for normal driving.

[Nessism]

In order for the prime to work the check valve in the back cover must be functional. Be sure to check it when you pull the petcock apart. The check valve is a weak spot on that petcock.

[jdvorchak]

Thank you. I've been looking for an exploded diagram of that petcock and can't seem to find one. No matter. I'm sure I'll figure it out when I get it off the fuel tank and apart on the bench.

[Who Dat?]

The reason you can't find any exploded diagrams is because the success rate is rather low at rebuilding them, especially with aftermarket rebuild kits. If it's simply a matter of having a stuck valve inside, you might be able to free it up and get it working properly, but if it has, indeed, failed, you will be better off getting a new one, not a rebuild kit.

[jdvorchak]

If I can't fix it then can I at least use a conventional type like on my 81 GS850G? I'll have to measure it up and I do have the one on my G to try I guess.

[Who Dat?]

Sorry, but that is the only one that will fit.

The location of the petcock requires a shorter unit and the bolt spacing is different.

[Guest]

I've been down that road with my 850L.

Rebuilt the petcock. Failed.

Bought a second hand unit. Failed.

Bought a new unit at a good price. Happy days.

Good luck to you if you want go ahead and repair your unit but they are notoriously difficult to repair and the results could be an engine filled with petrol. Happened to me.

Here is some information if it helps.

[Guest]

Been down that road as well for an 81L. Bought a rebuild kit and then went for a new one. Try Z1 Enterprizes. I had to enlarge the mounting holes a bit to get it to fit as it was not an OEM petcock.

[hampshirehog]

I've been down that road with my 850L.

Rebuilt the petcock. Failed.

Bought a second hand unit. Failed.

Bought a new unit at a good price. Happy days.

Good luck to you if you want go ahead and repair your unit but they are notoriously difficult to repair and the results could be an engine filled with petrol. Happened to me.

Here is some information if it helps.

Plus one. This tap is in my view not rebuildable and new ones don't cost much more than the repair kits anyway.

[tom203]

Skip the petcock fiddling and get new for $50 - gas in crankcase oil is bad news

http://www.georgefixs.com/1980-gs550-gs750-gs850-gs1000-gs1100-petcock/

[jdvorchak]

Found this on eBay and it looks like aftermarket not OEM.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-81-suzuki-gs1100-gs1000-gs850-gs750-gs550-fuel-gas-PETCOCK-gasket-pet-cock-/351621290343?hash=item51de431967:g:FNgAAOSwYIhWiLO-&vxp=mtr

Found this OEM at twice the price but know it will work.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS550-GS750-GS850-GS1000-GS1100-GAS-FUEL-TANK-VALVE-PETCOCK-GS-/131612357255?hash=item1ea4b53287:g:pJcAAOxy2CZTYt24&vxp=mtr

So Georgefixes looks like the best deal.

[Nessism]

I bought a Georgefix petcock and the diaphragm in the back cover didn't work so the prime function didn't either. Bought an OEM petcock after that and all is well. The Georgefix petcock looks virtually identical to the OEM Suzuki version. Might even be from the same supplier, not sure. At any rate, I got sick of taking chances so paid the extra for the Suzuki part.

[Guest]

There ought to be a 'sticky' regarding the infamous '80 petcock. There are hundreds of posts that discuss it but it still comes up regularly.

[Nessism]

There ought to be a 'sticky' regarding the infamous '80 petcock. There are hundreds of posts that discuss it but it still comes up regularly.

You can make the same argument about most posts in the technical forums around here. The archives is a wealth of information.

What we need is a sticky about how to search.