I have just recieved an 1980 gs1100lt with no owners manual or instructions, the petcock is like none i have seen before, there is no on/off valve just some plastic part inside where the valve should be, is this broken or is it supposed to be that way, if so how does it work?
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It is supposed to be that way. 99% if not 100% of 1980 Suzuki GS's had a vacuum operated petcock. Suzuki went back to the "standard" design in 1981. A lot of people say they've had lots of trouble with these petcocks, but my 1980 GS550L has never been problematic and I'm quite sure it has the original factory installed unit.
You CAN use a screwdriver to set it to a PRI (prime) position if you need to, but I've forgotten offhand which position that is ... vertical or horizontal. Somebody should be along shortly to answer that question for you.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your GS!!
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The 1980 GS bikes have a vacuum operated petcock as OE. There are three positions, On, Reserve and PR(ime). Gas will not flow without vaccuum in On and Reserve, and will flow without vacuum in Prime. Someone has probably installed an aftermarket petcock. If you have a way to post pictures on the web, you can link to them here then if we can see what you have, we may be able to help.
I used a 1979 GS1000 petcock on my GS450 as the stock petcock began to leak in the diaphragm area and two of the aftermarket petcock rebuild kits I tried failed in a very short time. Found it on eBay for cheap, around $30 iirc.Comment
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@Ian- I don't think there is a reserve. Just On and Prime. That's why they put a totally reliable fuel gauge in the dash.Current Rides: 1980 Suzuki GS1000ET, 2006 H-D Fatboy, 2021 BMW K1600BComment
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Up and down is prime. (You still need vacuum to activate but not at a constant) Back and forth is run. If it isn't any good I replaced mine from a guy off Fleabay named georgefix.Comment
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So ... just what is 'standard'? My son used to have an '81 450, we currently have an '82 650 and an '82 850 here now, they all have vacuum petcocks. It is my impression that virtually all GSs left the factory with a vacuum-operated petcock.
I think the issue here is whether there is a lever you can turn with your fingers or if a screwdriver is needed.
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mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
#1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
#2 son: 1980 GS1000G
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If it's like the one I just put in....then up and down is on, arrow pointed to right is prime, and arrow pointed to left is reserve.Comment
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