Which Petcock to choose?

**Guest** · 09-20-2009, 06:57 PM

I believe either one will fit, verify the mounting holes on your fuel tank are spaced 44 mm (1.732" center-to-center) apart.

As the Z1 write up says, the 4358 will "run out of fuel sooner" but the up-side is your reserve is bigger because of the that.

Those "L" tanks are smaller than the other models, so it's your choice:

- Smaller effective fuel tank, more reserve... (4358)
- Larger effective fuel tank, less reserve... (4359)

Mike

**outlawfox13** · 09-20-2009, 08:17 PM

I got the 4358 and today ran out at 84 miles, and only took 2.7gal to fill. So the reserve is huge!! not sure how big my tank is though. I have an 81 750L.

**tlepac** · 09-20-2009, 11:18 PM

Sounds like I am going for the 4359 if it will fit my tank

Thanks guys

**BassCliff** · 09-21-2009, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by outlawfox13

I got the 4358 and today ran out at 84 miles, and only took 2.7gal to fill. So the reserve is huge!! not sure how big my tank is though. I have an 81 750L.

Hi,

Most "L" modes have a gas tank that holds only about 3.5 gallons. That leaves you about a gallon in reserve. Sounds about right.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

**tlepac** · 09-21-2009, 12:31 PM

Basscliff

Have you heard of many going to an E gas tank for that reason? Will it fit? Or are there other alternatives out there---esp non steel ones to remove the rust challenge. I think I may have gotten some from my tank even though I did Kreem it. Hard to know if you got all the possible rust areas and it only takes a teeny bit to be sending you back to the tutorial on your site for another rebuild!

Thanks for your thoughts

**tlepac** · 09-22-2009, 09:26 PM

Anyone have any input on this?

Hi guys

I cant be the only one with a rusty gas tank. Any body found any non steel tanks out there to swap for a GS 750 L. Maybe with a bit bigger size to it?

Thanks for any replies

**cdaniel0808** · 08-07-2011, 01:39 PM

Petcock Question

Does anyone know if the KL18-4358 petcock has the prime function? My stock 1980 GS550L petcock has not been opening once in a while. If I pull the vacuum hose off and suck on it the fuel begins to flow and I can drive again - no problem. Rather than rebuilding the petcock I'd like a new one with a prime function.

The stock petcock shows a pri position, but it doesn't let fuel flow unless it has a vacuum on it. Turning the slot in the petcock with a screwdriver actually doesn't do anything at all. It's really annoying to have to suck on the vacuum hose to get the bike to start when the gas dries out of the carbs (after not riding for 2 weeks or more).

Does the KL18-4358 petcock mount to the tank with the barbs for the gas line and vacuum line facing to the right or left when looking at the side of the tank?

Z1 Enterprises - Specializing in Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Parts, Including New Old Stock & Aftermarket Parts

http://www.z1enterprises.com/Petcock-vacuum-Suzuki-1715.aspx

Z1 Enterprises specializes in quality Motorcycle parts for Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha Classic Japanese motorcycles from the 1970's and 1980's.

**Steve** · 08-07-2011, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by cdaniel0808

Does anyone know if the KL18-4358 petcock has the prime function? My stock 1980 GS550L petcock has not been opening once in a while. If I pull the vacuum hose off and suck on it the fuel begins to flow and I can drive again - no problem. Rather than rebuilding the petcock I'd like a new one with a prime function.

The stock petcock shows a pri position, but it doesn't let fuel flow unless it has a vacuum on it. Turning the slot in the petcock with a screwdriver actually doesn't do anything at all. It's really annoying to have to suck on the vacuum hose to get the bike to start when the gas dries out of the carbs (after not riding for 2 weeks or more).

It only takes a brief puff of vacuum to get your petcock to PRIme.
Move it to the PRIme position, bump the starter, turn the key OFF while it PRImes.
Move the petcock back to the RUN position, start it, ride it.

No need to pull any hoses, just let your engine do the sucking to start the process.

.

**hampshirehog** · 08-07-2011, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by Steve

It only takes a brief puff of vacuum to get your petcock to PRIme.
Move it to the PRIme position, bump the starter, turn the key OFF while it PRImes.
Move the petcock back to the RUN position, start it, ride it.

No need to pull any hoses, just let your engine do the sucking to start the process.

.

...unless it's broken and the vacuum won't hold on prime (which is what goes wrong with the things).

The KL18-4358 tap won't fit as the mounting bolt spacing is wrong. In fact, the only 'standard' tap that'll fit your bike is what you've got on it already or fit an adaptor plate and the tap of your choosing.

**cdaniel0808** · 08-07-2011, 03:55 PM

oh, thanks! I didn't know that the prime worked like that. I thought that it should allow the gas to free flow even without turning over the engine. My petcock handle is broken off I think. It only has a small slot that I need to put a screwdriver in. Any ideas of what I can use for a handle?

I have a picture, but I'm not sure how to post it here.

**cowboyup3371** · 08-07-2011, 03:57 PM

Why don't you make your own thread in the GS Owners section and introduce yourself. Then, Basscliff will come by to give you the official welcome and give you a lot of links to valuable information.

**cdaniel0808** · 08-07-2011, 03:59 PM

Would it be possible to widen the holes in the KL18-4358 to fit my hole spacing. It's 44mm and I assume that is center to center. My bolts are about 51mm and so it's only 7mm or about 1/4" off. If I could reem out the untapped holes on the KL18 without getting into the seal, it would work, but I can find a picture of the KL18 that shows the seal pattern.

**cowboyup3371** · 08-07-2011, 04:05 PM

Cdaniel, why don't you post up a new thread instead of continuously hijacking this very old one. This way, the two issues are kept separate and easier to follow along.

**cdaniel0808** · 08-07-2011, 04:08 PM

Sorry about posting to this old thread. I just did a search and it came up. I'll try to start a new one and transfer the discussion over there.

Which Petcock to choose?

Which Petcock to choose?

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