GS850G petcock options

[sacruickshank]

The "ON" position of my original petcock is leaking badly and I prefer the simpler non-vacuum style petcocks.
1. Can the existing petcock be rebuilt and converted to non-vacuum, maintaining the RES function?
2. If not, are there any bolt hole compatible options? I measure the c-c distance at 43mm, but some petcocks have 1-2mm of slack from slightly larger mounting holes. They can't extend too far below the tank, else they will interfere with the airbox. I've used aftermarket options for Yamaha XS650 before, but the clearance may be an issue with those.

I did scan Bike Cliff's website and did a quick Forum search, but didn't find an obvious "How to" article.

Any suggestions?

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

1. Not that I know of. Though running the tap on PRIme, would do essentially that. Problem is, you have to then remember to switch it to RES after a ride, since the ON position leaks, and leaving on PRI is likely to fill your crankcase with fuel. (the float needles/seats cannot be counted on to stop a constant flow of gas, even if they are in good shape.).
2. There may be, Pingel is the only real choice I know of. It's a non-vac tap w/ on/off. Not sure if any have a reserve. You buy an adapter plate depending on the bolt hole spacing. This very well my not be an option for your height limitation. I truly do knot know.
3. You could buy a year/model-specific repro tap from georgefixs.com that are as good as OEM, from what I've read. This may be the one for your bike. Not sure. It states the hole spacing as 44mm. https://www.georgefixs.com/brand-ne...s550-gs650-gs750-gs850-gs1000-gs1100-petcock/
You could have a look around the site anyway.

 

[rphillips]

No guarantees, but if the Suzuki petcock is like a Honda petcock I had that was leaking, there is an "O" ring behind the lever that seals fuel from leaking. Took my old leaking "O" ring out and to an "O" ring supplier who measured it and gave me a compatible replacement.

 

[Steve]

You can try a rebuild kit, but the success rate on those seems to be about 10-15%.

I have purchased more than one from the link that Rich suggested in post #2, all of them have worked well.

Personally, I LIKE the vacuum-style petcocks. I never had enough experience with a manual one to get into the habit of turning it ON and OFF manually, so I appreciate the bike doing it for me.

.

 

[sacruickshank]

1. Not that I know of. Though running the tap on PRIme, would do essentially that. Problem is, you have to then remember to switch it to RES after a ride, since the ON position leaks, and leaving on PRI is likely to fill your crankcase with fuel. (the float needles/seats cannot be counted on to stop a constant flow of gas, even if they are in good shape.).
2. There may be, Pingel is the only real choice I know of. It's a non-vac tap w/ on/off. Not sure if any have a reserve. You buy an adapter plate depending on the bolt hole spacing. This very well my not be an option for your height limitation. I truly do knot know.
3. You could buy a year/model-specific repro tap from georgefixs.com that are as good as OEM, from what I've read. This may be the one for your bike. Not sure. It states the hole spacing as 44mm. https://www.georgefixs.com/brand-ne...s550-gs650-gs750-gs850-gs1000-gs1100-petcock/
You could have a look around the site anyway.

Re: #1, from past experience on other bikes, if you do that you'll either lose the RES option or it will always be on RES. I'm hoping to kill the vacuum, but keep the RES and ON. We'll see if that's possible.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Good luck. Be sure to check back and let us know how you make out.

 

[1978GS750E]

Maybe do something like this? Not a Suzuki petcock but same principle maybe?
https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/...um-petcock-into-a-manual-petcock-really-easy/