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Petcock details

  • Thread starter Thread starter JStones
  • Start date Start date
J

JStones

Guest
I just reassembled the bike. Mine does not have the lever for the petcock. What direction is what? Is there anyway to tell without trial and error where Im currently at?
 
Assuming you have the lever-less 1980 petcock, there are two positions: On and Prime. There is a slot in the center of the petcock that can be turned with a small screwdriver. If you look close at the petcock there is a little mark for Prime. That petcock needs a pulse of vacuum before the prime will start to flow. 90 degrees to Prime is the regular running position - the petcock will flow any time there is vacuum pulling on the diaphragm.
 
Also worthy to note: that style of petcock has no RESERVE position. :eek:

Until you figure out the accuracy of your gauge, either carry some spare gas or have someone follow you with some. :o

.
 
I'm confused. If I spray a little carb spray the bike fires up and then obviously stops. I take the tank off and regardless how I turn the petcock nothing comes out. Prime it should come out right? So I disassembled and reassembled the petcock, interior seems good. Where am I going wrong? What do I need to check next?
 
You've got to check that tap to see if it works. The first test is (tap removed from tank), set the slot vertical ie to prime and suck on the vacuum pipe. You should hear the diapragm pop slightly as it moves. Then blow through the fuel line - it should be clear. Leave the tap for a couple of minutes and try and blow through the fuel line again - it should be clear. If you can't blow through the fuel line you need a new tap.

Next test is set the slot to run and again suck on the vacuum pipe. Place you finger over the vacuum pipe while it still has vacuum in there. Try and blow through the fuel line. Same as before - if it works fine, if not bin it.
 
Stuck. Need Help.

Stuck. Need Help.

Ok, I need a new petcock. Ive went to a ton of sites, entered 1980 Suzuki GS550L and there is 10 options. Most common is Universal Petcock. Any thoughts? I dont see like full assembly or anything. what do I essentially need?
 
JStones said:
I'm confused. If I spray a little carb spray the bike fires up and then obviously stops. I take the tank off and regardless how I turn the petcock nothing comes out. Prime it should come out right? So I disassembled and reassembled the petcock, interior seems good. Where am I going wrong? What do I need to check next?
Click to expand...

You need to apply vacuum to the vacuum ort on the retcock in order for it to open. Once you do it will remain open until it is placed inthe "RUN" or "ON" position. Then it will only open while there is vacuum on the vacuum port. The vacuum port is the smaller of the two tubes; the one that connects to the vacuum port on the #2 (2nd from left while sitting on the bike)carb.

If you must replace it I recommend using a stock replacement. It will fit the best and is less likely to leak.
 
Last edited:
Rudeman said:
You need to apply vacuum to the vacuum ort on the retcock in order for it to open. Once you do it will remain open until it is placed inthe "RUN" or "ON" position. Then it will only open while there is vacuum on the vacuum port. The vacuum port is the smaller of the two tubes; the one that connects to the vacuum port on the #2 (2nd from left while sitting on the bike)carb.

If you must replace it I recommend using a stock replacement. It will fit the best and is less likely to leak.
Click to expand...

This is correct; a pulse of vacuum is need to start the flow when on prime. I already mentioned this in the 3rd post in this thread but obviously, I'm being ignored...again.:-s
 
nessism

nessism

I hope you did not feel I was ignoring you. I did read your post earlier and was thankful for it. Im just not getting anything out of this petcock. I removed it and created vacuum and I am not getting flow. This bike hasnt been run in years. I figure its prolly just time to replace.
 
update - results

update - results

New petcock from Z1. Works great. Have new issues to sort out but petcock is not 1 of them. Thank you for everyones help.
 
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