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Petcock problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter demark
  • Start date Start date
D

demark

Guest
Long story, short:

The petcock on my 1980 GS1100E failed in some manner and dumped a huge amount of gas into the carbs, air box, and case. The bigger issue is that this happened over the course of two weeks and three different trips, averaging about 30 miles each. During a stop on the last trip, I discovered gas dripping from the #3 carb boot and the #3 exhaust header.

So, I guessing that I had gas in the oil.

Which leads to the following questions:

(1) Proper procedure is to change the oil and filter at least once ... is there other damage I should be on the lookout for?

(2) I'd like to get a new petcock - one with a lever arm (instead of using a screwdriver) and a reserve. Since I am looking for one that is vacuum actuated, does this mean I am looking for a "dual port" model?

Thanks,
- Tony
 
If you want to be really thorough about it, get some cheap oil, your regular oil, and two filters. Change the oil and filter, fill with the cheap stuff. Go for a ride of 50 to 100 miles, change oil and filter again, putting in your regular stuff this time. Depending on how hard you were running with the thinned-out oil, any damage done should be rather minimal.

Replacing the petcock? Why not just order a stock one? I am not intimately familiar with your model bike, but it seems to me that most of the bikes in that era had the type petcock you are looking for. If your bike happens to be different, look at another model that will bolt in to the tank.


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I tried writing to this guy on Ebay but he doesn't return emails. The petcock he lists doesn't fit my bike. I tried his rebuild kit and it didn't solve my leak.
 
Steve said:
Replacing the petcock? Why not just order a stock one?
Click to expand...

Two reasons:

(1) My petcock requires a screwdriver to operate (a real PITA)
(2) I have no "reserve" setting since my bike has a fuel gauge. It's not really a gauge as much as an estimated guess. I'd much rather have a reserve.

Thanks,
- Tony
 
If you got a gas drip then your problem is a leaking float valve and not the petcock. The petcock can stop gas flow to the carb's but does not control the level in the carbs. You've got a stuck float, a bad needle and/or seat or debris keeping the needle from closing.
 
I guess I was not clear, the leak is from the petcock not the carbs.
 
jeeptrix said:
I guess I was not clear, the leak is from the petcock not the carbs.
Click to expand...
So, the diaphragm is leaking into the vacuum line, causing the problem and that is why you want it replaced?

My bike has the same petcock as yours also. Mine has also recently started to leak, so will be interested to know what you finally end up with.
 
Actually fuel flows out no matter what position the level is in. When on the bike it leaks. What a lousy design. My Valkyrie never had this problem.

Anyone want to buy a almost fully restored GS?
 
jeeptrix said:
Actually fuel flows out no matter what position the level is in. When on the bike it leaks. What a lousy design. My Valkyrie never had this problem.

Anyone want to buy a almost fully restored GS?
Click to expand...

It won't if the petcock is working properly. If yours is letting fuel out through the prime pos. (bike off) great If it lets fuel out in the run or reserve pos. with the bike off, you need a new petckock.
Great design, when the bike is off, there is no fuel pressure on the needle and seat. Great design!
 
Order a replacement stock petcock from your favorite Suzuki parts supplier. Like http://flatoutmotorcycles.com/ . If CRC2 stocks the petcock for your model, they are also an excellent supplier. They're usually $40 - $60.

Suzuki petcocks are quite reliable, but they don't last forever. Bolt on a new one so you can forget about this particular problem for another 20+ years.

The rebuild kits quite often do not contain the correct parts, or contain low-quality junk. Don't waste your time and money screwing around with trying to make mickey mouse repairs to an inexpensive safety-critical component.

I don't know if there is a petcock model with a reserve handle that fits the handle-less bikes. I agree that was a stupid design, but I don't know if you have any alternatives.
 
bwringer said:
The rebuild kits quite often do not contain the correct parts, or contain low-quality junk. Don't waste your time and money screwing around with trying to make mickey mouse repairs to an inexpensive safety-critical component.
Click to expand...

One of the most honest statements you'll ever read!!
 
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