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Swapping Vacuum petc0ck for non-vacuum - can it be done?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by mrtim123, Apr 20, 2011.

  1. mrtim123

    mrtim123 Member

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    Hi guys,

    i've spent the last few hours digging through old pages, but cannot find what im looking for. I found heaps and heaps of info on how to rebuild my vacuum tap though!

    What i want to do is to remove the vacuum petcock entirely and replace it with a standard on/off/res petc0ck. i am fairly sure some model XJ's have these fitted but will they swap straight over and bolt up? What are the models that have a non-vacuum tap?

    Cheers!

    Tim.
     
    mrtim123, Apr 20, 2011
    #1
  2. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Something like this would probably work for you: Generic petcock, or a proper non-vacuum XS650 one, but I'm going to ask the question: why?

    The vacuum actuated petcock is a safety feature. It shuts off fuel flow when the engine stops. Are you having that much difficulty getting the stock one to work correctly?
     
    SQLGuy, Apr 20, 2011
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  3. darkfibre

    darkfibre Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    I bought mine from Len at XJ4Ever (site sponsor)
     
    darkfibre, Apr 20, 2011
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  4. mrtim123

    mrtim123 Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Thanks for the quick replies guys. Yeah, i have always had issues with the leaky tap and its only ever been part of the vacuum assembly that has leaked. On all of my other bikes i turn the tap off when its not in use, so the safety aspect of it is null and void for me - ill just turn this one off too. Just wanted to know which tap it was that would fit.
     
    mrtim123, Apr 20, 2011
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  5. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Not quite what I meant about the safety feature. The point is to shut off fuel flow in case of a crash, so that it's not puddling out of the carb overflows after the bike's laid down and the engine's stopped.

    I seem to recall having some problems with the petcock on my XJ when I first bought it. I installed a new one from Yamaha and it gave me no trouble at all for the five years or so I ran it before switching to FI.

    The one on the GPz was sticky (not opening or closing well when vacuum was applied or removed), but after taking it apart and cleaning it with carb cleaner, it's been just fine.

    Cheers,
    Paul
     
    SQLGuy, Apr 20, 2011
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  6. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Having the Petcock Vacuum Operated is Insurance.
    But, a lot of those Policies have expired.

    The question is: "Can your Float Valves handle it?"

    If they're the Stock Factory Seat-set; the Float Needles might let you down, soon, and Flood.

    Special Order some Float Valve Pins that are:

    Spring-loaded with Viton Tips.

    Install a Ring near the Ignition Switch. Employ a Key Chain Quick-release Tether. Let freeing your Keys remind you to Shut-Off the Gas.
     
    RickCoMatic, Apr 20, 2011
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  7. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    You could always tie a knot in your hankey, Rick.
     
    wizard, Apr 20, 2011
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  8. BillB

    BillB Active Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    I switched to the manual petcock. It cost's about $15. I have no problems remembering to shut off the manual petcock after a run.
     
    BillB, Apr 20, 2011
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  9. mrtim123

    mrtim123 Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    yeah i wont have a problem shutting it off after a ride, i do it on all my other bikes. This is the first bike i have ever had that i could NOT turn the tap to the OFF position, so its always kinda bugged me tbh!

    I just needed to know which normal taps i could use to replace this vacuum powered device :) Looks like the XS650 tap is the go. Is this one a straight bolt up swap or are there some adjustments required?
     
    mrtim123, Apr 20, 2011
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  10. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    You can use the vac pet **** just block one passage with epoxy putty, I did mine over a year ago, no prob'.
     
    wizard, Apr 20, 2011
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  11. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Fitting the Manual Petc0ck to the Yamaha Tank may involve just mounting the new one.
    Installation Methods:
    1. Bolt-on
    2. Adapter Plate and Mount
    3. Resizing the Tank's Petc0ck Mounting Area

    If the Filter Tower is Round; you may need to enlarge the access hole.
    If the Mounting Holes don't line-up; you need an adapter.

    Some people just use a Round Tuit!

    http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_pa ... ucts_id=20
     
    RickCoMatic, Apr 20, 2011
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  12. BillB

    BillB Active Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    This is the actual petcock as it sits on my bike today.
    This one bolts straight up EXCEPT, I had to fab up a rubber gasket which
    was no big deal.


    [​IMG]
     
    BillB, Apr 20, 2011
    #12
  13. mrtim123

    mrtim123 Member

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    Re: Swapping Vacuum petcock for non-vacuum - can it be done?

    Thanks rick, i never thought i would get a round tuit ;)

    as dodgy as it sounds, i was thinking of sealing up the vacuum part with a quick-steel type product. Might just get me riding again this weekend at least :)
     
    mrtim123, Apr 20, 2011
    #13

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