1. Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

weird issue with Petcock and switching to Reserve

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Hotcakesman, Jun 18, 2014.

  1. Hotcakesman

    Hotcakesman Active Member

    Messages:
    387
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Dakota
    this is the second time it has happened to me
    I hit 85mph on my tripometer
    and then it starts to run terrible
    I switch to the reserve and it continues to run like crap
    when I painted the tank I had the petcock apart to make sure
    it was in good working order
    it was pristine
    should I replace it? or can I make a modification to the
    petcock where I cut down the tubes so that I do not
    have to switch to reserve in the first place?

    also both times this has happened
    I get excessive fuel in the 2nd cylinder
    enough to foul a plug wet
    but only after I switch to reserve

    I know the easy solution is never to have to switch the tank
    but let's be realistic

    thanks in advance for help and advice
     
  2. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

    Messages:
    420
    Likes Received:
    51
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Muncy, Pennsylvania
    85mph or 85 miles?

    If you are going to reserve in only 85 miles, you might want to check your float heights and float valves for proper operation. You are definitely burning more fuel than you should. Especially in the cylinder you are fouling. Also, smell your oil. Make sure that it doesn't smell of fuel.
     
  3. Hotcakesman

    Hotcakesman Active Member

    Messages:
    387
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Dakota
    the reason I am burning more fuel is due to the
    fact that most of the miles I am driving are about 70mph
    I am averaging 43 MpG
    the only issues are when I have to switch to reserve
    oil is good
     
  4. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

    Messages:
    1,878
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Saint Louis, Michigan
    How did the in-tank filter screen look when you had it out?

    There could be rust or sediment blocking the reserve side of your filter.
     
  5. Krafty

    Krafty Member

    Messages:
    211
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Point Clark ON
    if you remove the reserve feature then there goes your last line of defense against running out of fuel by mistake on the highway. I wouldn't recommend it. I've walked for gas enough times with 4 wheels to not want to leave my bike on the side of the road for someone to scoop up with a truck or trailer.
     
  6. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,140
    Likes Received:
    175
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Colorado Springs, Colorado USA
    Is the "second cylinder" the one with the petcock vacuum line attached to it? Is your petcock maybe feeding fuel down this line when you switch to reserve?
     
  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,613
    Likes Received:
    6,703
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    Today I rode just over 350 miles, 85% of which was at 70MPH. Every fill up I figure MPG. Today, evey stop, evey tankful; 50MPG. I was headed East. Winds were from the south, gusting to 35MPH. Your excessive fuel useage isn't due to the speed that you are traveling. Check your float levels.
     
  8. Hotcakesman

    Hotcakesman Active Member

    Messages:
    387
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Dakota
    Will check petcock for sediment
    as well as the line and float levels
    as for cutting the petcock down, I carry extra fuel
    in my saddlebags on any long trip
    as well as always keeping an eye on the fuel I have
    all good things to check
    thanks everyone
     

Share This Page