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Leaky Petcock - A Simple Solution?

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by johno8, Oct 8, 2007.

  1. johno8

    johno8 Member

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    Has anyone thought of just adding an inline fuel shutoff to the hose coming from the tank? This way when you shut off the flow, even with a leaky petcock, the gas would not get down to the carbs. I'm a new Maxim-X owner customizing a basketcase and just wanted to know if this idea would work. Awesome site and well worth joining. I bought the XJCDs as well and they are the best $10 deal anywhere! :D
     
  2. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    That idea's been floated many times as a replacement for the affected petcock, rather than in addition to it. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I'd rather fix the leak so it works the way it's supposed to.
     
  3. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    It would be "pretty simple" temporary fix if you happen to have a 1/4" valve in your right pocket.
    ....wait I DO....
    but my petcock no leak
    the floats, in theory, should keep the fuel from overflowing.
    keep in mind the floats have to be working correctly

    I think that an inline filter is a better use of time, but ehh.
    Oh...welcome to the site, its XJ'alicious!!
     
  4. johno8

    johno8 Member

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    Hmmm...how about a 1/4" valve with a replaceable filter?? :lol: I can get into this too eh? Thanks for the feedback guys, don't know if mine is leaky, but once the tank is paintd and on the bike, I'll find out. I took it apart and cleaned it, but that was all. Everything looked ok.
     
  5. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    It's actually not a bad idea ... now, is it?

    The up side is: Inexpensive fix with positive results.

    The down side: Gee ... I'm having a tough time coming-up with a down-side.
    It shuts off the Gas ... you don't have to worry about the leak-by contaminating your Oil with overflow gas.

    I imagine the Part is so cheap compared to Yamaha Dealer Parts you could afford a dozen.

    So, if you decide to buy a dozen ... send me two. I have me and a friend in New Hampshire that would buy cheap insurance, any time!
     
  6. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    How about having to remember to manually shut the blasted thing off every single time you kill the engine? Consider this as well: if it was such a GREAT idea, why didn't Yamaha spare themselves the expense and aggravation of developing and installing a vacuum-operated device, and install a manually operated one in the first place?
     
  7. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    They did ...
    25 Years ago.
    Now ... a handful of the OEM's are leaking by.

    You can do the kit.
    You can do the New Petcock.
    You can Jury-Rig a shut-off.

    Depends on the Money you want to spend and the aggravation you want to suffer.

    I'm through rebuilding them.
    They last 25-years.
    I'm popping for a new one.
     
  8. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

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    My 2¢ worth...

    Prime Line has an 1/4" inline fuel shut-off valve, part number 7-02324-1, available.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    If that's all it takes to solve the problem of having Gasoline leak-by the Petcock and either overflow ... causing a fire hazard ... or, contaminate the supply in the engine sump ... I endorse its use without hesitation.

    I realize how these Petcocks are becoming more and more unreliable with age. Although ... 25-Years is a Loooong time to ask a Fuel Valve to perform flawlessly.

    I guess you have to do what you think will be the right thing for you.
    Not remembering to turn it on will make you stall.
    There are times when stalling would not be a good thing to happen.

    The other side of the coin ... having a contaminated supply of oil is a real bummer ...

    Right?
     
  10. Big_Ross

    Big_Ross Member

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    I hate to sound like some toothless old-timer rocking on a porch somewhere, but back in the "good old days" we always had to turn off our fuel taps and we always did. Soldered brass shim floats had a remarkable ability to vibrate apart and sink, and the bakelite jobs weren't much better. (Boy, there's a job I don't miss-soldering up floats.)
    Turning the tap on and off became second nature, like kicking your sidestand down, or shaking the bike and listening to the sound to work out how much petrol you had. Similarly, when you pulled into a petrol station the first thing you did was change out of "Reserve".
    Many new "advances" are simply marketing ploys. Remember rotary gearboxes (You could change from sixth to first in an instant-very useful on the highway!) retractable headlights, "Ram-Air" fins, gear indicators, piston position indicators (If you need that you shouldn't have a single!) and those absurd oil windows that replaced dipsticks.
    Sure, there have been some great advances, but all too often at the expense of weight and complexity.
     
  11. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    The in-line fule cut-off valves are easy to install, and do the job, and takes about one or two "problem episodes" of forgetfullness to remember to always turn them off or on! Here they are:


    HCP764 Aftermarket On-Off inline fuel valve, for 1/4" ID fuel line. Short, small, compact, it (almost) easily fits on these crowded XJ bike fuel lines. NOTE: it may be necessary to buy a longer fuel line to properly locate this valve on some models.
    $ 11.95


    You'll need an extra pair of fuel line scissors clamps to install this onto your original fuel line:


    HCP2945 OEM Fuel Line Hose Pinch Clamp, each.
    $ 0.60



    The original Yamha "automatic" petcocks are the greatest thing since pop-top beer as long as they are performing correctly. They can be rebuilt successfully if proper procedures are followed.
     
  12. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    it does seem like a quick/cheap fix.
    As most of the pros here will suggest...

    ADD AN INLINE FILTER WHILE YOU ARE UNDER THE TANK!!!!!!!!

    looks like a few bucks for some fuel related insurance, might want to take that policy out;)

    -a 2 dollar investment for some clear fuel line
    -a 10 buck investment in a cut off valve
    -a 3-4 asset we like to call INLINE FILTER

    ...priceless, buy more stuff w/ your mastercard...
     
  13. johno8

    johno8 Member

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    I'll use my Visa...your solution sounds like great insurance to me..do you also do motorbike insurance??
     
  14. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    At this juncture ... an Inline Fuel Filter is a MUST.
    Not only because the Gas Tank on the Bike is ages old and deterioration inside more than just possible.

    The Fuel Supplied at the Pump is suspect for Contamination. Several Members, this writer included, got gas with heavy particulate comtamination at least once.

    The Filter Tower on the Petcocks like to shrink and jump-out of the base. The whole sustem is vulnerable iif NO Filter what-so-ever is present.
     
  15. johno8

    johno8 Member

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    Rick..I read you loud and clear. I've already bought a filter anyway, but I need to get rid of the rust in the tank and repaint it before I put it all back together in the Spring. Need to round up a gasket kit for the covers I removed from the engine to chrome, plus carb kits. Always something eh?
     
  16. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    Well I do hope when all is done, all is well too.
    I guess we will wait to see if said petcock is performing like a star.
    There are a few member on the boards who have some carb related products!
    Chacal come to mind first.
    Gasket kits, well....someone wanna chime in on that note....
     
  17. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    Actually, I have those gaskets, too!

    YICS/oil pump cover-ignition p/u coil cover gaskets.
    Clutch cover gaskets (both inner and outer "covers").
    Shifter cover gaskets.
    Generator cover gaskets.


    Prices and part numbers vary by year and model, so please tell me what bike and which gasket you're needing.


    Of course, I also have stock and replacement (stainless or black) bolts/screws for all of the covers, too......
     
  18. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Yep ...
    It's always sump-tin!

    (RedSox beginning ALCS ... I might be a little scarce around here for a few days)
     

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