Guess I Had a Vacuum Leak in the Petcock

VaFish · November 15th, 2015, 03:55 PM

Daughters bike has had some minor carburetor issues, flat spots in acceleration and occasionally a pulsing at speed. I had cleaned the carbs a couple times, shimmed the needles, and it seemed much better, but not perfect.

Well a couple days ago the wife says "The smell of gas in the garage is nauseating" I stepped into the garage thinking she was complaining about nothing again and almost started gagging. Looked over at the bikes and there was a puddle about a foot in diameter under my daughters bike. The petcock was leaking with a steady drip, drip, drip.

Well I quickly ordered a new petcock, but the daugher wanted to go riding this afternoon. I dug through my parts pile and found a Yamaha Quad petcock. It was a little short, had to mount it backwards, but it worked. Plugged the vacuum line to the petcock since the quad petcock didn't need it.

Took her bike for a ride and all the flat spots and pulsing were gone.

Contemplating leaving this petcock in place.

csmith12 · November 15th, 2015, 04:20 PM

Why wouldn't you? It works and fixes the issue right?

SLOWn60 · November 15th, 2015, 04:23 PM

Frankenstien Bike!

xXecuterXx2 · November 15th, 2015, 05:05 PM

wait a couple days, make sure that yami petcock doesn't have any issues, if not, return that other one and go about life like it never happened.

VaFish · November 15th, 2015, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Why wouldn't you? It works and fixes the issue right?

It does require the daughter to remember to shut off her fuel when done riding.

Also since the yamaha petock is shorter and installed with the switch to the inside it is more difficult to reach. Switching to reserve while riding is not easy.

csmith12 · November 15th, 2015, 06:59 PM

Well only you can base the decision on the rider's practices. If it warrents replacing, then... it aint all that expensive.

I feel your pain though, it took me over a year to train my kids to turn off the fuel on some of my other motorized toys. 4wheelers, dirt bikes. Starting a flooded dirt bike after leaving the petcock on for 3 days sucks. Not to mention the extra oil changes. :\

VaFish · November 15th, 2015, 07:32 PM

For the next 6 months she is still on her learners permit and has to ride with a licensed rider (ie me) so I should be able to pound it into her head.

verboten1 · November 15th, 2015, 08:15 PM

I run a raptor petcock on my KLR, no problem! But yeah, a new one is cheap enough and accessible

Ghostt · November 15th, 2015, 09:46 PM

Install the proper petcock when it arrives, and be done with it.

No reason not to.

Don't forget to check yours as well.

I assume you ordered Part# 51023? Don't forget to get 92022, you'll need 2.

The petcock isn't worth fixing, due to you have to order two separate kits, etc....

Here's my write-up on the subject.

Quote:

Your petcock is shot, save your time, and money and get a new one, the cost of rebuilding it isn't much cheaper, due to you need two separate kits, as they for some reason don't make just one.

New one cost about $65.00

88~00
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detai...1023-1139.html

01~07
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detai...1023-1393.html

Also be sure to order the orings(92022-183 WASHER,6.2X11X1.5)and new bolts(92001-1091BOLT,6X20),trust me you'll be better off in the long run.

Rebuilding kits are about $60 total.

K&L Supply Diaphragm Only for Fuel Petcock Repair Kit 18-6638 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055DWO60..._s1CGub1W9N3PH

K&L Supply Fuel Petcock Repair Kit 18-2723 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KO2JRW..._U1CGub05DT5NT

IMHO not worth it rebuilding, also be sure to check vacuum and fuel lines for wear, holes, and cracks, if in doubt replace them. Also replace the two small O-rings on the bolts for the petcock part# 92022.

I also assume you've already added an inline filter filter as well.

VaFish · November 16th, 2015, 05:05 AM

Have the in line filter. Didn't order the 92022 o-rings, don't recall seeing them when I took the old one off.

Will get them as well.

Wish I had checked your link before, thought I had and price was $80. Just checked it again and they are $63 plus shipping

Any idea on the difference between the 2 year ranges?

Daughters bike is an 89, and pretty sure the tank is original. But my cafe racer will probably need a new one as well and not sure of the lineage of its tank, or which tank I'll end up putting on it.

Ghostt · November 16th, 2015, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

Have the in line filter. Didn't order the 92022 o-rings, don't recall seeing them when I took the old one off.

Will get them as well.

Wish I had checked your link before, thought I had and price was $80. Just checked it again and they are $63 plus shipping

Any idea on the difference between the 2 year ranges?

Daughters bike is an 89, and pretty sure the tank is original. But my cafe racer will probably need a new one as well and not sure of the lineage of its tank, or which tank I'll end up putting on it.

I do not know the difference between them, but there's something that Kawasaki did to make a difference, I just don't see it.

MrAtom · November 16th, 2015, 07:36 AM

They also make petcock rebuild kits, you know. And fwiw, I bent back my spring washer a tiny bit to allow it to spring more, and sprayed my gasket with AT205 overnight and let it sit. It works fine. No issues about a year later.

VaFish · November 16th, 2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

I do not know the difference between them, but there's something that Kawasaki did to make a difference, I just don't see it.

Other parts places I looked don't list 2 different models, they only list the newer part number. I just ordered the newer one for the café racer. As well as the washers, and bolts, oh and I needed some fairing bolts, oh and some of those grommets, oh and...... $208 later I submit my order.

Racer x · November 16th, 2015, 07:43 AM

I would buy a new petcock. The old ones are corroded on the flat disc that is made to seal. The problem is the risk. 100 dollars for a new one. The house will not explode the engine will not fill with fuel. The bike will run normal for a very long time.

VaFish · November 16th, 2015, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer x

I would buy a new petcock. The old ones are corroded on the flat disc that is made to seal. The problem is the risk. 100 dollars for a new one. The house will not explode the engine will not fill with fuel. The bike will run normal for a very long time.

Eric,

Ordered them already.

Oh and the title arrived on Saturday. Thanks.

Racer x · November 16th, 2015, 09:01 AM

Great, The black bike has a new petcock. When I was working on the bike I removed the tank. Went and had lunch. Came back and the heater was sitting on the workbench cooking away. The top of the bench was covered in gasoline. Almost blew up the shop.

Ghostt · November 16th, 2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

Other parts places I looked don't list 2 different models, they only list the newer part number. I just ordered the newer one for the café racer. As well as the washers, and bolts, oh and I needed some fairing bolts, oh and some of those grommets, oh and...... $208 later I submit my order.

LOL been there, done that.

As far as fairing hardware goes, I've replaced all of mine with stainless steel allen heads, along with engine covers, and other miscellaneous bolts, and nuts.

dcj13 · November 16th, 2015, 01:37 PM

I like vacuum petcocks because I don't have to turn them off.

VaFish · November 16th, 2015, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcj13

I like vacuum petcocks because I don't have to turn them off.

There are advantages and disadvantages to them.

The main advantage, and I'm sure the reason Kawasaki used them on the ninjettes, is like you said, you don't have to turn them off. They cover your butt when you forget.

The disadvantage is they are more complicated and when they don't work right they cause other problems.

For the average person they are probably a good thing.

November 15th, 2015, 03:55 PM	#1
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	Guess I Had a Vacuum Leak in the Petcock Daughters bike has had some minor carburetor issues, flat spots in acceleration and occasionally a pulsing at speed. I had cleaned the carbs a couple times, shimmed the needles, and it seemed much better, but not perfect. Well a couple days ago the wife says "The smell of gas in the garage is nauseating" I stepped into the garage thinking she was complaining about nothing again and almost started gagging. Looked over at the bikes and there was a puddle about a foot in diameter under my daughters bike. The petcock was leaking with a steady drip, drip, drip. Well I quickly ordered a new petcock, but the daugher wanted to go riding this afternoon. I dug through my parts pile and found a Yamaha Quad petcock. It was a little short, had to mount it backwards, but it worked. Plugged the vacuum line to the petcock since the quad petcock didn't need it. Took her bike for a ride and all the flat spots and pulsing were gone. Contemplating leaving this petcock in place.

November 15th, 2015, 04:20 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Why wouldn't you? It works and fixes the issue right? __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 15th, 2015, 04:23 PM	#3
SLOWn60 n00bie to wannabie Name: Bill Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake) Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '15	Frankenstien Bike! __________________________________________________ The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over

November 15th, 2015, 05:05 PM	#4
xXecuterXx2 ChocolateMilk Addict Name: Maurice Location: McDonough Join Date: Mar 2015 Motorcycle(s): '05 EX-250 "Kallie" 85 KLT 110 ATC "Murdock" Posts: 329	wait a couple days, make sure that yami petcock doesn't have any issues, if not, return that other one and go about life like it never happened. __________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. Burn Rubber, not your Soul.

November 15th, 2015, 06:59 PM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Well only you can base the decision on the rider's practices. If it warrents replacing, then... it aint all that expensive. I feel your pain though, it took me over a year to train my kids to turn off the fuel on some of my other motorized toys. 4wheelers, dirt bikes. Starting a flooded dirt bike after leaving the petcock on for 3 days sucks. Not to mention the extra oil changes. :\ __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 15th, 2015, 07:32 PM	#7
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	For the next 6 months she is still on her learners permit and has to ride with a licensed rider (ie me) so I should be able to pound it into her head.

November 15th, 2015, 08:15 PM	#8
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	I run a raptor petcock on my KLR, no problem! But yeah, a new one is cheap enough and accessible __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

November 16th, 2015, 05:05 AM	#10
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	Have the in line filter. Didn't order the 92022 o-rings, don't recall seeing them when I took the old one off. Will get them as well. Wish I had checked your link before, thought I had and price was $80. Just checked it again and they are $63 plus shipping Any idea on the difference between the 2 year ranges? Daughters bike is an 89, and pretty sure the tank is original. But my cafe racer will probably need a new one as well and not sure of the lineage of its tank, or which tank I'll end up putting on it.

November 16th, 2015, 07:36 AM	#12
MrAtom . Name: . Location: . Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot. MOTM - July '15	They also make petcock rebuild kits, you know. And fwiw, I bent back my spring washer a tiny bit to allow it to spring more, and sprayed my gasket with AT205 overnight and let it sit. It works fine. No issues about a year later.

November 16th, 2015, 07:43 AM	#14
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	I would buy a new petcock. The old ones are corroded on the flat disc that is made to seal. The problem is the risk. 100 dollars for a new one. The house will not explode the engine will not fill with fuel. The bike will run normal for a very long time. __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja

November 16th, 2015, 09:01 AM	#16
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	Great, The black bike has a new petcock. When I was working on the bike I removed the tank. Went and had lunch. Came back and the heater was sitting on the workbench cooking away. The top of the bench was covered in gasoline. Almost blew up the shop. __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja

November 16th, 2015, 01:37 PM	#18
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	I like vacuum petcocks because I don't have to turn them off.

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