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DarkMeister
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« on: July 23, 2011, 06:24:53 AM » |
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Posted this in General so I'm trying here, another kick at the can.
Steady drip of fuel from petcock for a couple of days. Then - stopped, and nothing since. Bike runs great, as usual. Did a search here and didn't find any ref to on-again off-again fuel leak.
When it was dripping, had it in a shop. Mech thought it was the petcock, but he never had the tank off or anything.
I'd removed the trim around the petcock and, using my lighter flashlight, had a look and feel.
While the drip came off the closer end of the petcock, the whole unit was wet with gas and it was simply pooling and dripping at the lowest point. Thus my thought that the actual drip could have been from anywhere.
The real stumper, though, is that it just went away. I'm hoping someone ran into this before. BTW, I'm petrified of taking the tank off - no wrench by any means. (Or long needle-noses)
Not sure if this is relevant but I hardly ever touch the petcock. Couple of times to go to reserve; never off. (Now that I've seen posts about hydrolock, might start doing the off thingy)
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2011, 07:14:45 AM » |
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The alignment between the petcock itself and the knob is seeming to be critical and you may have simply realigned the whole bit and that stopped the leak.
Another area is about how tight you turn the screw that holds the knob to the petcock. Some suggest "not too tight" for the same reason. Leaks.
Getting to the bottom of where the leak is actually coming from is the only real answer, but since there is no more leaking and the petcock is still working properly,,,,,,
I, like you would leave it alone until such time as it starts to leak some more.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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DarkMeister
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« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2011, 08:33:46 AM » |
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Thanks!
I'm now guessing the mechanic must have removed the handle itself from the petcock. It is now much tighter to change positions.
Which is what I just did...went and turned the knob into "Off" position. Presto - immediate leak! Back into "On", and leak stops.
Guess I'd better order a replacement pronto.
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2011, 09:50:41 AM » |
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In the center of the big knob assembly is a phillips head screw.
I suggest loosening it up a turn or two and see if that stops the leaking.
Shouldn't matter much about being loose and any worry about losing the screw can be avoided by placing a bit of tape over the hole temporarily. The whole knob should stay put!
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2011, 10:02:46 AM » |
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I'd loosen the switch center screw a bit, align everything, and snug it back... then test again. Remember on the OE petcock, it is essential when switching from on-off-res to hear/feel the detent ball click into place. If you can't, something's wrong.
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longrider
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« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2011, 04:58:36 PM » |
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I'd suggest that you check the petcock itself for alignment. The petcock needs to be adjusted square to the knob then the nut tightened. Yours is most likely off a bit. When you turn to the off position it is putting a bit of strain on the internals of the petcock and is leaking past the packing.
warren
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DarkMeister
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« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2011, 03:59:01 AM » |
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Thanks guys. Live and learn, I guess. I just wish I knew this info on center screw and alignment while I was on the roadtrip!
Ordered a new one from Cheap Cycle Parts (along with a starter switch!). Can't wait. Once the new petcock is on, I want to play with the old one and see what makes them tick.
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