New member in Dayton Ohio needs advice

[Edvalk]

Great site I have live in the tech section for the last 10 days . I bought a 1998 Valkyrie about 2 weeks ago 23,000 mile near mint condition. Cobra 6 into 6 pipes runs strong. Ran a. Bottle of techron in the first tank and sea foam in the third both tips I found here .  Made a noticible difference It  was starting a little rough and I tightened the boots from the carb to the intake and now it starts great another tip I found here.The petcock started leaking through the weep hole and I ordered a Honda petcock cover repair kit. Reading about hydro lock had got me a little worried I realize that a float has to stick also for this to happen .I was wondering if there are any members  in or around Dayton I could call for help rebuilding the petcock or maybe going to a Pingle instead. I would be willing to pay someone for their trouble. Thanks  to everyone for all the good advice.

[Blackduck]

The petcock is a very easy rebuild, more trouble getting the tank off and on. Just need to make sure the petcock and selector knob line back up right with no load on the selector shaft.
Unfortunately I am a tad to far away to assist personally.
Cheers Steve

[old2soon]

And welcome to the insanity. I live in the Ozarks of Missouri but just wanted to shout out and say howdy. I know we have Valkaholics scattered out every where here in the good old U S of A and someone from your area will/should be chiming in soon.   Have a look see in the archives as i think there is something on rebuilding the stock petcock. Again-welcome and RIDE SAFE.

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Ed,

I dropped you an email...but will comment here as well. 

Check the Shoptalk page on the forum (second menu at top of page...right above the banner ad).  I found this one:

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/petcock.htm

It is a pretty easy job...just remember when taking off your tank that you disconnect the vent line at the back right corner.  The fuel line and vacuum lines also need to be removed.  The first couple of times removing the tank, it is better to have it near empty.  Once you understand what needs to be done, you can do it full...if you like. 

Put the tank on a towel (I do it on the ground) and tilt the tank so you can get underneath.  A large crescent wrench takes care of the nut. Once you have the petcock out, prop the tank with a board or two so you don't drain the remaining gas onto your floor. 

Since you have it apart, take a look at the screen and make sure it is in good shape.  If not, replace it with a new one from Honda. 

Follow the instructions above to rebuild the petcock.  BTW, I am on my 2nd or 3rd rebuild in about 100k miles.  (Knocking on every piece of wood within reach including my head...) I have not had a problem with Hydrolock. 

When re-installing the petcock into the tank.  Make sure that the post where the selector goes is straight out to the side.  This will make sure that when you re-assemble the tank on the bike, the selector handle will turn and operate easily. 

Joe

[Chrisj CMA]

Dont forget to disconnect the fuel selector switch from the valve.  There is a hidden screw on the hole of the switch......sometimes a tad hard to find but its there.  you will break the valve if you dont disconnect the switch before lifting the tank

[R J]

Send Murdock a PM.   He lives in your area.

[OP2]

Englewood as a matter of fact. He's a good guy and knows a LOT about Valks. I also live in OH, Bellefontaine.

[Edvalk]

Thanks for all the replies.

[Prometheus]

Hey, I'm over near Springfield and its great to have another Valkyrie rider in the area. I'm not much help on this, my Valk has been pretty bulletproof so far and my petcock works fine. I do know one of the mechanics at Sporty's Honda in Fairborn rides a Valkyrie. I hate using a dealer for anything but at least he would know what a Valkyrie is. He has one of the ultra fast, Harley inspired black and orange ones. Good luck.

[Dave Weaver]

A few of the Ohio boys spend most of their time on the Ohio BBS board.  As RJ stated, give Murdoc a shout on the Ohio board.  He is just a few miles from you and has a wrench party at his house occasionally.

[Jabba]

Petcock is EASY.  IMO the only thing easier on a valk is brakes...

Jabba

[fudgie]

Learn how to do so in a few yrs when you have to do it again, you will know how. 

[john]

remove and replace the screen while your in there ...               
careful not to " kink " vent line when you reseat the gas tank ...                                                                    

[Edvalk]

It's fixed thank you to all of you who replied .

[Blackduck]

Great to hear, BUT come on tell us what the problem was.
All info good for the better cause of trouble free biking.
Cheers Steve

[Edvalk]

The diaphragm in the petcock was bad and that's what was leaking through the weep hole . A Honda petcock cover repair kit was all it took .

[salty1]

Edvalk if you haven't buttoned up the petcock repair yet, also consider, desmog your bike and install a Dan Marc valve, an electronic shutoff. Another thing that probably needs to be done if the carbs are in good shape is synchronization of the carbs. You would be surprised how this can make her "purr".

[Edvalk]

Thanks for the advice saltY1 It's the end of the riding season here . Wish I had a warm place to work on the valk this winter but I don't. Syncing the carbs hopefully in the spring and the Dan Marc shut off is a great idea .