Petcock failure ,is it ok keep riding until fixed

[Ltlfeat]

I often run the bike until its sputters a bit and I flip it over to res. That didn't happen this time. I had used up the reserve, the  petcock failed.  Filled her up, ran with the petcock closed for about 10 mi just kept going. Other than possibly running out of gas is this something that can lead to bigger problems i.e. Hydro Lock or whatever. I want to keep riding until its fixed.

[Valker]

Hydrolock also needs a stuck carb float.

[Willow]

There is also a question of whether you really had it turned off.  It is purely mechanical but needs to be into the notch for that setting.  You should be able to feel the notches as you move the switch from on to off to reserve.

[Chrisj CMA]

Mine had diaphragm problems first. I did the cover set repair. Was all good for awhile until it behaved just like you described. Once the switch side is unreliable it’s time to ditch it. I suggest a non vacuum Pingel. It’s a quality valve no more petcock failure. You do have to turn it off religiously but it’s worth it.

PS. As to your initial question, riding is no problem. It’s the starting. If you’re going to ride it, you should take steps to insure it’s not locked before attempting to start the engine. I’d say the best way is to pop it in second gear, if it rolls and turns the motor over then it’s safe to start.

[gordonv]

As long as you know what a hydro lock is, and the sound of the "clunk" as the engine seizes, and you don't try to start it a second time, you should be good to continue riding it.

If they do fill with fuel, make sure you're outside somewhere clear, remove the plugs, and turn the engine over. Fuel will squirt out of the plug holes.

[Jims99]

I ran with a known bad petcock for years with no issues. I’m one of the lucky ones that thankfully have good float valves. I also use the KL-18-8955 in every set of carbs I rebuild. Slight upgrade from stock.

[Chrisj CMA]

My personal experience from 1981:

I got hit head-on.  The front of the bike slid under the big car.  The engine continued to run with the bike horizontal.  Fuel, perhaps a gallon, is left on the street.  Nothing caught fire.  

Our Valkyries have safety features.  The"tip-over" switch stops the engine and the loss of vacuum keeps the fuel in the tank.  Good reasons to keep these features working.  An electric shut-off valve would be useful if the fuel shuts off when the ignition is killed.  

If you like Pingle products, here is an in-line vacuum valve that should do the same thing.

https://www.partsgiant.com/p350487-pingel-in-line-vacuum-fuel-valve?m=380554&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8eqBhD3ARIsAIe-buOIDjvjnXB4t4ItmkgcAYoVSCbcK09_eb1R2i9Nuf_-RP-2dCkvNksaApRxEALw_wcB

when Judy and I had our little get off, the bike almost flipped ended up sliding on its side.  luckily only cosmetic damage and no paint damage.  No fuel spilled with the non vacuum Pingel and the engine did shut off as intended.