just got off of a 2300 mile trip to the ozarks and bike performed great (even for a darksider)
About a year ago after reading posts about hydrolock i bought a nice pingle style petcock to replace aging one just never changed it. well......yesterday i went to start the bike and I heard the telltale "clunk"....

I immediately released the starter switch, & removed the plugs.
I drained the tank and removed the oem petcock. went to install the chrome pingle style one and it wouldnt fit....

i just happen to have a K&L rebuild kit, so i rebuilt the old one. pretty much destroyed the filter removing it, but was able to get another one from Fudd (thanks buddy)

-------There is a question hidden here somewhere---------
i'm getting ready to go back with the rebuilt valve but am unsure as to whether or not to reconnect the vaccuum line or just block it off. i've seen stories and opinions about to de-smog or not de-smog.
is there more to just blocking the lines in a desmog or is it that simple???
oh......i don't think the starter gear broke.......i got used to just bumping the starter at first for obvious reasons. (glad i did) So I think i am good.
It was a scary wake up call though.
D00D