Petcock Mod & Question

[Ken 11861]

I made a modification to the Honda vacuum petcock yesterday and although it works now like I hoped it would, I need to know if you all know of any problems I may have caused by this mod.

I decided to make this mod because I already replaced the petcock vacuum parts last July 2008 with the replacement kit. Then yesterday while I was cruising steady at about 85 she started to feel like it was running out of gas so I flipped to reserve (had at least half a tank of gas still), it didn't seem to smooth out til I slowed to about 60 for a while. When I go home I sucked on the vacuum line for the petcock vacuum diaphram & sure enough it was leaking by.

Anyway basically & simply (KISS) I cut a piece of gasket material & sandwiched it between the main valve body and the other aluminum plates, I abandoned the diaphrams, springs, etc. Now it operates just mechanically. I tried it in OFF, ON & Reserve positions & it seems to be working fine.

I have considered the Pingle Petcock in the past but was not happy with the access for switching to Reserve while riding, I can find the Honda knob with my eyes closed: (professional riders on a closed loop course only).

Anyway please let me know of any pitfalls to my modification, maybe my fix has been written up in archives before but I missed it.

[Joe Hummer]

The only problem I can see is that you MUST remember to turn your gas off at every stop.  If one of your carb floats is sticking any, you could flood a cylinder with gas.  When you try to start the bike, you will hydrolock the motor causing damage to the starter gears (at a minimum).  

Joe

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I did this last Nov. to make a ride and never have had any problems. I just started making a habit of turn key on turn fuel on , turn key off turn fuel off. I'm planning on getting an electric shut off but haven't yet.

[Rocketman]

I did this last Nov. to make a ride and never have had any problems. I just started making a habit of turn key on turn fuel on , turn key off turn fuel off. I'm planning on getting an electric shut off but haven't yet.

You're a rare breed:  A Houston member who has heard my preaching and actually turns the fuel off!  You're a group of one!
I feel vindicated!  Justified!  Elated!

Oh, wait.  It had nothing to do with my preaching, just a quick fix.
Oh well.  I'll keep preaching the "shut it off, vacuum or not" gospel anyway.

Everyone:  SHUT YOUR FUEL OFF EVERY TIME.  It could save you some serious time/money/heartache.  I don't care if you have a vacuum shutoff.  It could fail, and frequently does, apparently.

[Grandpot]

I did a similar mod to my petcock and added a solenoid valve.  Hooked up the solenoid valve to the 5 AMP auxiliary wires under the right side cover.

Don't forget to turn off the petcock, just in case!

[Ken 11861]

Thanks Guys,
I feel safer with your comments & do shut mine off all the time too .

[scoobydoo]

Can you explain a little more how to make this mod. What to take out & what the gasket looks like and is made of?
thanks Scooby