Petcock Operation

[Mike C]

Question to the general population:

Does nayone actually turn your petcock to "OFF" everytime you turn your bike off?  Would it be a good idea tyoi set my petcock to "RES" at all times, so that in the event I need the gasoline in reserve it will always be availabkle tio me?

Thanks

Mike

[Willow]

Some do.  I don't.

No.  The whole point of reserve setting is to let you know when you have a little over a gallon before you are going to run out of fuel.  If you set to reserve all the time you have given up that warning.

[The emperor has no clothes]

It may not be wise of me, but I quit turning mine off a while after I put a Dan Marc on. I have on occasion left it on reserve by accident.

[baird4444]

and as far as not turning gas off??

do a search of this forum on "hydrolock" and the resulting damage....
        - Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

I turn mine off every single time (except when I'm distracted by something and forget).  Like Willow said, using reserve when you still have fuel above the reserve level defeats the purpose, and sets you up for a walk with a jerry can.  Unless I'm on a trip or heading out of town, I always run into the reserve before filling up, because this means less time stopped at gas stations in the long run.

[Avanti]

I have not shut off my valve sense installing the Advanced Fuel Components electric fuel valve 50,000 miles ago. I do however run in the reserve position to use fuel from the bottom of the tank about once a week to make sure I am not collecting any water and than back to on again.

[hubcapsc]

I never turn mine off. Gas won't flow on a non-running bike unless there's something
wrong with the petcock, in which case it probably doesn't matter where the selector is.
I regularly run my bike to reserve, though...

I don't think reserve is something you can test by turning the selector to
reserve before you need to... there's no "reserve tank", the petcock is just hooked
to a standpipe thing that goes up into the tank.

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

Question to the general population:

Does nayone actually turn your petcock to "OFF" everytime you turn your bike off?  Would it be a good idea tyoi set my petcock to "RES" at all times, so that in the event I need the gasoline in reserve it will always be availabkle tio me?

Thanks

Mike

Your question makes me think you don't understand how reserve works.

The ON and RES positions draw fuel from the same tank.  The ON position drains fuel from the top of a tube that extends up a few inches from the bottom of the tank.  When the fuel level reaches the top of that tube, the bike can't get fuel and starts to run out of gas.  You then switch the valve to the RES position and fuel drains from the bottom of the tank, allowing you to use the remaining fuel while you head for the next gas station.

[Cracker Jack]

Reading these responses, I see there's a few right ways to operate the petcock.

I obviously do it the wrong way. On my Interstate, the petcock hasn't been OFF of reserve for many years. By some miracle, I haven't run out of gas in those years.


I reset my #1 trip meter at fill up time and use the mileage and gas gage to determine when to buy gas. Guess I've been lucky!

By the way, I do the same thing with my car and have been fortunate that I haven't run out of gas in it either. 

The car doesn't even have a reserve that I know about. It does have a little light on the dash that lights up when the gas gets low. Oh! I just remembered, the Interstate gage starts to flash when it gets down to the last bar and I use that as a reminder to get gas within about 35-40 miles. Then I reset the #1 trip meter.

[MAD6Gun]

Nope. I have never turned off my fuel after riding in the darn near 20 years I have had the Valk. I have rebuilt the petcock twice over the years. The only time I have turned off the fuel is when I put it on a trailer. But with a Dan mark fuel valve even that might not be necessary.

[Fazer]

I have the Dan Mark and do not turn off the pet rooster.  I keep track of the odometer and start looking for gas at 130 and rarely have to go to reserve. 

I guess running on reserve would draw from a lower part of the tank, but every time you fill up, you recirculate the fuel, so I doubt the same fuel sits in the bottom of the tank getting old if you do not run on reserve.  However, the screen covering the reserve portion of the tube may benefit from drawing fuel through it occasionally.  What do others think?

Greg

[da prez]

  I do not turn it off. If the bike is resting for a while , usually after I had a surgery , I may ,if I remember , to shut it off. The stock oem (start of an argument) petcock works well , but like everything , it needs maintenance. People add chrome and blings and forget to do routine maintenance. Many a good looking bike I have worked on are neglected on routine care.

                                  da prez

[Chrisj CMA]

  I do not turn it off. If the bike is resting for a while , usually after I had a surgery , I may ,if I remember , to shut it off. The stock oem (start of an argument) petcock works well , but like everything , it needs maintenance. People add chrome and blings and forget to do routine maintenance. Many a good looking bike I have worked on are neglected on routine care.

                                  da prez

A motorcycle petcock is NOT a routine maintenance item. You fix it when it breaks. Or (what I did) replace it with a quality fuel valve. Malfunctioning petcock is no fun.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have the Dan Mark and do not turn off the pet rooster.  I keep track of the odometer and start looking for gas at 130 and rarely have to go to reserve. 

I guess running on reserve would draw from a lower part of the tank, but every time you fill up, you recirculate the fuel, so I doubt the same fuel sits in the bottom of the tank getting old if you do not run on reserve.  However, the screen covering the reserve portion of the tube may benefit from drawing fuel through it occasionally.  What do others think?

Greg

I think you are correct in that the tank gets mixed up pretty thoroughly when adding gas. I think it does also when riding, even on the interstate it’s going to slosh around a bit. As to the filter letting in fuel at the bottom when on reserve. I doubt it. There is a gap surrounding the entire tube, I suspect it draws thru the entire filter. Except when you are down below the top of the filter.

[Sorcerer]

My Valk would normally get 35-38 mpg. That being said, I had crossed into So Dakota. Speed limit went from 70 to 80. Bumped up to 85 mph. With 89 miles on that tank of gas the bike starts sputtering. Oh s_ _ t, now what. Reach down turn to reserve. Fire relighted in all 6 cylinders. I back off the gas and start trying to do the math in my head while trying to look at the map to find a town. I90 in South Dakota the towns are far between and most are no ware  near the freeway. The math said about 19 mph. 2 up pulling a small cargo trailer at 85 to90 mph ——- into a 40 mph sustained head wind. The old gal was just using fuel as though we were going 125+ mph. That 40 mph head winds only became noticeable when I made a right turn at the bottom of the exit ramp.

[Jess from VA]

Yes, I turn it off every time I finish my ride (not at stops on the ride).

There is no good reason not to, and lots of reasons not to leave it on all the time.

The cheapo innards inside our OE petcocks can and do degrade and fail.  Why not take the (hydrostatic) pressure of a full tank off that petcock?

Here's the complex drill:  Every time you pull in from a ride reach down with the right hand and turn off the key, and reach down with the left hand and turn off the petcock.  Muscle memory and good practices.

If you're riding all the time, it may be not big deal.  But what if the wife backs over you in the driveway, and suddenly you don't get to ride for a long time?

I also like the idea of running the bike on reserve once in a while. Esp before winter where I will still ride, but much less and the bike sits.  Some guys hit reserve all the time, and other guys tend to never hit it and fill up more often.  It's my experience with machinery that things that don't get used tend to stop working.   (For instance, there's my prostate.)

[semo97]

Question to the general population:

Does nayone actually turn your petcock to "OFF" everytime you turn your bike off?  Would it be a good idea tyoi set my petcock to "RES" at all times, so that in the event I need the gasoline in reserve it will always be availabkle tio me?

Thanks

Mike

If you are talking stock petcock that is on vacuum you do not need to but I would. If you have an after market that is not vacuum yes every time.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Yes, I turn it off every time I finish my ride (not at stops on the ride).

There is no good reason not to, and lots of reasons not to leave it on all the time.

The cheapo innards inside our OE petcocks can and do degrade and fail.  Why not take the (hydrostatic) pressure of a full tank off that petcock?

Here's the complex drill:  Every time you pull in from a ride reach down with the right hand and turn off the key, and reach down with the left hand and turn off the petcock.  Muscle memory and good practices.

If you're riding all the time, it may be not big deal.  But what if the wife backs over you in the driveway, and suddenly you don't get to ride for a long time?

I also like the idea of running the bike on reserve once in a while. Esp before winter where I will still ride, but much less and the bike sits.  Some guys hit reserve all the time, and other guys tend to never hit it and fill up more often.  It's my experience with machinery that things that don't get used tend to stop working.   (For instance, there's my prostate.)

My theory is that turning the petcock on and off just adds wear and tear to a (some have said unreliable) part.  I installed a Dan Marc electric fuel valve and only turn the petcock when I need reserve.  The Dan Marc is a $30 insurance policy and worth 10 times that amount in peace of mind.

[Cracker Jack]

After reading the wealth of knowledge and experience on this thread, It seems the consensus on this subject is:

1. The people who turn the petcock off after each ride, regardless of whether additional hardware/insurance is installed, have very few problems as a result. (but feel that if they fail to turn it off, they probably will experience hydro lock as a result and are pretty sure you will if you don't turn yours off.)

2. The people who don't turn the petcock off after each ride and let the OEM petcock take care of the problem as designed have very few problems as a result. (and don't stress about it.)

3. The people who have superior aftermarket petcocks without the vacuum function and turn the petcock off after each ride  regardless of whether additional hardware/insurance is installed, have very few problems as a result.

[Mike C]

Thanks Everybody for weighing in - I appreciate it!  I'll have to look up the "Dan Marc" to see what that can do for me.

Thanks

Mike

[F6Dave]

FYI Honda still makes the OEM petcock for the Valk.  I suspect the same item is used on other bikes so they aren't hard to find.  Honda is great about stocking mechanical parts for bikes that are decades old.

Recently mine was leaking a bit so I bought a new one.  I'd had a similar leak over a decade ago and was able to fix it with a new cover set and a bit of sealant.  But this time, for only $125, I figured I'd just replace it and not worry.

[Chrisj CMA]

After reading the wealth of knowledge and experience on this thread, It seems the consensus on this subject is:

1. The people who turn the petcock off after each ride, regardless of whether additional hardware/insurance is installed, have very few problems as a result. (but feel that if they fail to turn it off, they probably will experience hydro lock as a result and are pretty sure you will if you don't turn yours off.)

2. The people who don't turn the petcock off after each ride and let the OEM petcock take care of the problem as designed have very few problems as a result. (and don't stress about it.)

3. The people who have superior aftermarket petcocks without the vacuum function and turn the petcock off after each ride  regardless of whether additional hardware/insurance is installed, have very few problems as a result.

The one fact you didn’t include is that if your petcock messes up (like mine did) far from home, your ride will be ruined and life can be miserable until you get a new one or repair it sufficiently. If you repair or replace with OEM, where will you be when it happens again?

A quality valve (like my Pingel). Will last many years. I got my first one over 10 years ago and it’s still trouble free

[9Ball]

FYI Honda still makes the OEM petcock for the Valk.  I suspect the same item is used on other bikes so they aren't hard to find.  Honda is great about stocking mechanical parts for bikes that are decades old.

Recently mine was leaking a bit so I bought a new one.  I'd had a similar leak over a decade ago and was able to fix it with a new cover set and a bit of sealant.  But this time, for only $125, I figured I'd just replace it and not worry.

That’s what I just did too...

[KUGO]

I was interested in this topic because of past experience with my old HD, not my ’14 Valk (obviously: no petcock).  My bike before this awesome, fuel-injected Valkyrie was an ‘80 AMF HD bagger that had been totally customized and “murdered out” (before that was even a term in modern street mods) by my local dealer in a Chicago western ‘burb.  I loved the bike and put a zillion fun miles on it, but noticed early on that my stock petcock would sometimes “weep” and, if left unridden for awhile, would create a small puddle.  (Right next to the small oil puddle…  Nah, just kidding to perpetuate our smugness over no-leak bikes!  I could park on a white carpet with my Valk!)  Anyway, bought a Pingel aftermarket petcock and my woes were over.

My reason for responding is the reason for my handle, KUGO.  When I would leave a watering hole with my HD riding buddies, invariably at least one would forget to turn on his petcock or kick up his side-stand.  (There was no kill switch on those older bikes when a kickstand was lowered while the bike was in gear.)  I vividly remember one of my best friends hopping on his Sportster in front of me, firing up his bike and putting it in first WITH HIS KICKSTAND DOWN, and pulling out into traffic.  We were going up one short block in this small town to a Shell gas station on the left, across traffic, to fill up before heading further out.  I saw my friend’s kickstand down, as I was right behind him, and he signaled a left turn IN FRONT OF A GASOLINE SEMI-TRUCK coming the other way.  If his kickstand hadn’t been down, like he thought it wasn’t, he could have made the cut in front of the semi rig without it being considered “too risky a move”.  (As it was, with the stand down, he wouldn’t have made it anywhere but under that semi’s wheels.)  I was yelling at the top of my lungs and blasting my airhorns.  (Yes, I believe in very loud horns on bikes.  When I bought my new Valkyrie, it was going to be no exception.  Until I hit the horn button, accidentally, the first time I rode it when trying to signal a turn.  This is the first bike I have felt absolutely NO need to fit an after-market, major decibel-maker to!) 

Anyway, Jim heard my horn, saw me wildly gesturing to pull over to the right, and did so before there was a tragic ending to this story.  I also had noticed that some fellow riders, while coming out to their bikes from the refreshment bar, would likewise forget to turn on their petcocks.  This would cause an eventual unexpected failure to accelerate when one might need the extra “giddy-up”.  Having been a lifeguard all of my teen years (and later a professional swimming coach for years) I had this protective attitude kind of ingrained in me.  You're always looking for "what's wrong with this picture".  After that experience with Jim, and others with similar petcock or side-stand issues, I took it upon myself to start yelling out to everyone as we were getting back on our bikes: “KUGO!”, which they had all been told, by me, was a reminder to have their “Kick-stands Up, Gas On!”  One of my other friends even adopted “KUGO” as his custom vanity plate.  Who knows how many fellow bikers are still around today?  Ride safe, and look out for others.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

And here all this time I thought it was something to do with the dog in Stephen Kings book. 

[Moonshot_1]

Yes, I turn it off every time I finish my ride (not at stops on the ride).

There is no good reason not to, and lots of reasons not to leave it on all the time.

The cheapo innards inside our OE petcocks can and do degrade and fail.  Why not take the (hydrostatic) pressure of a full tank off that petcock?

Here's the complex drill:  Every time you pull in from a ride reach down with the right hand and turn off the key, and reach down with the left hand and turn off the petcock.  Muscle memory and good practices.

If you're riding all the time, it may be not big deal.  But what if the wife backs over you in the driveway, and suddenly you don't get to ride for a long time?

I also like the idea of running the bike on reserve once in a while. Esp before winter where I will still ride, but much less and the bike sits.  Some guys hit reserve all the time, and other guys tend to never hit it and fill up more often.  It's my experience with machinery that things that don't get used tend to stop working.   (For instance, there's my prostate.)

So does this mean that, statistically speaking, wives have greater failure rates than petcocks.

Sounds like the start of an epic joke don't it?

[Jess from VA]

I suppose it does.  But I don't know the joke.   

I do know that I never got behind my wife's truck when she was departing the driveway. 

She picked up some lead foot habits from me, and that was not a safe place to be tying your shoelace.   

[Jess from VA]

“Kick-stands Up, Gas On!”  

Good story Kugo.

I too rode my '86 FXRD (1 of 1000) for 18 years, and many miles.

When I got my first Valk, I was amazed at having kick stand switches and clutch/in-gear cutoffs (and actual horsepower).

My story about the kickstand down thing and starting in gear was at a gas station where I had a few folks paying my bike compliments (I fixed it up pretty nicely too).  And I always try to be polite with people and not cut them off just because I need to be someplace.  So it was about five minutes of yaking.

Now my bike got peculiar in it's old age, and you needed to tweak this and that, and blip the throttle once (and close one eye), and it would fire up perfectly.  Compliments paid, goodbyes said, things forgotten, and I fired the bike up (in gear), and that bad boy just roared right off the pump like spurs to a pony (lucky a gas hose didn't grab my handlebar and throw me off like rag-doll).  And I had to turn right away (or go over a curb), and managed that, and all in all it looked like I was just showing off.  But in truth I scared the crap out of myself.

And the saying Pride goeth before a fall seemed so perfectly appropriate.  (actually a Bible misquote)

I turned around and waved, and the folks waved back and thumbs up, and they just thought I was giving them a show. (and I was, just not on purpose)

You DO have to pay attention out there.  

Notably, the Valk just won't let you be that stupid.  

Some people wondered what attracted me to a black Interstate.


 

[Willow]

...  (Yes, I believe in very loud horns on bikes.  ...  This is the first bike I have felt absolutely NO need to fit an after-market, major decibel-maker to!) 
...

Your Valkyrie obviously doesn't have an OEM horn.  

[Thunderdog]

When parking my IS for an unknown length of time I always turn the petcock to "OFF" and run most, if not all the gas out of the carbs.  Same thing with my 450 "dirt bike" and all the gravity flow carb bikes I've had since 1970.  I'm convinced that it's best to keep old gas out of the carbs, even though the stuff in the gas tank might be old.   I have a multitude of problems after installing a belly tank so that's now a different procedure.

[hubcapsc]

...  (Yes, I believe in very loud horns on bikes.  ...  This is the first bike I have felt absolutely NO need to fit an after-market, major decibel-maker to!) 
...

Your Valkyrie obviously doesn't have an OEM horn.  

I think he has a new Valkyrie... LOUD horn...

-Mike

[Willow]

...  (Yes, I believe in very loud horns on bikes.  ...  This is the first bike I have felt absolutely NO need to fit an after-market, major decibel-maker to!) 
...

Your Valkyrie obviously doesn't have an OEM horn.  

I think he has a new Valkyrie... LOUD horn...

-Mike

Ah, '14 Valk.  I stand corrected.

[KUGO]

...  (Yes, I believe in very loud horns on bikes.  ...  This is the first bike I have felt absolutely NO need to fit an after-market, major decibel-maker to!) 
...

Your Valkyrie obviously doesn't have an OEM horn.  

I think he has a new Valkyrie... LOUD horn...

-Mike

Ah, '14 Valk.  I stand corrected.

Uh, yup on the '14 being the horn diff.  It seems louder every time I need to use it and always gives me the same jolt I'm hoping the honk-ee will get when I hit the button.  Willow, I really tried to figure out the, what I assumed to be was a subtle, witty aspect in your response (per your style  ) about loud horns, but I couldn't figure out what you meant.  And then I finally got that you didn't get that I was talking about, as you said, a 2014.  I've said before on this forum that one of the first things I've always done on a new bike was to add a significant horn and a headlight modulator.  And I also bought, pertinent to this thread, a brand new 1980 Yamaha 750 Virago.  The first one sold in the Chicago area, in the dead of winter.  Great bike.  (One of the very first modern Yamaha V-Twins, shaft drive, etc.  Had it professionally customized to my design and it looked like a mean, lowered Sportster, but was faster.  One of the "wow" new features (to me in 1980, at least) was the shut-off switch that killed the engine when you put the kickstand down when in gear.  That eliminated the "KU" part of my concerns, but I still had to contend with the "GO" part on that bike.  I got the '80 HD about ten years later, and that's where the whole KUGO thing started from.

Ride safe, as we all say, and help others to do the same, especially when they aren't paying enough attention.