Boorrrringggg Build/Rebuild/Refres&restore

[motoman]

I got my petcocks loose! Actually the aforementioned body shop manager got tired of listening to me complain about them, so he busted them loose (with a simple screwdriver)

The more reluctant unit has not been fully disassembled yet. The one that I began to take apart whilst still attached is in pieces, crying for a rebuild or replacement. Which is the better choice, usually? I get the difference between (free) labor and expensive parts, but I've also heard some replacement valves are less than reliable/durable, so I have to wonder about repair kits as well. What's the hivemind on this?

All the screws on the bike we all would just call phillips screws are actually JIS(JapaneseIndustrialStandard). You can either get ya a JIS screwdriver or change scrws out to metric phillips scews. In my case, changed all the JIS screws out for allen head metric screws. The stainless button-head allen head metric screws look even better.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey again,

Okay, some folks want to keep their machines as close to stock as possible, so the rebuild kits are the way to go. But if you've checked lately, the kits are almost as much as the cost of a NEW aftermarket petcock. As you've found that 4/5 holed rubber valve is prone to wear/damage, and not sure how much ETHANOL will accelerate that type of damage.

SO...that's why I'm going with a NEW aftermarket replacement. However, it has an NPT 3/8" type mounting, and so requires an adapter plate. They are ~$9.00 ea, which then puts the combo price back up to or more than the rebuild kit. BUT I'm getting a NEW part, and hopefully a little better engineered design/components vs. the 35+ y/o OEM design.

From what I've read/heard from folks in the know, the OEM gas tanks were NOT lined, just the presence of fuel and vapors usually prevented most rust from forming. Now, 30+ years later with ETHANOL, which is hydro/water attractive, so it can allow more water content and vapors to accumulate and so the possibility of rust forming, like what you found around the neck/filler area. You can take some stuff(Evaporust) or petroleum jelly and remove the rust. Now, there's pros and cons with regards to lining/coating the tank. YMMV, searching the threads will reveal various opinions.

T.C.

[puskrat]

While you're thinking of how to help me with that, let me ask for your help with some other business, since that is why you visit this website, helping me.......

Fuel tank. Didnt expect to find rust, but I did. rust on the inside of the cap (chrome), but no rust at the petcock opening into the bottom of the tank. the petcock filters were fairly spotless. I think that seems to indicate the rust formed from evaporation/condensation, but wasn't in the fuel in a substantial amount. Thoughts?

[puskrat]

I got my petcocks loose! Actually the aforementioned body shop manager got tired of listening to me complain about them, so he busted them loose (with a simple screwdriver)

The more reluctant unit has not been fully disassembled yet. The one that I began to take apart whilst still attached is in pieces, crying for a rebuild or replacement. Which is the better choice, usually? I get the difference between (free) labor and expensive parts, but I've also heard some replacement valves are less than reliable/durable, so I have to wonder about repair kits as well. What's the hivemind on this?

[TopCatGr58]

It's probably Yamabond or Threebond or such. Hopefully it's not J-B weld. The screws/bolts are already bunged up from the slipping phillips driver.....so grab your vicelock pliers, and get a good bite on the head of the bolt/screw and break it loose that way. THEN just replace the bolts/screws from your local hardware store.

BTW, you'll need to use either some FELT washers, or new neoprene washers under the washer head of the bolts to seal them against the petcock when reinstalling.

T.C.

[puskrat]

Okay I admit it. The past several posts, not including Wildkat's "curiosity" have been lame and not really about much. just felt I should post, even if there was no substance. Fact is, I'm not working much. Sneaking away from the day job at lunch and as I can to wrench a little and snap one or two photos, spending evenings either tending the parents or maintaining the home. I don't know how you guys with kids do it.

Any tips on how to get oversealed petcock mounting screws to spin? Something dark gray sealant/adhesive looking but thin is protruding from around the petcock base, and I think probably in the screw holes as well. Trying to disassemble the fuel valves without removing isnt working, as the lip on the tank blocks the screwdriver from the lower "inside" screws. I'm thinking about an impact, or even a hammer drill, but I don't like the idea.

Got this far....gee what a surprise, the diaphram had dissolved (well, mostly)
[IMG][/IMG]


Obstructed inside screws, preventing disassembly of the other half
[IMG][/IMG]

You can also see the goo that i believe is locking/gluing/sealing me out of removing the units altogether.

[puskrat]

Okay I admit it. The past several posts, not including Wildkat's "curiosity" have been lame and not really about much. just felt I should post, even if there was no substance. Fact is, I'm not working much. Sneaking away from the day job at lunch and as I can to wrench a little and snap one or two photos, spending evenings either tending the parents or maintaining the home. I don't know how you guys with kids do it.

Any tips on how to get oversealed petcock mounting screws to spin? Something dark gray sealant/adhesive looking but thin is protruding from around the petcock base, and I think probably in the screw holes as well. Trying to disassemble the fuel valves without removing isnt working, as the lip on the tank blocks the screwdriver from the lower "inside" screws. I'm thinking about an impact, or even a hammer drill, but I don't like the idea.

[puskrat]

Noticed blue parts expanding to cover more and more of the workbench area near my "parking spot" in the body shop. Today I started tossing stuff in the trunk, moving the bike trunk, rack and backrest out to the "the unit" where parts bike, spare frame, and other spares are stored. The girlfriend's granddaughter is coming to town next week, and I've been instructed to clean my car before collecting them at the airport, so this could be difficult.

[puskrat]

bit too much attention, Ms Kat?

Well, it looks like one of Dora's P.O. s confused JBWeld with Formagasket. appears the petcock rebuild wil take place in situ.

[Wildkat]

We all know what curiosity did to the Kat.

Holy carp!

I wasn't THAT curious. I mean...

I withdraw the question.
The fact that it's already been answered has nothing to do with it...



Ummmmmm puskrat? Would you like your post back now? Please? lol

[Bigfoot]

We all know what curiosity did to the Kat.

[Wildkat]

Yeah, but I'm curious as to why YOU are curious.

CZ

It's a curious thing.

[CaptonZap]

Pfffffft
You don't stay happily (mostly) married for 23 years by being good ALL of the time. lol

But that's beside the point...
You left a cliff hanger. I mean, someone else had to be curious... right?
I hope...
lol

Yeah, but I'm curious as to why YOU are curious.

CZ

[Wildkat]

Kat, you are a bad woman. All she had to say was she didn't do it.

Pfffffft
You don't stay happily (mostly) married for 23 years by being good ALL of the time. lol

But that's beside the point...
You left a cliff hanger. I mean, someone else had to be curious... right?
I hope...
lol

[puskrat]

Kat, you are a bad woman. All she had to say was she didn't do it.