Leak where petcock seals to tank.

[yooucan2]

Hello all!

I believe my left petcock is leaking gas from the point where it seals onto the the gas tank. I have just recently painted the tank and I am thinking that is is not making a very good seal where the rubber O-ring of the petcock meets the tank. I thought about taking the tank off and sanding the area a little where the petcock seats. A new O-ring would probably also help as well. Can you buy just that O-ring or would I be buying a whole new petcock? I am pretty sure that is where the leak is because after a ride, you can see where it has dripped off and has left residue running backwards on the outside of the chrome airbox cover. What do you gurus think?

[cajun31]

You can still get the O rings. Search on Ebay and you will find the petcock rebuild kits. I would suggest that you make a gasket and use that. I did and I have not had a leak. I also repainted my gas tank.

[yooucan2]

You can still get the O rings. Search on Ebay and you will find the petcock rebuild kits. I would suggest that you make a gasket and use that. I did and I have not had a leak. I also repainted my gas tank.

Thanks for the info. What did you use to make a gasket with? I have some yamabond, but was not sure if the gas would eat through it or not....

[cajun31]

you can go to any auto parts stord and get sheets of gasket material.

[yooucan2]

you can go to any auto parts stord and get sheets of gasket material.

Cool. Thanks for the info brother!

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Youcan2,

Also, not sure if you noticed, but the screws holding the petcock in place also uses felt washers, but they get compressed and harden over the years so they can look just like large washer head bolts. Just another possible leak source to check!
T.C.

[yooucan2]

Hey Youcan2,

Also, not sure if you noticed, but the screws holding the petcock in place also uses felt washers, but they get compressed and harden over the years so they can look just like large washer head bolts. Just another possible leak source to check!
T.C.

Thanks T.C.

Would a rubber washer of comparable size be a suitable replacement?

[TopCatGr58]

It has been on mine for 8 years! Just try to find VITON material. I think Neoprene would also work, but not sure, know it's good for oil , but don't remember about gas!
T.C.

[Crazcnuk]

I take those o-rings out and rub them with lubri-plate or similar grease. Roll them between your fingers for a bit, then put them back in.

I've never had them leak after this.

[yooucan2]

I take those o-rings out and rub them with lubri-plate or similar grease. Roll them between your fingers for a bit, then put them back in.

I've never had them leak after this.

I may try that. I did some searching for a sheet of viton to make my own gasket and washers, and man is that stuff expensive. I would still like to find some to make a gasket with, but not willing to pay $100+ for a sheet of it. I will keep searching....

[Crazcnuk]

The o-ring flattens out, and stays flat. If you just put the petcock back on, it doesn't usually seal well.

By taking it out and Kneading it a bit, with grease, it regains it's roundness, swells a small amount, and (don't washt he grease off) with the help of the grease it should seal.

If not, nothing is lost by trying.