petcock and octopus

[cybergost1]

I this sounds stupid but i got to know in have a 79 xs11f standard it originally had a stock fairing and hard side bags. When i got the bike they where gone. My question is the petcocks dont have a off position it goes pri-on-res on both sides, and the is no octopus. The manuel i have make it seem i am suppose to have a off on the petcock and a octopus. If there is no octopus "that might have been remove with other things" would that hurt anything and vacum lines and fuel lines all seem to be hooked up all right. "except these changes". I am just use to turning off my gas flow on all my other bikes i haved. The bike seems to runs like a champ except a little rich on the #4 carb.

[Mike Hart]

Standards have different petcocks than Specials and XJs, the vac control is in the petcocks themselves, no need for an octo. You must have a manual for a Special.

[xssiveone]

The "octopus" was only used on the Special models, not on the Standards. Petcock incorporates a vacuum controlled shutoff, which is why there is no off position... whenever the engine is shut off, there is no vacuum present, and the gas flow stops, provided everything is working properly.

[cybergost1]

thanks just making sure i am not missing something or lost my mind lol

[scalded dog]

I put a rebuild kit in my petcocks, I put it in the same way the old parts came out, right down to the little air hole, and lining it up to the airhole in the diaphfram, but my gas still flows freely in all positions, any thoughts on this. Thanks "Dog

[Robert Haller]

Anyone have a clue as to why Yamaha used the octopus on the specials but not the standards? Seems like the standard setup is simpler.

[nashville_bill]

Could it be that there is not room for the vacuum petcocks on the narrower tank of the special. The petcocks on my special just clear the frame rails.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Dog,

I checked your profile, but it just says 3 XS11's, but not what type, standards, specials, or both, and I can't remember which type you had for this petcock question. But, the only thing I can think of is regarding your wavy washer/spring that should have been between the handle/valve and the outer plate that held it in place. If that spring/washer wasn't bent enough to provide enough pressure against the inner rubber valve, then it could let fuel bypass the rubber gasket/valve and still flow thru instead of being cutoff when turned to the off position!?

Did you put a little lube on the rubber valve/washer before putting it back together? It could have gotten bunched up if the valve was turned with the assembly dry!? I replaced my 5 holed washer/valve with a homemade one, and it worked just fine, the old one was all shrivelled up and torn...hence the leaking!!

HTH.......T.C.

[cybergost1]

its a standard and i havn't rebuilt them yet but fixing to do it. I am on hold while i am messing around with the title.

[scalded dog]

Hello TC, I was hoping to meet you at Suches, but we got there to late, and I didn't put any lube on the new rubber, duh I should have also I will check the spring washer to see if it should be replaced. Thanks for the reply. Later 'Dog

[Midnite]

Lube

Hello, I rebuildt the petcocks on my Midnight Special, but I did not put any lube on the rubber gasket. The handle is very hard to turn now. SO maybe I should take them apart again and lube them? What should I use for lube? Any idea?

[ratbyk]

Petcock Lub

I would suggest a small smear of white lithium grease. It is not petroleum based and will not affect the rubber. Brake fluid will also work but you have to worry about paint damage and brake fluid will dry out faster than lithium grease.
Ken/Sooke

[Midnite]

Allrite, I will do that, thanx alot Ken.

[chevy45412001]

?

i wasn't sure so i used wheel bearing grease? seems to be fine after a year.

[ratbyk]

Petcock Lubricant

Big block, you are likely OK when I think about it. The rubber is likely neoprene to be impervious to gasoline. Normal grease would not hurt it.
Ken/Sooke