Quick Fix For Leaking Petcocks?

[XSWild34]

Hey everyone I need some help my petcocks are leaking even in the off position does anyone know any quick fixes for this? I am ordering some petcock rebuild kits and carb rebuild kits but I just want to know if there is something I can do till then? Thanks for any help and also I have a 79 xs11 special

[natemoen]

Rebuild kits on ebay from georgefix. Until then a vice grip on the fuel lines....

[bikerphil]

Take the tank off and drain it down till your petcock kits arrive. Just don't drop a breaker bar on it while it sits on the floor, BTDT. No riding though.

[fredintoon]

Hey everyone I need some help my petcocks are leaking even in the off position does anyone know any quick fixes for this? I am ordering some petcock rebuild kits and carb rebuild kits but I just want to know if there is something I can do till then? Thanks for any help and also I have a 79 xs11 special

Hi Scott,
if you just can't wait until the kits arrive, try this:-
Flip the multi-hole rubber washer over so it uses the other side, very carefully re-arch the wavy spring washer so it applies more pressure and polish the tap seal face.
It just might work.

[Bonz]

Yes, if you need a quick fix, take apart the petcocks, reverse the rubber washer (you'll probably find one side of the washer has worn/rough looking edges), and see if that fixes it. Since you have kits on the way, I wouldn't mess with the spring unless there are new springs in the kit.

I took my petcocks apart on my 80 Special last fall, they weren't leaking, but none the less I wanted to check them out, and proactively reversed the rubber washer (didn't do anything to the spring) because of the wear, even though I had no leaks.

With all that said, if you reverse the rubber washer and it fixes the problem, run it that way and save your kits until it leaks again. Petcocks are relatively low in the PITA factor in terms of servicing.

[GARTHXS]

You can also check the oring on the backside and give the spring a little stretch. Even on a new rebuilt kit I do this because the brass plunger never seat until you do

[natemoen]

You can also check the oring on the backside and give the spring a little stretch. Even on a new rebuilt kit I do this because the brass plunger never seat until you do

This only applies to the stamdarda vacuum operated petcocks.

[planedick]

Float seats

If the carbs are in good working order why does it matter. Good float bowl seats and proper float bowl height will stop the fuel flow anyway.

[Bonz]

planedick,

From the post that started this thread, his petcocks are leaking, good carbs and float stuff ain't gonna fix a leaky petcock up top!

[TopCatGr58]

I'm a couple days late, but years ago I went to my local hardware store, found some large diameter neoprene rubber fender washer types washers, and made my own valve using a single hole puncher just like for the gaskets. My old valves were so worn, they were crumbling! The problem is that for the specials, the outer valve o-ring is quite small/thin, and can also tear/break easily if it's as old as the valve, and I couldn't find one thin enough at the hardware store to replace it!

Another option is to put a lawnmower cut off valve in line between the petcocks and the carbs! JAT!

T.C.

[skids]

This only applies to the stamdarda vacuum operated petcocks.

LOL! I had to read that three times and then twist my mind to figure that one out!

[natemoen]

LOL! I had to read that three times and then twist my mind to figure that one out!

Yup fat finger small phone keyboard problem...