Petcocks...and gas caps

[RJFort]

Hi guys,

I am redoing my tank, now that the carbs are rebuilt. I pulled off both petcocks. My question about these is aside from one saying R and the other saying L on them are they identical? Can I get the same rebuild kits for these? I just don't want to waste money. I spoke to an operator on BikeBandit.com and he was arguing with me that only one had an open/off switch, and I told him I was holding them and they both had on/off switches. He told me I had the wrong ones. I said they are original off the tank, and he still told me I was wrong. So I come to the sages of these bikes since "professionals" have no clue. So apparently the guy who had this before me did not fix a hole in the tank only bondo'd over it and repainted it, haha. Paint is stripped and tank is at welders now. When I get it back getting wire brushed and brought to powdercoaters for a nice new coat or clear powdercoat.

Also how would you go about repainting the gas cap without filling the key slot with paint and primer?

Thanks a lot guys.

[jetmechmarty]

XJ1100 XS1100 SPECIAL PETCOCK KIT XS1100SF XS1100LH


That is what you need. With that kit you can rebuild both petcocks and the vacuum valve (spidervalve or octy). Instructions in the link below.

Rebuilding Yamaha Vacuum Operated Fuel Valves (Petcocks.)

[RJFort]

cool, thanks Marty. Much appreciated.

[DGXSER]

For the gas cap, they will disassemble down to the cylinder part being removed. Could allow you to paint what you need. Now if your concerned with the little chrome circle left, you could put some small pieces of tape into the key slot, paint it and then remove the tape before the paint dries.

George is a great source for the petcock rebuild kist. I did a write up of using his kit HERE.

[jetmechmarty]

George is a great source for the petcock rebuild kist. I did a write up of using his kit HERE.

Don,

I had somehow missed your write-up. I just noted that it has one missing step, or did I miss it?

Once we have everything clean, let's begin the refurbishment by polishing the valve seat:

I found this on another site, and failure to do it was the reason my rebuilds failed. I don't seem to be smart enough to figure these things out on my own.

[RJFort]

you guys are great will give that info a shot. I just ordered my kit so hopefully my petcocks will be good as new next week. I do not know if the petcock NEEDED to be rebuilt, but just want to make sure that all is well with the fuel system. Thanks again.

[DGXSER]

Marty,

My petcocks were not corroded to need that face polsihed, they were pretty clean. However, about the third comment down after ym write-up was from EGleaves and he mentioned that as well. It is never a bad idea to polish that face up really.

RJ, While you have the fuel system down and apart, those rebuild kits are to cheap and easy not to do it now. Taking it all back apart again later for lack of doing that work now would really suck!

[Rasputin]

Leave the key in the slot while repainting is done. Then simply remove the key and wire brush or wire wheel it back to the unpainted state. Simple, effective, and get rid of all the chrome color if that is the effect you are after.

[fredintoon]

- - - so how would you go about repainting the gas cap without filling the key slot with paint and primer?

Hi Rich,
the gas filler cap in the top of the tank? Not a typo? Duh, mine is chromed.
OK, if you have to paint it, shove the key in it to keep the slot clean.
Mask the part of the key that sticks out.
Or, the lock can be taken out and left chrome.

[RJFort]

Thanks for all your info, helpful as usual. There is really nothing wrong with the gas cap. The chrome is beautiful and perfect, if you like that sort of thing. There will be ZERO chrome on this bike. Maybe my next one. This will be a rat/cafe/tracker mixture. All flat black and brushed steel and aluminum. Not sure how you all feel about it but I have a pretty cool picture in my head. AND so you all know, I posted this in my earlier thread about my CHOP/BUILD, I am not hardtailing thi sanymore. Not a bobber build anymore after listening to all of you and doing some research of my own. Waiting for a different bike like CB750 or XS650 or something similar for that type of build. Thanks again for all your input.

[Rasputin]

The only thing I see wrong with going "no chrome" is that them shiney fork tubes just beg for something to compliment them. I have seen guys do Flat Black everywhere just to look cool but the fork tubes outsmart them every time. I just think myself that if one has to deal with the fork tubes being chromed then something must also match to it.

[jetmechmarty]

The only thing I see wrong with going "no chrome" is that them shiney fork tubes just beg for something to compliment them. I have seen guys do Flat Black everywhere just to look cool but the fork tubes outsmart them every time. I just think myself that if one has to deal with the fork tubes being chromed then something must also match to it.

The fork tubes could be covered with gaiters and if the original headlight ears are retained, they can be flat black too. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[CaptonZap]

Thanks for all your info, helpful as usual. There is really nothing wrong with the gas cap. The chrome is beautiful and perfect, if you like that sort of thing.

Now, if you were a real helpful fella, you would ask if anybody had a cap that was not "beautiful and perfect", that they would be willing to trade you for yours. They pay postage both ways, naturally.
Win -win. Your paint will stick better, and they can polish to their hearts content. The locks will change out, using a screwdriver. CZ

[RJFort]

That is a good idea. I want to double check really how perfect it is. It looks pretty good though. I will try to take pics and see what people say. Thanks for the idea. I did not think of it.

[RJFort]

So I ordered the Petcock rebuild kit from Georgefix on Wednesday May 9, sometime before noon. I am in CT and he is in Florida. Well I come home from work today, May 11 and it is sitting in my mailbox. Quite incredible. That in itself deserves a return visit to him if I need more parts, hahahaha IF.