idea

[Nightengale]

i have been thinking about seeing if i could put an electronic fuel shut off valves on my bike, to where the valve is only open when the key is turned on. i have forgotten to shut off the petcocks a few times (as i know many of us have), and figured that this might help to remedy this problem. also what would be the best way to wire it so that it came on when the key was on and off when the key is off. any thoughts, comments, and advice would help. i have done a little research and found some the i think will work http://www.dan-marc.com/79-afc11112.html , but wanted to get you guys thoughts. thanks in advance

[cpmaynard1980]

Seems simple enough. Cool idea.

[Shacknasty]

Real bikers aren't afraid to touch their petcock in public! I frequently talk about the size and flow rate of my petcock in hopes of impressing females...

[GLoweVA]

Those of us that have vacuum controlled ones know that our petcocks only flow when suction is applied!

[Nightengale]

what have i started.

[Nightengale]

the petcocks would still be used, but this is just a safety measure to ensure that it is off. and i didnt know that i was going to start the bad pun thread, pretty funny though.

[Tat2demon]

Very cool idea. Will be interested to see how it works out. I would definately swap out my vacuums for that. Even after properly rebuilding they started to seep a little.

[DGXSER]

That is a cool little part and a good idea.

How to wire it, I would look at splicing into the tan wire going to the voltage regulator/rectifier. That is powered on when the key is on only. And it is close to the right area of the bike. You could simply pop the wire connector out and either replace it with one you add the positive wire for your fuel valve to, or add your fuel valve wire to the existing connector. I would plan to replace it as you will most likely tear up the original getting it open to accept the new wire. The ground wire could go to the frame screw off the voltage regulator with the other grounds under there.

HTH

[Petersg_99]

Thanks for the link, I just ordered one, I've been wanting to get something automatic since I pulled the octy off.

I'll let you know how it works out.

Guy

i have been thinking about seeing if i could put an electronic fuel shut off valves on my bike, to where the valve is only open when the key is turned on. i have forgotten to shut off the petcocks a few times (as i know many of us have), and figured that this might help to remedy this problem. also what would be the best way to wire it so that it came on when the key was on and off when the key is off. any thoughts, comments, and advice would help. i have done a little research and found some the i think will work http://www.dan-marc.com/79-afc11112.html , but wanted to get you guys thoughts. thanks in advance

[BA80]

Forgetting to turn off the fuel is exactly why I've retained the octy on my Specials. I like the idea of an electric valve though as long as it won't draw much from an already weak charging system.

[Nightengale]

from what i read it will only draw .75 amps. which doesnt seem like very much to me but i am not an electrical guru. so that is why i posted the question here so that the gurus could help with some advice. i wasnt sure if anyone else had tried this, but it seems like a pretty good idea to me. because the is nothing like that oh **** feeling you get when you go to your bike and realize that you left the petcocks on.

[Petersg_99]

0.75 amps at 12 volts is only 9 watts.

I just checked the manual, it shows the tail light uses 2 - 8 watt light bulbs (27 watts when braking) to give you an idea of how much power the valve will draw.

I've swapped my tail light for an LED unit, so I'm already ahead of the power curve so to speak...

[Nightengale]

I have led lights on my bike as well.

[ViperRon]

That is a good new way to get off . However it has exposed many XS1100 guys as worring too much about a new way to get off when there are tried and proven economical ways. Steve came up with a mod some time back that creates a mechanical off in the petcock. They make little plastic off/on inline mechanical switches that do the same.

The real issues are the carbs having issues and adjustment is part of it. Filters in the lines also will help keep trash out. Additives that counteract the effects of methanol and reduce rust in tanks as well as water also prevent the floats sticking. Other issues are leaving the bike idling in the sidestand or for some leaving it parked on the side stand where the float slides over and hangs open. There is also doing a good job rebuilding the petcocks with a good quality kit.

Personally I would rather not have an electrical device near my gas but what ever it takes to get you off I wish you success.

Me I just want the weather to turn so I can get on and ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never have petcock problems while riding

[CaptonZap]

i have done a little research and found some the i think will work http://www.dan-marc.com/79-afc11112.html , but wanted to get you guys thoughts. thanks in advance

My turn to play the Grinch.

With an orifice of .156, slightly larger than 1/8 of an inch, and having only about a foot of head pressure, (ignore the sex maniacs response to THAT,) if you try to feed both sets of two carbs through one valve, you may run into an adequate fuel flow problem.
A valve for each set of two carbs would help.
At any rate, a fuel flow test before test ride would be in order, and over size fuel lines before and after the valve wouldn't hurt.
Assume a fuel use of .5 lbs/hr/HP, and lets be real generous and say 100 HP, (hoping that none of our Northern neighbors call us on that "guesstamate",) it seems that we need at least 50 lbs an hour to run full bore. At 6.25 lbs a gallon, you would need 8 gallons an hour. Divide by 60 minutes, you get .13 gallons a minute. With 128 ounces in a gallon, multiplied by .13, we get 17 ounces a minute, or lets round off to two cups, or one pint, (to make it a recognizable quantity to our British members,) a minute.
Now this is at full bore, and if you never exceed half throttle, you could get by with less flow, but if your fuel mileage isn't up to snuff, and it is a hot day, fighting a severe head wind on a 10% uphill grade, towing a trailer, and your two hundred pound sweety riding pillion, you might be in trouble.
Let us know how it flows.



Now back to your usually optimistic cohorts.
It is still snowing.
CZ