petcock rebuild question

[pbjman]

I have a petcock rebuild kit on the way from Georgefix (and also carb kits). I have removed and disassembled my petcocks to clean them out and be ready for the rebuild. Should there be a gasket between the outer plate and the lower petcock body? Or is the o-ring around the selector the only thing needed. [IMG][/IMG]

And does the plastic tower come off of the petcock for cleaning?

Check out these inner gaskets, no wonder the petcock didn't work!

[bikerphil]

No gasket under the face plate, the rubber ring on the selector handle piece is the gasket to keep fuel from leaking outward.

[CaptonZap]

I've seen some of the plastic towers that can be pulled out, and some that seem to be well fastened. There isn't any reason to take them out, if they are still in one piece.

CZ

[pbjman]

Thank you for the replies

[Tat2demon]

When its apart you can shoot some carb cleaner up through the petcock into the screen to rinse it out if you feel the need.

[fredintoon]

Hi PBJ,
one last thing, the handle face that seals against the 4-hole rubber seal should be polished to shine like an outhouse door on a frosty morning so it don't abrade the seal lips.
Also give the seal face a light smear of grease before assembly. Yes, the grease will wash away when the fuel starts to flow but you don't want the seal running dry before it's wetted with fuel.

[Tat2demon]

Hi PBJ,
one last thing, the handle face that seals against the 4-hole rubber seal should be polished to shine like an outhouse door on a frosty morning so it don't abrade the seal lips.
Also give the seal face a light smear of grease before assembly. Yes, the grease will wash away when the fuel starts to flow but you don't want the seal running dry before it's wetted with fuel.

I cant find the thread with the petcock rebuild tutorial but as Fred said, get the inside of the selector nice and smooth. The thread suggests using 1000 grit wet sandpaper on a flat surface. Hold the selector face down and move it in a circular motion. Should clear the face right up.

Also, if you have a dremmel, use the polishing tips and get the valve seat nice and shiny.

[fredintoon]

Slipped a zero

The thread suggests using 100 grit wet sandpaper on a flat surface.

Hi demon,
did your typing finger miss a zero? Use a THOUSAND grit wet&dry paper and soapy water to make the final polish.

[Tat2demon]

lol yeah I just noticed that. Most certainly DO NOT USE 100 grit! lol

[ViperRon]

There is a little round wavy spring washer that goes between the outside cover and handle that holds tension in on the gasket. Do not break the wavy washer they are not easy to find. To clean the insde holes out I use the multistranded wire from a picture hang kit bent over and put in a drill. It cleans very well and moves smoothly threw the holes.

[spayne83]

I just finished sanding mine down with 1200 grit sandpaper and some WD-40 after using a dremel grinding stone to lightly buff out any imperfections. Getting ready to do the same thing, but make sure that those surfaces are nice and shiny. I did every surface that has a gasket.

Here is that post:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=25058.html

[jetmechmarty]

I use this as a lubricant for the rubber bits during assembly. Like Fred pointed out, you don't want to tear those seals the first time you move the handle. It will have everything gliding smoothly.

Maybe someone knows better, but not having that stuff, I think I would use Vaseline (petrolatum).