a bad petcock

My petcock is leaking badly, I'm going to replace it with the OEM. However, theoretical question...Is it possible to bypass the vacuum system and simply run the bike of "prime"? In other words could a person simply install a basic on/off fuel valve from another bike?

 

Oh, ... sure ... you could do that.
Install a Briggs & Stratton shut-off for 10 or 12 bucks.
It shuts-off the gas when it's turned to off.
The problem is, ... you might forget.

Then, if your Floats leak or get stuck, ... you're screwed.

You should bite the bullet.
Buy yourself a NEW (25-year) Petc0ck.
Plus!
The Briggs shut-off for insurance.

Keep the gas out of the crankcase.
That costs you big-time.

 

Not so theoretical question: Is it possible to bypass the vacuum shutoff within the petcock itself? The vacuum shutoff has been removed on all my bikes, so turning off the petcock every time is second nature to me.

 

Pri(Prime) would be the setting for you! not sure if the reserve is within Pri also but you would think it would be, so you'd lose your reserve fall back...

Your out of fuel means your really out of fuel! Unless it isn't within Pri of course and then you can just ignore the whole second theory!

Pulling out the vacuum piston o-ring might bring on the same condition, you'd think too.

 

Then it would never shut off.

Which means your floats better be in 100% working order or you'll end up with a motor full of gas.

The only way to properly remove the vacuum-activated fuel valve is to replace it with a manual one. The vacuum part isn't "shut off" it's "allow flow."

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to replace the petc0ck with the OEM. I'm sure it could be rebuilt per Fitz's awesome instructions, but I just don't have the time. Or a Dremel.

Might as well keep the briggs stratton switch, replace the hoses and add an inline filter while i'm at it.

Then it's on to the carbs!

"repairing a motorcycle requires great peace of mind" or you will lose your mind...

 

mmcgee,

IMO by the time you finish with the carbs you may wish you had gone ahead and "rebuilt" the petcock and gas cap. They're not difficult compared to first time carb tear down. The most difficult task for me was removing the old "in-tank" petcock filter. Everything else was just a matter of replacing worn parts and their orientation with the aid of the write-ups here and a Digital Camera. Hope this helps.

Gary

 

rocs, I just bought a repair kit at a low price. You are right it's worth a shot before replacing.

 

For those who live in the areas where snow actually used to fall, and we'd actually be able to go snowmobiling.......if you're like me, you have a bunch of parts sleds around--------you can also use the fuel shut-off unit. It's more reliable than the plastic Lawnmower kinds. I have one on one of my bikes, love it.

FWIW,

Dave F

 

Here is a video of how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUfrvwKQGmc

Knowing what it's supposed to do helps to make an informed decision whether you can live without it's functionalities or not.

Enjoy.

 

IMHO, ... The Briggs & Stratton Fuel Shut-off Valve is a very dependable and reliable unit.

Well worth the money.