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Petcock leak

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Angelsoria, Apr 6, 2017.

  1. Angelsoria

    Angelsoria New Member

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    I just got an 85 maxim xj700. Bike has been sitting in a garage for a few years. Previous owner said it ran fine. Have some work to do before its ready for the road (shocks, fork seals, exhuasts, seat, and now the petcock possibly). I started filling the fuel tank and the petcock began leaking from the screws. Im no mechanic but would rather learn to fix it myself. Bad petcock? Bad lines?
     
    Angelsoria, Apr 6, 2017
    #1
  2. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    Could be one of a few things, if it is indeed leaking from the screws:

    a) screws ain't ight!

    b) special "sealing washers" used with those screws are bad/missing/etc.

    c) the rubber o-ring used to seal the petcock to the tank is bad/missing/etc., and the leak only "appears" to be coming from the screws.
     
    chacal, Apr 6, 2017
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  3. Angelsoria

    Angelsoria New Member

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    Has to be the screws, the hoses arent leaking. Also, not sure what the part is, but next to the petcock on the tank. Same thing. Leaks from screws. Where can i find these sealibg washers?
     
    Angelsoria, Apr 7, 2017
    #3
  4. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    The "other part" is the low-fuel warning light SENDING UNIT.......same thing with it, sealing washers on the screws, and a rubber o-ring that seals the body of the sender to the tank.

    We have all of the items needed to rebuild the petcocks in stock, as well as the sealing washers and the mounting o-rings for both parts. We'd actually recommend that you replace the mounting O-rings while you've got the screws off to replace their sealing washers.

    Send me an e-mail or use the "Start A Conversation" feature on this website for more info.
     
    chacal, Apr 7, 2017
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    Angelsoria likes this.
  5. Angelsoria

    Angelsoria New Member

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    Could you explain to me how a petcock works? Im wondering because while i had the tank off i was checking the leak, it started draining from the petcock. On all three settings.
     
    Angelsoria, Apr 7, 2017
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  6. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    Not like that! Your petcock needs rebuilding or replacing:

    http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/25058
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2017
    chacal, Apr 7, 2017
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  7. Angelsoria

    Angelsoria New Member

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    Well i took off the old one and the piece thats inside the tank has broken off and i cant get it out. Im thinking its a filter? How do i get out? Ive been shaking the tank around in hopes that it will fall out.
     
    Angelsoria, Apr 17, 2017
    #7
  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    That is the petcock screen. It is what prevents big hunks of crap from entering the carbs (but not little bits of crap. us an inline filter), and allows for a reserve when using the tank. It can stay in there without causing any harm. Order a new one.
     
    k-moe, Apr 17, 2017
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  9. Angelsoria

    Angelsoria New Member

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    So i finally checked my air filter, the bottom of the filter is covered in oil and the filter case has a small puddle in it. Whats the issue here?
     

    Attached Files:

    Angelsoria, Apr 26, 2017
    #9
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Leaky float needles or an overfilled crankcase.
    Does it smell of gasoline?
    Open the oil cap. Does that smell of gasoline?
     
    k-moe, Apr 26, 2017
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  11. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Merging. Same issue as is already being discussed in your other thread.
     
    k-moe, Apr 26, 2017
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  12. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    This will help you get more familliar with your bike and what things to look for as you refurbish it.

    Read This First
     
    k-moe, Apr 26, 2017
    #12
    Stumplifter likes this.

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