TOPIC:

Hi everyone, I'm rebuilding a 1982 kz550c and have a question about the carb fuel line

The carbs are Teikei TK-22

The previous owner cut the vacuum line on the forth carb and plugged it, however the petcock is the original On/Res/Pri.

My question is: Would you recommend reconnecting the 4th carb's vacuum connection to the petcock, or replace the petcock for a On/off/res and make it a manual?

Or....am I completely wrong with both, and should do something else??

Welcome Conman...Sounds like the orig petcock is a vac version. He may have had a leak with the vac side and decided to (sorta) turn it into a manual petcock. On/Res being off and Pri being on. If the petcock doesn't leak, you can run a new vac hose from #2 (usually this is where it's run from) to the vac port on the petcock and see if it still works. I suspect you may find the petcock needs a rebuild, but this would be advised anyhow.

I would also suggest you find a Service Manual for your bike. Orig (Kawasaki) is suggested, but Clymer/Haynes will do in a pinch... This will also give you great reference material to specific areas on the bike, where questions arise.

From the diagrams at Partzilla & carb pics on KZRider Loudhvx's motorcycle stuff page, the petcock vacuum port is indeed on the #4 carburetor (that's kind of atypical for most KZ 4-cyl models).

If you rebuild the petcock, get oem or K&L parts (made in Japan).
Some guys prefer a manual fuel valve: you'll need to measure the bolt hole spacing center-to-center. It'll probably be either 34mm or 44mm. The #4 carb also has a vent port, as does the #2 carb.

a lot of KZ 550 stuff

Thanks for the quick replies.

So it sounds like I should just try and reconnect the 4th carb vacuum port to the petcock and see if it works.

Then if that doesn't work, I either need to rebuild the petcock, or just purchase a new vacuum petcock.

I never did like the vacuum petcock on my Gpz550, except when in was new and it worked great. Have replaced the diaphragm and spring before with Kawasaki parts, but never could get it to work right. Plugged the vacuum line and just run it on prime now and turning it to on or reserve shuts off the fuel.

Petcock problem relief = PINGLE (yeah it's worth it)

It's no big deal, but with a Pingel you have to use an adapter plate & ream out
the tank bung hole 2-4mm. Direct fit manual fuel valves are available. Here's a topic:

Manual fuel valve option