Leaking petcock

OK I know that I can buy a rebuild kit and that might fix the problem... maybe not... my questions is what is the difference of gravity vs. vacuum.. I am considering going to gravity fed... what are pros/cons of doing the switch I already know about reeming out the whole and this doesnt seem like a big deal so any other cons or warnings??? any pros??? thanx in advance

It seems like there are passionate opinions for both camps on this. It really comes down to personal preference.

My first KZ was a 440LTD with a vacuum petcock. Rode it for about 10 years before I sold it and bought a KZ1000 with a manual petcock. I had the hardest time getting used to turning the darn thing off when not in use. I was so used to the set-n-forget vacuum type.

Soon after getting the "new" bike, I swapped out the stock "LTD" tank for a bigger tank off of an A2A. It had a vacuum petcock, which of course leaked badly. Rather than rebuilding the leaky one, and taking a risk that it would still leak after rebuild, I ended up getting a new Suzuki petcock (available from Z1 Enterprises for less than $40), which bolted right on. Works perfectly, and I never have to fiddle with it.

For me, set-n-forget is the way to go.

del

So those suzuki vacuum petcocks on Z1 will bolt right on huh.. that was something I was afraid of buying one of those and it not working right... well there it is vacuum all the way thanx.... on a side note A2A sorry new to the z world what kind of bike is that I have been hating the fact that I have such a small tank on my bike are those a direct swap? if so where can I get one?

Post edited by: kz650csr81, at: 2007/10/11 20:03

del

kz650csr81 wrote:

So those suzuki vacuum petcocks on Z1 will bolt right on huh.. that was something I was afraid of buying one of those and it not working right... well there it is vacuum all the way thanx.... on a side note A2A sorry new to the z world what kind of bike is that I have been hating the fact that I have such a small tank on my bike are those a direct swap? if so where can I get one?<br><br>Post edited by: kz650csr81, at: 2007/10/11 20:03

Sorry, I was referring to a KZ1000-A2A. It is a late '78 version of the KZ1000-A2. More info here: zedder.com/Info/78%20KZ1000-A2A.htm

The stock KZ1000 LTD ("B") tank has a capacity of about 3.5 gal. The A2A can hold abt 4.5 gal.

Actually, I am not completely sure the tank came from an A2A. I bought it on EBay, and just guessed on its origin based on its size and configuration.

I am not familiar with the KZ650, so I couldn't say if it would fit on your bike. I honestly doubt it though. Don't know if there are any other bigger 'stock' tanks that will just bolt on to a KZ650.

Regarding the Suzuki petcock, you should measure the distance between the bolt holes. If it is 44mm, it should just bolt on.

You may need to get "creative" on the routing of the fuel line, as the Suzuki petcock fuel outlet points straight back. On my KZ1000, that caused a problem because it pointed straight back to a frame post and left little room for the fuel line to bend down towards the carbs without kinking the line. I ended up just routing the fuel line straight back into a space under the front of the seat, then curved it back towards the front and through a hole that leads from the battery compartment back into the carb area. By doing this, I was able to avoid any fuel line kinks. You can read more about it and see pics in this thread: tinyurl.com/2p4r6h

yeah I looked into the rebuild kit but after taking apart and cleaning the petcock it just "looks bad" is the best way to describe it.. it has deep scratches where the spring ring is and other parts are discolored and....old..... about the fuel tank.. I thought that all the LTD's shared a common frame with my csr 650.. could be wrong thanx though

My local dealer in Norfolk, VA ordered the parts for my '83 KZ650 CSR petcock individually and it came to ~$30.00. Parts should be here in 3 days or so.

del

Spot wrote:

My local dealer in Norfolk, VA ordered the parts for my '83 KZ650 CSR petcock individually and it came to ~$30.00. Parts should be here in 3 days or so.

damn thats cheap!! my dealer here in vegas wants $60 for all the parts...

I just installed a Suzuki vacume petcock from Z1 on my 78-79 KZ650SR, it was part number 18-4359 and it cost about 40 bucks. It did bolt right on but I took the 4 screws out of the vacume port end and turned it a quarter turn so the vacume port pointed down rather than to the rear - the existing vacume hose plugged RIGHT back onto the vacume port after that with no modifications . I ran a longer fuel line from the Tee back through the frame and around under the rear of the tank to plug onto the rearward facing fuel port. I know next to nothing about this stuff and it didn't take a an hour from start to finish. VERY nice cure ! Tom