fix or replace petcock?

Hi everyone, this is my first post and have almost no experience working on motorcycles.

I bought a 78 kz650 last year and the petcock has started to leak fuel from the side at an L-shaped tube connection. I also found out (the hard way) that switching to the reserve does nothing even though there's still fuel in the tank. I know I can get a rebuild kit from a few different websites, but where can I get a completely new petcock valve? Is there a benefit to switching away from a vacuum petcock? ...any other modifications if I do? Also, what other models have a petcock that will fit? (suzuki???)

Thanks for any help anyone can give me!

You can get a new Pingel replacement petcock (non vacuum) from several websites. I believe Z1 Enterprises sell them, all you need to do is measure the distance between the petcock mounting holes (usually 34 or 44 mm, and then order the correct mounting plate with the petcock. I have one on my KZ1000M and it works great. You just have to get into the habit of turning the gas on and off manually.
Grant.

Welcome to KZr iversonic.

Some folks have had luck with the rebuild kit's, but most never seem to work as hoped. In fact, more often than not it causes the leak to worsen.

The Pingel petcock that Grantl mentioned is a good way to go, and the members here that use them really like them.

But if you'd prefer to stay with an OEM vacuum operated petcock, then you can purchase one for a late model ('80~ IIRC) KZ1000 Police bike through your local Kawi dealership (the OEM petcock for the KZ650 is no longer available).
It uses the same o-ring as your 650 does to seal between the petcock and the tank, and the mounting holes match up 100% perfectly. Trust me, I've had one of the Police petcocks mounted on my '78 KZ650 for over 4 years now.

The only thing that may be an issue is where the outlet fittings/nipples exit the petcock, as they may come in contact with either the top of the carb or the frame.
A simple removal of the diaphragm cover on the back of the petcock to rotate it and face that fitting in another direction is all that's needed to remedy that lil prob.

Expect to pay in the neighborhood of about $85 for a NOS Kawi petcock.

What happens if you forget to close the pingel petcock when you turn your bike off?

You'll have gas flowing through our carb overflows and all over our garage floor and if you're really unlucky it'll get into the crankcase vent and contaminate your oil. The float needles do a decent job of shutting off the fuel flow IF you have newer needles and seats and your floats are set perfectly, but they'll probably not stop the fuel flow from a gravity fed Pingel.

iversonic wrote:

...petcock has started to leak fuel from the side at an L-shaped tube connection....

Where the L-shaped tube has simply gotten loose where it fits into the petcock, it may sometimes be successfully refitted using JBWeld to hold it in place and seal against fuel leaks. Might be worth a try.

Good Luck!

I had the same problem. The L shaped fitting is just pressed in. I gave it a wrap of Plummers teflon tape and pressed it back in. I eventually replaced it as the diagram gave up but it stopped the gas leak.

Being as how your reserve doesn't work, how does your gas tank look, rust wise?

When my vacuum tap started leaking into the carbs on my Z650B3, I replaced it with a Kawasaki non-vacuum type.

It fits perfectly, same hole spacing and o-ring, and no interference to carbs.

Part number: 51023-057

violentvintagecycles, the inside of my tank looks really good. no rust.

i know there must be some problem with my air/fuel or my spark because there is no power when i give it any throttle over just above idle. if i barely give it some throttle, i can feel the bike pull like it should. i'm trying to fix the petcock now because i know for sure it's not working.

I also would replace it with a non-vacumn type. I just "fixed" my vacumn petcock so it would function as a manual. Otherwise you will probably end up replacing it every few years.

ok, i think i'm gonna get the pingel and adapter because it's about $35 total and the kawasaki petcock is $80 - $85

thanks for all the suggestions, this website is pretty awesome!