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fix or replace petcock?
- iversonic
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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!
1978 kz650
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- Grantl
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- KZRider is Da Bomb!!!
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Grant.
1981 KZ1000 CSR
1983 KZ750 Project Bike
1990 550 Zephyr
1994 KZ1000 P
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- RetroRiceRocketRider
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- ...bring in the machine that goes PING!
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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.
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- iversonic
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1978 kz650
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- anarki650
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09 Kawasaki ER6n
77 kz650b1 cafe rebirth project
"Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube, that's why God made fast motorcycles..."
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
Omaha NE
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- Patton
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...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!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- NiagaraZ
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78 KZ650 D1
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- violentvintagecycles
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- purgeraptor
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It fits perfectly, same hole spacing and o-ring, and no interference to carbs.
Part number: 51023-057
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- iversonic
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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.
1978 kz650
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- PFC FNG
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- I've got the sickness!!!
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I know it would not be any fun if it was easy, but does it have to be this much fun?
84 ZX750 GPZ (Waiting for paint)
Eastpoint, Mi
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- iversonic
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thanks for all the suggestions, this website is pretty awesome!
1978 kz650
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