Starting to clean the fuel system

I am in the process of cleaning out the fuel system to see if i can get my new (to me) bike to fire. It's a 1981 KZ250. I removed the tank and that's being cleaned and now I am onto the fuel filter. Is there away that I can open this up and clean the debris out? Also, aren't I suppose to have some type of petcock? The brass fitting was connected directly to the tank and the other end on the hose was connected to the engine. This is my first bike/project so please bare with me.

Generally you should replace the inline fuel filter every couple years. They're only a couple bucks at your local auto parts store. As for your other question, yes there should be a petcock attached to your gas tank. You may be able to find an OEM part on ebay

Alright sounds good. I will hit my local autozone and pick one up tomorrow. I will look on ebay for a petcock. Thanks!

so i looked up the petcock on ebay and i have no idea how this will mount to the tank. Either I have the wrong tank or someone modified this tank for some reason. Heres a pic of how the filter was attached, of the fitting on the tank and a couple pics of the petcock.

This is the filter you want. Dont go to auto prts store. Automotive you are too restricting. Bikes are gravity fed and wont flow enough through a car filter.
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...%22&item=KL19-1272-1
As for the petcock try kawasaki,com, go to owner info the parts diagram.
Good luck.

Moneypit,
Thats for the link. What do you think about this filter? I can get it from my local cycle gear so I wont have to wait for shipping (and I wont have to pay for the $20 shipping I would from the link you provided) I am looking into my tank to see whats up with that.
Www.cyclegear.com/cyclegear/parts/filter...filter/p/37902_39001

So ai figured out my has been modified to accommodate the brass fitting. So I will probably need to find a different tank or try and figure out how to undo the work someone else did. It will be good learning experience at least.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationUnless the image of your tank is distorted, it doesn't appear to be an original tank. Your actual tank should look something like this

I looked at that tank ebay and am watching it right now. So I guess I will start on cleaning the carb and changing fluids until I buy a new tank and filter. The previous owner said that the plug kept fouling and thats why he parked it. I am hoping that with the right tank and a petcock ot will fire up after I clean everything up. You guys have been a big help for a newb and I really appreciate it. Thanks again.

Most KZs probably have 5/16" fuel ports, so a 5/16" filter may be a better fit. The clear plastic one linked by moneypit does not hold up to gasoline w ethanol --- the ends become soft & bendy. An aluminum filter that has a cleanable element seems like a good idea to me. Russell is one brand -- available on eebbaayy etc.

In addition to an in-line filter, make sure the petcock or fuel valve has a screen.

The filter I found at cycle grear... what do you guys think?

That one will be fine. If your bike uses 5/16" fuel line, then a 5/16 part would be a better fit, but a 1/4 filter will work.