Leaky petcock -- how does vacuum leave petcock?

I've got a second tank with a leaky petcock (too) and will get a manual one for it and not mess with the seals or a Pingle if I hit the lotto.

About 90% of the bikes i come across have workable vacuum petcocks, and as long as you clean them well (zero abbrasives at all) and replace the o-ring and lever seal they work great, I have had some that won't shut off or dribble though, and of course those get replaced with good manual valves, but the ease of the vac ones are always attractive.

And face it, if a faulty petcock floods your engine you have other issues as well (seems to be the biggest complaint with the vac style, set overnight and flood out the bike)

I agree with the manual comments unless you are prone to forget to turn on the gas and fall down a lot. :woohoo:
Steve

swest wrote: I agree with the manual comments unless you are prone to forget to turn on the gas and fall down a lot. :woohoo:
Steve

I have a stop sign two short blocks from home. When I get to that stop, I shut off the valve, get home, park, and wait for the next ride.

Also smart to make sure float needles are in working condition.

You shouldn't have to do that.
Steve

floivanus wrote: .....And face it, if a faulty petcock floods your engine you have other issues as well (seems to be the biggest complaint with the vac style, set overnight and flood out the bike)

I agree this is usually the case, and usually the other problem is one or more faulty float valves. However, sometimes a faulty vacuum petcock can allow fuel to run down through the vacuum line into the #2 carb. In that case, the petcock itself may be the only problem. Ed