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Vacuum to manual petcock
- Rattyblack650
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- 78 kz650 sr
Anyone successfuly modify it to manual?
I've capped off the fittings for vacuum but still get dribbles out of the petcock with fuel line disconnected.
Broke college kid can't afford pingel etc right now but am concerned about the dribble leaking into my engine (oil smells slightly fumey)
Thinking off installing manual cheap inline on off if all else fails
78 kz650 sr (ratty edition!)
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- TexasKZ
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You can try this..... Ride the bike until the tank is almost empty. Remove the fuel tank. Hold the tank so that the fuel outlet is over a suitable container ( a piece if fuel line on the outlet may be needed), turn the lever to PRI and empty the tank. Put the tank on your workbench wit an old towel under it to prevent scratching and remove the four screws that hold the petcock together. Be very careful separating the two halves so that you do not tear the diaphragm. Replace the little oring and carefully clean the seat with a rag and a little carb cleaner. If it is not too bad, your bare finger may be good enough to clean it. DO NOT use anything more abrasive. Put it back together and check for drips and leaks.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- RonKZ650
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As to gas getting in the oil, there has always been worry of this, but the drain tubes on the float bowls prevent this. You'll get a puddle of gas on the floor, none in the oil. Believe me, in 300,000+ miles on 77-79 KZ650s and 1000s I've seen my fair share of gas puddles, but never once got gas in the oil. Some of the newer CV carbs may have this happen, not sure, but the old slide carbs not likely.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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- Rattyblack650
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- 78 kz650 sr
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I read various post for other bikes with vacuum petcocks, people will fill the inside vacuum port with a bolt or various things to make it a full manual petcock. Anyone modified one? I will probably just order a new cheap Chinese one eventually (manual petcock)
Ron, as for the oil in the gas , I guess I'm just paranoid cause I read you can destroy your engine and rings etc (I'm a worrier)
I just replaced carb bowl gaskets and stopped those leaks so I'm a little paranoid the leaks I can't see are going in the engine
Sounds like it would come out the vent before if would go into engine.
Thanks a bunch fellas now I can sleep lol!
78 kz650 sr (ratty edition!)
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- TexasKZ
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1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- daveo
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www.pingelonline.com/motorcycle-fuel-valves/6211-ch.asp
1982 KZ1100-A2
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- 650ed
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Regarding the Pingle manual petcock - it looks nice (I like shiny things), and I suspect because it doesn't use a vacuum operated diaphragm it probably would be more reliable than the stock vacuum operated unit. I believe you would need to use an adapter to fit it to your stock fuel tank. So overall I would say the price would be higher than a stock unit and you would sacrifice the stock appearance (if that matters to you). Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- daveo
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650ed wrote: Personally I prefer my stock manual petcock over the later vacuum operated ones. Since it has no diaphragm to fail it has proven to be extremely reliable. Having owned my bike for 40 years I have no problem remembering to turn it to the "OFF" position when I shut down the bike.
Regarding the Pingle manual petcock - it looks nice (I like shiny things), and I suspect because it doesn't use a vacuum operated diaphragm it probably would be more reliable than the stock vacuum operated unit. I believe you would need to use an adapter to fit it to your stock fuel tank. So overall I would say the price would be higher than a stock unit and you would sacrifice the stock appearance (if that matters to you). Ed
Speed thrills!:woohoo:
1982 KZ1100-A2
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- KZB2 650
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1978 KZ650 b-2
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.
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- RonKZ650
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321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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- ezrider714
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I have never seen a lever break off in over 40 yrs....This lend me to believe a lack of proper lubrication was not kept up with. if the oring is leaking there most likely is a nick or cut, if not I think the next size up oring will fit and stop any leaksge
I will never own a bike with a vacuum shut off petcock Turning it off is the same as putting down the kickstand
78 KZ650SR Mine since 79
4-1 Mac Jet Hot coated since mid 80's
Dyna Coils
Saddlebags (I ain't skeered of going nowhere)
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- RonKZ650
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321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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