TOPIC:

I have recieved all the parts to change my vacuum petcock over to a manual one - this involves opening the hole where the original petcock filter went to take the round new one - I am a bit leery of doing this so would like some advice about doing this - the tank is empty - was thinking of buying a dremmel bit and using my drill...?

Lee

I just changed over to a manual petcock with the adapter plate from Z1 Enterprises. I used my Dremel with the drum sander - it took about 5 minutes or so, but it worked like a charm. I finished up by using my shop vac to suck out any debris.

My best advice - follow the instructions included with the adapter plate - do not deviate from them. Take your time and be thorough. Just a note - the 3/8" NPT petcock will only thread in about 4 full turn (with teflon tape on the threads) - any further and you might damage the adapter plate, the petcock, or actually deform the tank.

Good luck.

Buy a round file, I think it's called a rat tail file? It won't take long to enlarge the hole, it's just a few mm. Just hold up your adapter plate, mark the tank with a pencil and go for it. It won't blow up on you. Rinse it out later, or try sweeping the inside of the tank with a magnetic wand. And then install a fuel filter.

Thanks,
I think I am going to use a bit of both - start off with the dremmel tool and then smooth and round any burrs etc with the file...thanks for your feedback.
I purchased a tungsten dremmel bit for metal so hopefully that will do the trick. The magnet idea is very clever - never thought of that.

Lee

After I installed my adapter plate and petcock, I found a strong round magnet about 1/2 in. diameter, and just plopped it under the tank lip by the petcock. (on the outside of the tank, not inside) You can't see it.

I figured it would grab any small filings or rust particles that were loose. I suppose you could drop one inside the tank and somehow use a stick to maneuver it near the petcock too.