The petcock on my 97 RK started to leak. I drained the tank and backed off the nut to remove the petcock. The petcock came off but the strainer doesn't want to come out. It almost feels as if there is a lip at the top of the strainer that is keeping it form coming out. Before I force it out has anyone had this type of issue and am I missing something?

 

You are not missing anything, it is a tight fit to begin with, add a little buildup and they come out hard. Just keep wiggling it and it will come out.

 

Build up is a definite possiblity. The bike has been sitting for almost 4 years. Just got it three weeks ago and just got it on the road this week. 6200 original miles

 

It should come right out. You could spray some WD-40 on it to maybe loosen up the buildup. Also, if it is leaking at the bottom nipple, which is just the vent to the atmosphere, it is a bad diaphragm or loose diaphragm. If the diaphragm is bad you will need a new petcock.

 

Packed the area with towels, grabbed it with pliers and tugged the crap out of it. It popped out and all in one piece which made me happy. Now if the part just gets here today I'll be happy

 

Txfsrider, is that strainer the same thing as the fuel filter. I have been told that my 98 LR fuel filter was in the petcock.

 

Yes

 

My petcock went for a crap a few days ago on a ride in the country. I ran out of fuel blasting down a nice peice of backroad, with a bro hot on my tail. He made the pass and when I reached down and flipped her to reserve.....Nothing. I always seem to push my luck and tend to rely on the reserve to tell me I need to refuel. You'd think at my age Id learn by now.

 

If you're going to replace it, I recommend the Pingels. They are actually an aftermarket product that is better than the OEM part, in my opinion. Jireh carries them at a good discount.

 

Thanks for the tip Dr. I called the shop and hes got one sitting behind the counter for me.