bad petcock
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Prattville, AL.
Thanks. I saw the kit advertised, but it appeared to be for dealers, because it was only available with the parts to rebuild several petcocks. That kinda negated the whole reason for rebuilding one-that is to save money. Is it possible to buy a rebuild kit to rebuild just one? If not how does the cost of paying somebody, like you or your shop, to rebuild it compare to the cost of a buying a new one?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
You could get fancy and do what Harley recommends in the service manual. Go to the plumbing supply store and get a tube of Loctite "Pipe Sealant With Teflon". Apply a thin coat to the threads and assemble. It won't shed pieces of tape into the fuel system and if you need to remove the petcock years from now, it wont be rusted to the tank.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Pingel was put on Saturday morning pretty painlessly. Longest part was syphoning gas. That thing operates effortlessly, looks a lot better/cleaner, and best part...actually turns the gas off when put in the off position. No more fuel on the floor between rides/stops. I'm going to pull the carb once the snow flies and check the needle, seat, and float but with a working petcock I was able to get out and ride all weekend.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I know I've been happy upgrading to one 2 weeks ago. I also find the little handle sticking out makes it easy to shut off while riding.
Do you also shut it off early or wait till you park?
It would seem that when I wait to shut it off when I park I still get a small overflow from the remaining gas in the line. But at least it doesn't keep seeping all the time it's parked, like before.
I didn't notice any performance increase. I've read here that some think a better flow improved performance ... I guess if the original petcock was slowing the flow it would make a difference.
Do you also shut it off early or wait till you park?
It would seem that when I wait to shut it off when I park I still get a small overflow from the remaining gas in the line. But at least it doesn't keep seeping all the time it's parked, like before.
I didn't notice any performance increase. I've read here that some think a better flow improved performance ... I guess if the original petcock was slowing the flow it would make a difference.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 43
From: NJ
I just drained my tanks using the stock petcock, took less than five min to drain about 1.5 gals. I don't think there is a street legal EVO out there that can burn that much fuel in such a short time so all this Hi-Flow nonsense is just that, nonsence.
I have a new Pingle on the way, wish I could find a new OEM stock one, my old one lasted 18 years and I'm not a fan of that little pingel lever or how easy it moves..
Ds
I have a new Pingle on the way, wish I could find a new OEM stock one, my old one lasted 18 years and I'm not a fan of that little pingel lever or how easy it moves..
Ds
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: ohio
I wouldn't say the butt dyno noticed any better riding performance. It was never starved for fuel just never shut off. Also didn't want to pull the fuel line to drain from petcock because the problem was the petcock never shut off. I love the easy turn action, it's tucked away so I'm not accidentally hitting it. I have been turning it off when riding up to my driveway and then back to my barn just to keep from having any overflow once I park.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Shutting it off a block from home is getting to be a habit of mine. But I have to tell you that often out on the road I never see a leak. Like during a fill-up, run into a store or a restaurant stop when I forget to shut it off. But overnight in my garage with a petcock that wouldn't shut off, I've had to leave a pan under it and worry that the fumes may ignite when I start the car. Not now, but over the summer.
I can't believe I can't get the float valve to seal. I've done it all, and then some, to stop it . I'm thinking a carb upgrade would eliminate the trouble. But my current carb runs well, and is jetted for my cam.
Man, the things money could solve ... lol Or the little things a little money could solve ... I'm not greedy. lol
About a petcocks performance: I believe every petcock allows gas to pour out at a given speed, and none would starve the bike until you go nuts with a blower, or radical cam. But those with the diaphragm can restrict the flow when messed up.
I can't believe I can't get the float valve to seal. I've done it all, and then some, to stop it . I'm thinking a carb upgrade would eliminate the trouble. But my current carb runs well, and is jetted for my cam.
Man, the things money could solve ... lol Or the little things a little money could solve ... I'm not greedy. lol
About a petcocks performance: I believe every petcock allows gas to pour out at a given speed, and none would starve the bike until you go nuts with a blower, or radical cam. But those with the diaphragm can restrict the flow when messed up.