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I recently bought a 1982 shovelhead because I wanted to learn to work on my own bike. It was delivered 5 days ago, but the petcock was left to the "ON" position after it was started when delivered. I just turned it to the "OFF" position. There has been some liquid leakage on the frame and below the bike. Maybe an ounce total or less. How bad is this? I do not have much mechanical experience. What do I need to do to fix this? Will it be a lot of work? Do I need an skilled mechanic? All help is appreciated. Thank you!
Below is a picture of the petcock. Is it in the "OFF" position now? There is also a picture of the leakage puddle.
I just noticed my front-most spark plug is wet and smells like gas. Back spark plug is dry.
Last edited by Lava1900; Jun 30, 2024 at 09:30 PM.
Just give it a wipe down with a rag and some windex or similar. Fuel evaporates pretty quickly so there's really nothing to worry about. If it's leaking however, you might want to consider replacing the petcock entirely which means you'll need to drain the gas tanks and swap it out. Again, not a big deal and certainly nothing that would require a mechanic.
Thanks for your reply! Will do. I just uploaded a picture of my petcock too. Is it in the "OFF" position now? The arrow is pointing to off, but it is underneath the lever so it is kind of confusing.
Might be a weak needle and seat which let some gas get out of the overflow tube OR, all the gas in your tank may have gone down the intake, into the cylinders and is now inside the engine mixed with the oil.
Thanks for your reply! Will do. I just uploaded a picture of my petcock too. Is it in the "OFF" position now? The arrow is pointing to off, but it is underneath the lever so it is kind of confusing.
It is off now....to be totally cautious, you could remove the plugs and spin the motor over to blow any excess gas out but leaving them out overnight so the gas can evaporate might be safer.
Might be a weak needle and seat which let some gas get out of the overflow tube OR, all the gas in your tank may have gone down the intake, into the cylinders and is now inside the engine mixed with the oil.
What happens if the gas is mixed with the oil? Should I change the oil?
Last edited by Lava1900; Jun 30, 2024 at 09:14 PM.
If gas leaked into the cylinders, it will quickly drain past the rings to the bottom end. The oil pump will return the oil and gas to the oil tank when the engine is started. So if you just change the oil, the gas is still in the engine and will mix with the new oil when it is started. Although you don't know how much gas is in there.
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
If gas leaked into the cylinders, it will quickly drain past the rings to the bottom end. The oil pump will return the oil and gas to the oil tank when the engine is started. So if you just change the oil, the gas is still in the engine and will mix with the new oil when it is started. Although you don't know how much gas is in there.
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
Paul
This may sound dumb, but how do I crank it over the first time without starting it?
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Petcock left to "ON" for 5 days.
