I'm thinking of getting rid of the vacuum activated petcock on my softail...any pro's or con's....If I use the same petcock should I just remove the diaphgram and cap the vacuum inlet? Reverse the spring? Replace the entire petcock? Anything need to be done with the VOES switch? Any flooding problems with this setup?

 

If it were me, I would just replace the fuel valve and plug the vacuum line. Just remember that with this arrangement, it's a good idea to close the fuel valve when you are stopped for a while because if the float were to hang open on your carb, you could leach gas into the cylinder thus diluting the crankcase oil. I still have the OEM fuel valve on my Softail but shut off the valve when I'm stopped for any length of time.

 

Thanks for the info....looks like I'll go with the new petcock

 

I wouldn't leave a petcock open when the bike is parked for any length of time. You can wash the cylinders down and cause problems.

 

I've got into the habit of turning the fuel off every time I stop. What is the purpose of getting rid of the vacuum operated fuel valve?

 

The vacuum operated fuel valve oftentimes malfunctions so replacing one without the vacuum diaphram increases reliabilty. In theory, the vacuum operated valve is supposed to close off the fuel supply when the engine isn't running.