Regan Brown
A motorcycle petcock is a fuel valve typically situated at the bottom of a fuel tank. It allows the rider to switch from the main source of gasoline to the reserve or turn the fuel flow off completely. If your petcock is clogged, you can either clean it or replace it. To replace it, you need to remove the fuel lines connected to it, drain your fuel tank into a fuel can, and then remove the bottom piece, screen and o-ring. Put the new petcock in place and secure the screw, then use pliers to replace the screen and o-ring. Screw on the bottom piece and tighten it with a wrench.
How to replace a motorcycle fuel petcock
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Typically situated at the bottom of a fuel tank |
| Function | Allows the rider to switch from the main source of gasoline to the reserve or turn the fuel flow completely off |
| Installation | The reverse of removal: remove the bottom piece, screen and o-ring, put the petcock in place and secure the screw, then use pliers to replace the screen and o-ring. Screw on the bottom piece and tighten it with a wrench |
| Testing | Run some fuel through the new valve to test it out and check for leaks or clogs |
| Reinstallation | Re-install the tank on the motorcycle and reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock |
| Alternative | Clean your old petcock and re-install it |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old petcock
Begin by removing the fuel tank and placing it on a stable surface, such as an apple box, to make the process easier. With the petcock closed, disconnect the fuel lines connected to it. You may need to use a wrench to loosen any tight connections. Set up a coffee filter inside a funnel, and carefully drain the fuel from the tank into a fuel can by opening the petcock. This will ensure that any remaining fuel does not leak out during the replacement process.
Once the fuel lines are disconnected and the tank is drained, you can proceed to remove the old petcock. This typically involves unscrewing or detaching any mounting hardware or brackets that secure the petcock to the fuel tank. Be sure to keep track of any washers, o-rings, or other small parts that may come loose during this process, as you will need to reinstall them with the new petcock.
After removing the old petcock, take the opportunity to clean the area around the fuel tank opening. This will help ensure that any debris or residue does not enter the fuel system when the new petcock is installed. Inspect the fuel lines and connections for any signs of damage or wear, and replace them if necessary.
Now you are ready to install the new petcock. The installation process is essentially the reverse of the removal process. Place the new petcock in position, secure it with the appropriate hardware, and reconnect the fuel lines. Be sure to tighten all connections securely to prevent any fuel leaks. Finally, run some fuel through the new valve to test it and ensure there are no leaks or clogs. Once you are satisfied that the new petcock is functioning properly, reinstall the fuel tank on your motorcycle, and you're done!
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Draining the fuel tank
To drain the fuel tank, first set up a coffee filter inside a funnel, and place a fuel can underneath to catch the fuel. With the petcock closed, remove the fuel lines connected to it. Then, open the petcock to drain the fuel tank.
Once the fuel tank is drained, the next step is to remove the petcock. To do this, first remove the bottom piece, screen and o-ring. Then, put the new petcock in place, and secure the screw. Use pliers to replace the screen and o-ring, and screw on the bottom piece, tightening it with a wrench.
Finally, run some fuel through the new valve to test it out. Make sure there are no leaks or clogs, and then re-install the tank on the motorcycle. Reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock, and you're done!
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Installing the new petcock
Next, run some fuel through the new valve to test it out. Make sure there aren't any leaks or clogs, then re-install the tank on the motorcycle and reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock.
The motorcycle petcock is typically situated at the bottom of a fuel tank and allows the rider to switch from the main source of gasoline to the reserve or turn the fuel flow completely off. Standard motorcycle fuel petcocks and universal fuel petcocks have two positions: on and off. Some motorcycle fuel petcocks offer a reserve function. A petcock that has reserve has a small tube inside the mesh filter that sits up higher than the bottom of your gas tank. If your bike starts sputtering as you run out of gas, you can simply turn your petcock to the reserve position and use the bit of reserve gasoline left in your tank.
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$10.49
Testing for leaks and clogs
To test for leaks and clogs, run some fuel through the new valve. Check that both fuel lines are flowing evenly, without dribbles. If there are no leaks or clogs, re-install the tank on the motorcycle and reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock.
If you notice any dribbles or clogs, you may need to adjust the petcock or replace it entirely. A clogged petcock can cause the motorcycle to sputter as it runs out of gas. In this case, you can turn the petcock to the reserve position to use the reserve gasoline left in the tank.
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Re-installing the tank
To re-install the tank, you'll need to reverse the process of removing it. First, remove the bottom piece, screen and o-ring, then put the petcock in place and secure the screw. Next, use pliers to replace the screen and o-ring, and screw on the bottom piece, tightening it with a wrench.
Now, run some fuel through the new valve to test it out. Make sure there are no more dribbles, leaks or clogs. Once you're happy, re-install the tank on the motorcycle and reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock.
The petcock is typically situated at the bottom of a fuel tank and allows the rider to switch from the main source of gasoline to the reserve or turn the fuel flow off completely. If you have your petcock in the 'on' position while riding and your bike starts sputtering as you run out of gas, you can simply turn your petcock to the reserve position and use the bit of reserve gasoline left in your tank.
To make the process easier, it's recommended to remove the tank and place it on a box. Both fuel lines should flow evenly, without dribbles.
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Frequently asked questions
If your motorcycle's fuel valve is clogged, you can either clean it or replace it.
First, remove the fuel lines connected to it. Then, drain your fuel tank into a fuel can by opening the petcock. Next, remove the bottom piece, screen and o-ring, put the new petcock in place and secure the screw. Use pliers to replace the screen and o-ring, then screw on the bottom piece and tighten it with a wrench.
Run some fuel through the new valve to test it out. Once you're sure there aren't any leaks or clogs, re-install the tank on the motorcycle and reconnect the fuel lines to the outputs on the new petcock.
