Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello,

I'm getting my '85 virago 700 running again and have done more than a few things so far. It's running now but...

I'm having a problem with the petcock (vacuum operated) in the 'on' position. One minute, it works, and the next minute it doesn't. Here are my questions;

1)My fuel lines are laying over the middle of the carbs. This means that the fuel has to travel "uphill" a little to get to the carbs. Now, the fuel can get there OK on 'pri', but does anyone think that fuel would have a problem getting 'up' the line with the petcock in the 'on' position while only getting a shot of gas during every ignition stroke?

2)If you have a vacuum operated petcock, is that where the fuel line is routed on your bike?

3)How do I check and clean my petcock? And are there any small bores I should worry about cleaning out?

Thanks!

this thread has nothing to do with what i thought it did so i wont respond..hahaha

-john-

axidjw wrote:this thread has nothing to do with what i thought it did so i wont respond..hahaha

-john-

If you were looking for the thread about the 'care and cleaning of your pet stick' I think it's on page 3.

Go to dgy.com and check out the parts diagram for your bike. It will give you a good idea of what the petcock looks like.

To clean it, you can take it off and clean the screen. Of course that shouldn't be a problem if it works alright in pri... you do have enough fuel right? It's not time for reserve? Make sure your vacuum tube to the petcock is not cracked and that it's hooked up right. and let us know

storysunfolding wrote:Go to dgy.com and check out the parts diagram for your bike. It will give you a good idea of what the petcock looks like.

To clean it, you can take it off and clean the screen. Of course that shouldn't be a problem if it works alright in pri... you do have enough fuel right? It's not time for reserve? Make sure your vacuum tube to the petcock is not cracked and that it's hooked up right. and let us know

Ya, fuel wasn't a problem. It's the vacuum valve, and now more recently, the selector rubber. Fuel's just leaking right by it, nevermind the selector position.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I went out and bought a used petcock that's working. This brings up another question. How do I get the screen to stay on the petcock body?

It should be attached.