Topic: 1975 Cb550 four petcock rebuild/replace questions

[train317]

I just bought my first 1975 CB550 and the first thing I need to do is rebuild or replace the fuel petcock that is leaking.  Does anyone know where you can order a rebuild kit or new petcock?  Any parts numbers would be appreciated.  I would like to stick with Honda parts if possible.  I've looked on the net but can't find anything for a 1975.  Any help would be appreciated.

[db22]

I hear ya -- my '75 leaked when I first got it on the road.  I make do with pipe tape on the threads.  The stand pipes on mine are missing, too, so I put a tiny inline filter from JetsRUs in the line to make up for the missing screens over the stand pipes, and since there's no reserve, I fill up as soon as I pass 110 miles on a tank.

My tank has an oddball 19mm bung, and original Honda petcocks are $50 and up on eBay.  I have thought about having a new bung welded on that takes a common size petcock.  Google JetsRUs, Cycle Re-Cycle, and Z1 Enterprises for rebuild kits.

[Tews19]

You should have the petcock that can be rebuilt. Ebay has them for like 20 bucks.... Try flipping over the rubber gasket before buying. Sometimes this will cure it with proper lube as well.

[HondaMan]

Honda still sells the rubber 4-hole seal grommet in the petcocks. The other seal on them is the O-ring in the part that attaches to the tank. The rest doesn't wear out. Occasionally the little screen inside (in the pre-1976 bikes) gets a hole in it, then you may have to use an external inline fuel filter.

If your petcock is the one with the faceplate peened on with 2 small bumps, instead of 2 small screws, you can file off those bumps and then centerpunch them and drill-tap them hole thru for some small (4-40 is USA) screws. Then you can change the inner seal with impunity! Mine is on its 4th or 5th one.

The Honda outboard motors use these same parts, so they will be around for a long time. So do Kawis, Suzys, and Yams.

[train317]

Thanks to all of you for suggestions and information!