Topic: Petcock issue

[machacc]

I'm replacing the petcock on my 550.  The old one came off easy but I was a little surprised to not see any type of filter on it.  The new one will not go all the way in.  There is a plastic ring in the tank mount yet.  Would that be the old filter?  Can I just drive this into the tank and fish it out the filler hole?  I can make a brass driver and tap it in.  You can see the tan color in the hole in the picture.  Also, both petcocks.  Ron

[Gene]

 What Year?  If that's the filter find a bolt about that size, screw it into filter and pull it out.

[machacc]

It's a '78.  I thought about that, but then I envisioned a spark, explosion, fire, etc.  Ron

[madmtnmotors]

I usually wedge a small pick or screwdriver between the plastic and the bung. Once I have pried the plastic far enough away from the bung to get a pair of needle nose pliers on the plastic then I grasp the plastic and remove it using a twisting/pulling motion. It usually destroys the filter being removed, but it usually doesn't matter since they often appear to be the original filter. If you look through the fuel cap down towards the petcock inside the tank you will be able to see the filter screen. Use a flashlight if necessary, just don't use an open flame!   

Make sure that what you are looking at is not some sort of tank sealer/liner before you go prying/picking at it.

[eigenvector]

Yeah that's the filter alright.  Pretty common for them to get jammed in there.

[machacc]

Thanks for the info and help.  We'll attack it in the morning.  Ron

[Scott S]

 Make sure that the last "thread" on the petcock bung isn't really the lip of the filter, too.

[machacc]

Well, I made a brass knockout this morning and drove out the filter.  Got it out the top ok and installed the new one ok. My #4 carb is leaking though.  1-3 are fine.  It has all new jets (Jetsrus), new float.  I'm thinking the float valve seat may be the culprit.  How do you get those out?  They are flush with the body of the carb and there is nothing to grab them with.  Ron

[madmtnmotors]

The float needle should have a rubber tip. The rubber tip pretty much negates wear on the float needle seat. The float needle seat is not a serviceable part. It can be done, but the only source for them is used, and very difficult to remove without destroying them. Check float height with clear tube method first. Also check brass overflow tubes for cracks. A poorly seated or damaged bowl drain screw will leak out the overflow too.

[machacc]

I did put a new drain screw with o ring in it, and the bowl o ring.  The fuel level is about 2mm low on the sight hose so I'll pull the bottom and adjust that tab.  Thanks for the help.   Ron