Topic: Is there a secret to this petcock gasket?!?

[Tugboat]

The petcock on my '77 KZ400 is supposedly the same as early CB750K's... everything except the screen. I bought a rebuild kit from a member here, and the o-ring that goes between the petcock and the tank fits perfectly. The little 4-holed gasket that goes behind the lever seems to fit too, but when I had it all back together and put some gas in the tank it leaked. Total PIA! I've taken it apart and put it back together five or six times now, and it still leaks. Is there a secret to getting that piece to seal correctly? Just thought I'd ask before I go and spend $20 on an OEM gasket on ebay. Ugh.

[TwoTired]

You sure you have all the parts for it.  There is a flat spring washer needed for some of them.
Post a pic of the parts you have.  Especially if you are making a Frankenstein.

Cheers,

[curtis]

I have changed several of those never on a kz but hondas and yamahas. make sure the flat spring washer is in and I do think there is a front and back to the valve or(rubber washer) as u call it. Not being a jerk I got chewed out at a parts counter for the same thing. There should be a lip or ledge on the outside and around the four holes on one side that goes out. GOOD LUCK. You should try changing them on the side of the road with a full tank.

[seanbarney41]

also, if you have done all of the above, and it still leaks, try coating all rubber parts with wd40 or even some grease, then things will tighten up without the metal sticking to the rubber and galling...