Stupid petcock question..1982 Suzuki 850 GS....Why does the petcock/fuel valve seem stuck?

Question

I also have a honda cb 360 and the petcock adjuster spins freely between settings. I just bought the Suzuki and the adjuster just wiggles but wont adjust to the different settings. What am I missing? It shouldn't be this difficult. The bike runs so nothing should be stuck but possibly? Thanks

Answer 1

When gasoline has been sitting a long time, it evaporates and leaves behind a gummy substance.
The petcock is probably just stuck (glued) in the on position.
Either -
Leave it alone
Rebuild it
Replace it

Answer 2

You may just need a new petcock. The bike is 25 years old. The Suzuki's never did have good petcocks and the Hondas did.

Answer 3

I had A cb 360 in 1974 or 75 when they first came out. they take corners really good any way ... those things just wear out go to the Honda shop and get a new one it'll last 20 years

Answer 4

I'm guessing that the gaskets and o-rings in both have gotten really old. If you're handy, you can go to your motorcycle shop, or EBay, and see if you can get a set of new ones. With the age of your bikes, though, you probably can't get those separately, and will have to purchase a whole new petc-ck.

Answer 5

It probably hasn't been used.Turn it back and forth with a pair of pliers to try and loosen it up. The worst that could hapen is that it might leak or break.On the other hand it might work.It's worth a try before you replace it. Or you could go ahead and replace it...They are real cheap,About $25 for a stock one.

Answer 6

You should find a new one then replace it.Previous owner may never have moved it.

Answer 7

replace it they dont cost much