Motorcycle Fuel Petcocks/Taps for Your Road Star
Fuel petcocks are used to select the location your Yamaha Road Star draws fuel from, the main part of the fuel tank or the reserve at the bottom of the tank. Originally motorcycle petcocks had three positions, on, off, and reserve. Today, fuel petcocks only have the on and reserve positions, the off position is no longer necessary since a vacuum valve automatically turns off the gas when the engine stops. Fuel petcocks serve an important function for your motorcycle so it is important to maintain them and replace them as needed.
When should a petcock fuel valve be replaced?The answer to that question revolves around a yearly inspection of your tank, fuel petcock, gas filter, and pump for delivery of fuel to the carburetor. You should inspect the fuel delivery system before your first start of the year. Damage is most likely to occur during long passages of time when you do not run your Road Star. When you shut your bike down before storing it for the winter it is important to remove all gas from the tank first as the additives in gas deteriorate over a 6-month period to the point where the fuel no longer ignites. During that storage time, with no fuel in the tank, seals can deteriorate from the combined action of fuel residue and air. If you detect any fuel leakage in the valve replace the part immediately.
What are the symptoms of a faulty fuel petcock?The petcock on a Road Star operates through a vacuum system. The flow from the tank is not merely controlled through an on/off sequence by the petcock; the flow is also regulated by the production of a vacuum when the engine is in operation. You should not depend on the vacuum operating at peak performance. Normally, the flow of fuel will stop when the engine is not creating the vacuum in the fuel system. However, a leak in this valve will compromise that vacuum and fuel will leak. The occurrence of puddles forming around your bike when at rest indicates the deterioration of petcock seal parts.
Are there different petcocks for Road Star motorcycles?Yes, the Road Star motorcycle line has different valve models depending on the bikes model year. Because of this, a petcock for a 1999 Road Star model, as with other parts, will not fit on a 2013 Road Star motorcycle
Should a petcock be replaced before resale?Replacing these parts on your Yamaha Road Star demonstrates your intent to sell and often increases the value of a standing bike. Replacing the fuel lines from the tank to the carburetor, along with the filter and petcock provides a newer look to your motorcycle.