fix a pitcock?

[bob larry]

I have owned two k5's now and both petcocks have been retardly tight...
I have to use pliers to move the darn thing.  Almost broke my thumb the one day when I was stuck without a tool.


Is there a way to rebuild these things are make them turn like BUTTER smooth.....................

Cheers

 

[Hillclimb#42]

Yep. They come apart, and it will usually seals back up with no troubles with the old o-ring. That is pretty common, and so is breaking it off using pliers. Crap gets in there with the pressure washer I'd imagine, but its a simple fix.

[bob larry]

Nice thanks...beats buying a new one.
Tanks is empty now so I'll give er a shot.

 

[maddoggy]

we talked about this a couple years ago. try this post and it will answer your questions. "fuel valve issues"

                                                                                            maddoggy

[serafin]

Its a easy fix.  Here is what I found.  The spring that holds the tapered plastic cone in the body is quite stiff and this is what causes the hard operation, as it forces the cone into the body.  Here is a couple of things you can do.  Take your dremel tool with a cut off wheel and  carefully cut 1-2 coils off the spring.  This will lessen the preload off the taper cone.  Or you can take 2 very small flat washer (found at Ace Hardware of a Hobby Shop) and place them between the bottom plate that holds the lever and the body of the petcock.  Hope that helps you.

Serafin

[bob larry]

Well I cleaned the heck out of it....cut a coil and a bit off the spring and
it is still a ba$tard to turn.   My left middle finger and right thumb are running %50 so I'm sure that has alot to do with it.
Can't really lube in there not sure what elese I can do.....
Was thinking of drilling two holes in the arm and using two small bolts to
attach a longer piece of lummi??
 

[maddoggy]

did you sand the cone with fairly smooth paper? if not, you need to sand the cone smooth. don't take off much material, you just need it to be smooth.

[bob larry]

Ah the white cone.  I cleaned it but didn't sand it...doe
I'll give er a try

[HammeredFlat4]

Like everyone else I couldn't turn mine without a set of pliers so I tried serafins's method and cut just 1 coil off the super stiff spring.  I could not be happier with the results!  It is so easy to turn now I was afraid it might leak but it doesn't.   

[bob larry]

I cut the spring too but it is still stiff.