I really do like bobo383's petcock mod (very ingenious and easy) and had thought seriously about doing it.  But after reading the comments about easier tank removal I decided to order a raptor petcock.  

Well the petcock arrived and so I removed my stock part today.  In looking over the differences in the two units I noticed a couple of things.  Right away I noticed that the reserve feul amount with the raptor is less than the stock.  Don't really think it's that big a deal though once you get to know it.  However that 5 miles or so could be a big deal in certain circumstances.

After taking off the cover of the raptor I noticed the valve has two rubber parts.  One is a valve 'mating rubber' and the other is a simple 'O' ring (like the stock unit).  Since the 'mating rubber' is constantly bathed in fuel I was wondering what its longevity might be and if it is replaceable - any experiences out there?  With the stock unit there is no 'mating rubber', it's just the nylon (or Delrin?) seated against the aluminum.

I will install the raptor and mod the stock for a spare.

prechermike wrote on 05/03/10 at 03:21:27:

That's good to know.  I always wonder about rubber parts that make a seal.  Very often these days the materials aren't what they used to be.  I think the nylon mated to the pot metal (I said aluminum before, but I believe it's actually more like pot metal) is a more reliable idea over the long haul.  I know I'm over thinking the whole thing but that's just me.

Now that you mention it I DO feel a little different........Am I still here?