So...at about 4000 miles on my 2008 I think I am getting intermittent signs of the dreaded petcock failure. I am a traditionalist and debated asking for a stock petcock from the marketplace (sure there are lots of folks ready to throw them at me all day long) but think I am leaning toward the raptor...but have one burning question:

1) If I forget to turn it "off" am I gonna have problems with flooding? I mean...my bike is really clean and gets ridden once a week or more and I use sea foam and ethanol treatment frequently to head off any gunk in the carb. My point is, I think I understand that the flooding is only when your float sticks and doesn't "float" up to shut off the fuel or the float needle fails.

I might be ok at getting in the habit of turning the fuel on and off, but I know it'll take me some time and I will probably not do it for a quick trip in and out of the store, etc.  

Comments/suggestions?

Keep in mind,.. if your floats stick they are stuck... and having shut-off the petcock will only stop the leaking 'till you turn it back on...
Then, you'll have leaking fuel while you are on the bike...
...(same goes for the vacuum petcock)...

Do you have a preference?... while riding or parked?... ...

I only shut off the petcock if I'm parking in an enclosed space, like my shop...
Otherwise, I'd prefer to notice the puddle, rather than feel my leg soaked in fuel...

A good reminder is to hang a bandana or t-shirt sleeve over your throttle... when you turn the pet to off...

Serowbot wrote on 10/27/14 at 11:55:58:

There are 3 routes for gas when the float fails... vent tubes, crankcase, and airbox.  It'll only go out the vent tubes when running.  flooding thru the carb will shut your bike off so you might notice that and take care of it.  or when shut off will flood the crankcase or airbox and then the floor.
Quote:

I have a high tech solution to remembering when to turn the petcock on... it's an audible detector for sudden silence.

Just remember.... two.... always two....

Turn on gas, turn on key...
Turn off key, turn off gas....
Wax on, Wax off....
Practice Danielsan.....

I'm like dave tho... I turn my gas off when I make the turn at the end of the street.... then hit my garage door opener.....of course that kinda dangerous sometimes, doing too many things at once...

You could put some "Burma Shave" signs down your driveway.



Always remember.


Never forget.


To prevent fuel overflow.


Close the Pet......


Burma Shave.

Dave wrote on 10/29/14 at 11:44:11:


Funny  

Send me all the signs you want/have and I'll put 'em to good use...not down the driveway...my wife will not like that.

I do, however, have an old barn/shed I am trying to fill up with old signs and such as we do down here in the South...so no sign goes unappreciated at my house/barn.