Pingel Petcock reserve and access

[KokomoSam]

I am thinking about replacing the stock petcock.  During extended high speed runs on the highway my bke dies.  I have read several threads where people have used the pringel with the reserve functionality.   My question is for any one who has installed this.   How easy is it to reach the valve to move between on, off and reserve?

Thanks

Sam

[GeeP]

Next to impossible, unless you have triple-jointed wrists.  You have to reach up between the frame and the engine.  Nevermind the $125 price tag for the stupid petcock and adapter plate.  I'm not too impressed with the Pingel design either.  Mine cracked, likely due to a design flaw.  It could easily have failed catastrophically and roasted my bike.  Essentially, the valve is assembled with press fits.  One of the fits was off, which cracked the housing.  It likely leaked from the factory.

My suggestion would be to buy the 1/4" NPT adapter plate and make a trip down you your local NAPA.  They should have a selection of 1/4" NPT brass fuel valves for about $10.  Buy a hose barb fitting and some gasket material to make up a new gasket for the tank outlet and you're good to go.  Total cost:  Under $40

[KokomoSam]

Next to impossible, unless you have triple-jointed wrists.  You have to reach up between the frame and the engine.  Nevermind the $125 price tag for the stupid petcock and adapter plate.  I'm not too impressed with the Pingel design either.  Mine cracked, likely due to a design flaw.  It could easily have failed catastrophically and roasted my bike.  Essentially, the valve is assembled with press fits.  One of the fits was off, which cracked the housing.  It likely leaked from the factory.

My suggestion would be to buy the 1/4" NPT adapter plate and make a trip down you your local NAPA.  They should have a selection of 1/4" NPT brass fuel valves for about $10.  Buy a hose barb fitting and some gasket material to make up a new gasket for the tank outlet and you're good to go.  Total cost:  Under $40

Going this route, wont you loose reserve functionality?  I guess I am looking how to fix the fuel starvation while keeping the ability to use the reserve tank.   Is this possible?

Sam

[beRto]

I fixed that problem by simply replacing the stock petcock. Now it's good as new!

[OPTheory]

unless you have triple-jointed wrists.

If only

[coll0412]

Here is something you can do to turn you frame mouted petcock into a manual petcock

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=26950.0

Its an old post of mine

[GeeP]

Going this route, wont you loose reserve functionality?  I guess I am looking how to fix the fuel starvation while keeping the ability to use the reserve tank.   Is this possible?

Sam

Yes.  Just fuel up every 150-175 miles and you'll be fine.   

[KokomoSam]

I fixed that problem by simply replacing the stock petcock. Now it's good as new!

That is interesting.    I thought it was an innate problem with the design, not a failure issue.    My main concern is the damn thing dieing at 75 on the highway.   What year GS do you have?

Sam