Installing a Honda CRF 250X petcock for newbies. Help.

[lf2503]

Hi,
I just bought a 1994 Gs and after a couple of rides ran into the dreaded fuel starvation problem. I only found out about this after checking this website-great information source.
The mechanic had replaced what he said were worn-out float valves,cleaned the carbs,changed the spark plugs,etc. After all that,the bike would still die-he finally suggested running the bike on prime-that worked.
But now,after reading various posts,I am ready to order the 2004 Honda CRF 250 petcock from Bike Bandit .
My only concern is installing it properly so it works well (unlike my current stock petcock). Is this a job for a newbie? Can it be done easily?-I found no step-by-step instructions on this site-and am concerned I could make matters worse. I have the Suzuki manual but couldn't locate directly relevant information, I really need a simplified "Suzuki for Dummies" approach to this replacement effort and any useful tips would also be appreciated.
Can anyone help?
                                            Thanks
                                              Gotta start tinkering sometime

[mister]

HA!... did the mechanic give you the $ back for NOT fixing the problem?

ANyway. Welcome... and pics of the bike please...

Michael

[BaltimoreGS]

I don't know what's involved with mounting to the frame but I think I read on here there is only some light grinding of the petcock to make it fit.  The petcock is held on with by a 10mm bolt.  Then there are 3 fuel lines that will have to be swapped over: a primary line running to the "on" position, a secondary line for the "reserve" setting and then the line leading out of the petcock and into the carburetor.  There is a 4th line that is a vacuum hose that will not be used on the Honda petcock.  You can either plug of that line (shove a bolt in it) or preferably trace the line back to the carb and cap it off there.  You can get a vacuum cap multi pack at most automotive supply stores.  I don't think it would be a hard job for a newb, just make sure you don't reverse the 2 fuel lines coming into the petcock or you will not have a reserve.  Good luck!

-Jessie

[jeremy_nash]

I am running a petcock from an 06 gs500f and dont have any problems, plus I still have the vacuum function, so no need to worry about turning the thing off and on.  there are a few on ebay, and should cost about the same, since your gonna have to come up with a mount, might as well go with the better option , imho  and after you factor in shipping with bikebandit, this will probably be cheaper.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuki-GS500-GS-500-Petcock-Pet-Cock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5885437fc4QQitemZ380192915396QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_2265wt_939

edited to add link.

[lf2503]

Thanks for the replies,guys. Lots of helpful/useful info.
                                                                        Leon

[kylegod]

So that ebay one, the 05, would it fit and work properly on a 98? Im about to grab it right now.

[jeremy_nash]

it mounts slightly different, I used a small angle bracket and a few self tapping screws on mine.  I run it fine on mine, I also have a lunchbox on mine, but should clear the factory airbox too, but cant confirm this

[kylegod]

ah yes i see it now. the diaphragm portion is on the left side there rather than on the back. meh, id rather just use mine on PRI for now that have to deal with mounting and what not. have too many priorities for my bike right now. maybe later

[ATLRIDER]

It's easy to instal the CRF petcock. It's been a while and if I recall correctly all I had to do was file off a nub on the petcock so it would fit flush.  The back of the petcock also has markings on it so you know what line to hook up to.  (ie) prime, on, off

I prefer this one over the stocker.  Simpler design and haven't had any issues remembering to shut off the fuel when parked.

Good luck.

[kylegod]

I have to run on PRI and never shut my fuel off...is this stupid?

[BaltimoreGS]

I have to run on PRI and never shut my fuel off...is this stupid?

As long as you keep track of mileage so you don't run out of fuel you'll be ok.  You do run the risk of having the gas tank leak out if a float sticks.  I never bother turning the petcock off on my Honda Nighthawk and it has never leaked.

-Jessie

[flyingmachine]

I run mine in prime only as well.  Out of a fear for mis adjusted floats, I turn it to on when I park it for any extended period of time.

[JP86NYC]

My CRF250x petcock is in the mail. I have one question:

If I decide to connect the vacuum line on the petcock to the left carb (which someone suggested above), what do I need to plug? If I decide to just plug the vacuum line on the petcock, do I also cap the vacuum line on the left carb?

[ben2go]

My CRF250x petcock is in the mail. I have one question:

If I decide to connect the vacuum line on the petcock to the left carb (which someone suggested above), what do I need to plug? If I decide to just plug the vacuum line on the petcock, do I also cap the vacuum line on the left carb?

I use automotive type vacuum caps. See this thread for the vacuum ports and caps. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56530.0

Here is my how to on installing the 2004-07 Honda CRF250X petcock. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56352.0