Petcock problem

[Converse716]

Hello,
First post here and looking for a little help. I have cleaned my carbs filled up the bowls and the bike runs for about one minute. All good there, but when I hook the gas tank and petcock up the bike stalls. I have a 2000 gs 500. I have taken the petcock apart and noticed the little ball was stuck. Should this ball be free to move?

[Watcher]

It's fairly common for the fuel valve to go bad.  On my GSs I just replaced them with a simple ball-valve setup so I didn't have to worry about seals drying out or vacuum actuation.
Disadvantage is you have to remember to physically shut off the fuel, but after the swap it's basically maintenance free from that point on.

[Fatasianboy]

Same here, blocked off the main petcock nipple and went from reserve nipple to a valve to filter to carb. Just have to turn it off every time. Less parts to go wrong.

[Watcher]

OP seems adamant to ask me for help even though I've never had my petcock apart and just replaced them at the first signs of trouble.


I'm assuming the little ball is supposed to be pushed away from the inlet by gas pressure once the diaphragm is drawn back via vacuum, and if it's stuck in place then no fuel is getting into the valve.
But I don't know how the inside of the valve is designed.

Someone with experience please help.


This was my solution.

[Converse716]

Thanks for the help and I have figured out that the ball is designed to be stuck. Not sure why. Also now I have a problem with my carbs even after I have gotten them cleaned. This bike was fun when it ran. Now it's such a headache!

[Watcher]

What is going on with the carbs?  This I may actually be able to help you with