RZ350 NC2 Ep51 FUEL PETCOCK MODIFICATION, VACUUM DELETE

[@johnb5519]

I kind of like the vacuum setup, but if it fails, and there is no alternative, this is a good idea. That filter screen tube inside the tank is why I have the 85 rz to rebuild up in the barn. I went with my nephew to look at it, as he was interested in buying it. I looked it over, and everything seemed fine. We even took it for a test drive. After getting home, he only went back and forth from his house to ours a few times, and the engine seized. Upon closer inspection, I found that tube was dislodged and crap had got in and plugged the jets. I bought another bike for him and rebuilt it. I made fiberglass molds for every body part for my 87, and I made parts for his bike too.

[@KensGarage1]

Sucks to hear about the seized engine. As I mentioned in another comment I'm always trying to save a buck. So yes, brand-new Yamaha replacement petcocks are available. I don't want to spend $100 plus for each of my many RZ350s. This mod may not be for everyone and I suppose there is a slight risk of failure (hopefully not). Can you speak more on manufacturing fiberglass replacement parts? Did you make any extras or are you going to? I know there was a dude on eBay "GlassNDude" or some such name that was selling I think quality fiberglass replacement parts. I don't know if he is still there. Did you make all of those parts for that Opel GT on your KZbin channel?

[@johnb5519]

@@KensGarage1 Yeah I made the Opel back when I didn't have any fiberglass experience. I made plaster molds of the whole body. This is it's second coming, as I redid the whole car a second time, but using and strengthening the original parts. I still have the molds for the RZ, but with todays prices, it doesn't pay. It's a lot of time and labor that goes into making the parts. Plus being in Canada, everything right now is a rip off.

[@richellstrom8328]

It isiîh😮h key 6llllllhllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllgll😊😊😊😊

[@stephenhume4567]

After mine failed I opted to go with the Japanese aftermarket petcock rz's unlimited sells. It does away with vacuum so I plugged the vacuum outlet on carb. Only thing I didn't like about it was it was too recessed into the side cover. Luckily someone in a group I belong to made a nice extension to bring knob out more.

[@KensGarage1]

That's cool. How much was that RZ Unlimited petcock?

[@stephenhume4567]

@@KensGarage1 Around a buck and a half..As I mentioned there's a little work involved.

[@yveslegrand9826]

Nice video. You could probably use a minilathe....

[@KensGarage1]

Thanks. You are right about that.

[@Scott-ph2yk]

Another great project from Ken's Garage. What RZ owner has not experienced the puddle of gas on the garage floor? I've been through rebuilding the vacuum petcock, which works. But, a conventional gravity petcock would be a welcome change. I will add this to the project list. Good primer on tank epoxy. CT is not on the "no go" list, let me know if you need help beating the PRC to get your parts. 😊 Looking forward to a good ride tomorrow.

[@KensGarage1]

Thanks Scott. I've experienced "the puddle of gas on the garage floor" far too many times. The 500 has a different petcock mod and a secondary valve to alleviate the chance of this ever happening with that bike. This RZ350 petcock mod will eliminate it on these bikes. I appreciate the offer on the "no go" parts. The problem is this was like a four dollar part so getting help will increase that by adding shipping costs. Always trying to save a buck, you know?

[@Scott-ph2yk]

@@KensGarage1 Ken, Getting ready to go with the petcock mod. One question, how do you handle the vacuum ports on the petcock and the right carb? Cap them with plugs?

[@KensGarage1]

@@Scott-ph2yk Yes, cap them off. In this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3uTaoyGj7OEmbc at 7:38 you can see the carb vac nipple capped off. Not sure what exactly I used there, it looks like a metal tire valve cap. I probably said what it is somewhere in there. The petcock side won't matter because it is being 100% defeated.

[@IanNiblett]

Interesting mod. I had the opposite issue with mine, where no fuel would flow unless I set it to PRI. As you can still buy them new, I spent the money and replaced mine with a fresh one. BTW, I assume the extra hole you didn't epoxy this time didn't need to be filled?

[@KensGarage1]

That's correct Ian. The extra hole did not need to be filled. Replacing the petcock with a new Yamaha one is probably a better option. It will probably last you 10 to 15 years. Hopefully this epoxy mod will hold up for many years. I will find out. My yellow thrasher bike I have been running on prime with one of those secondary valves for about 10 years. No more. I will post an update here should anything go haywire.

[@wheelie63]

i love this mod, i hate my vacuum petcock [ on my KR RZ ] wb.

[@KensGarage1]

Thanks. I have two tanks currently using it. Takes a little time and patience but worth it IMO.

[@adams13f]

What exactly does this do and could i do this on an 86 honda cmx450c "rebel" and delete air cut off?

[@KensGarage1]

These petcocks are prone to leaking as they age. This eliminates that. I don't know if it can be done on the rebel.