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John Hilmer

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Apr 13, 2005
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Scotts Valley, Ca.
Folks,

I haven't been on here for quite a while and now need some input on an odd question. I tried a search or three and came up empty as usual.

I'm working on an old Honda VF 500 F and have found a problem with the seal on the petcock selector. Petcocks are no longer available for these machines. The seal has failed. I have our local molding house looking at making new seals for me, but the question is if there is some sort of lubricant that can be used on these parts that will stand up to gasoline with or without ethanol?

Any help here would be much appreciated.

John
 
I'm with tmorris1.

A part like a fuel valve is commonly used over numbers of models of bikes. If the Honda dealership you went to couldn't find the part, try another dealership.

As far as a lube for a fuel cock, I'm not aware of anything that won't dissolve in gasoline. Never heard of a fuel valve requiring lubrication either. The fuel itself is the lube.
 
Thanks for the input, but I have been to Discount Honda and Ron Ayers sites and these are all gone.

There is probably an aftermarket unit that could be made to work, but this is full restoration and really need to stay stock if possible.

John
 
I've tried using a bit of TCW3 (marine 2-stroke lube) in my gas on my motorcycle before and I swear it makes it easier to turn the petcock, but it may be all in my mind. It goes in at a ratio of only 1 oz. to 5 gallons. You can read all about it in the fuel additive forum--lots of folks swear by the beneficial effects of this as a UCL, while others like MMO.
 
Check with a dealer that has a K&L catalog, they make service parts for some older bikes.

As a 'all else fails' possibliity, you might have to get a newer style petcock that will fit the tank.

OR try a salvage yard. Each 'brand' often uses a common thread/style/size for the same item. So try a used one.
My 2¢
 
Fuel valve lubricants are available for small airplanes. Do a Google search on Airplane Fuel Valve Lube. I also believe that Krytox is a fuel-proof lube.
However, none of these are cheap.

Rick
 
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