Turning off the fuel line

[gravano]

A noob question: I don't think my 2000 Elite has a petcock, so am wondering how I can turn off the fuel line so that I can clean the carb.

Thanks

[martynkim]

Vaccum type petcock disconnect the lines and don't worry.

[gravano]

Hmmm. I disconnected and the line seemed to be gushing. Will it stop after a few seconds?

[Bear45-70]

If it doesn't stop PDQ you have a bad petcock.

[Clivester]

You could get a little fuel coming out of the line when disconnected from the residual still in the line. If you get any more than an eggcup full when the engine is not running it means your petcock is stuck open or the petcock diaphragm is damaged. You can try flushing the petcock with spray carb cleaner in case a particle is stopping it from closing, otherwise a new petcock is required.

[gravano]

I haven't turned the petcock off. I can't seen to find it. I could just clamp the line.
Does the Elite SR50 have a petcock? Then manual doesn't say it does.

[Bear45-70]

I haven't turned the petcock off. I can't seen to find it. I could just clamp the line.
Does the Elite SR50 have a petcock? Then manual doesn't say it does.

There is NO manual valve. The petcock is automatically controlled by engine manifold vacuum. So the engine has to be cranking over or running to open the petcock.

[Clivester]

The petcock is screwed onto the base of the gas tank - it will have a flying saucer shape with 2 lines coming off it. You can't turn it off. It is controlled by vacuum from the intake. Suction with the engine running opens it, no suction with engine off closes the diaphragm.

Just follow the fuel line all the way back to the tank.

[gravano]

Ok, so if I pull the fuel line and gas gushes out should I just be patient because it's just residual juice and it won't keep running or should I clamp her down?

[Fishman43]

If the gas keeps coming out of the fuel line then your petcock is in need of a cleaning or replacement. Your best bet is to drain the fuel tank, and pull the petcock off to clean it up and try to get it functioning as intended.

That being said, if you don't want to get the petcock back to a functional level go ahead and clamp-er-down, but be warned that now the float valve in the carb will be the only thing standing between a tank full of gas and a large puddle on the ground.

[Clivester]

Ok, so if I pull the fuel line and gas gushes out should I just be patient because it's just residual juice and it won't keep running or should I clamp her down?

No patience required. Any more than a trickle that stops after 2-3 seconds and you have a bad petcock.

Point the fuel line into a container. If it does not stop you may as well just let the tank drain. You'll need it empty to do anything with the petcock.

[mousewheels]

There's a tech doc on the petcock (authored by Clivester) and some info on cleaning the petcock. If you go in there, check that the screen is in place on the tank after removal of the petcock. Debris can cause the petcock valve to leak, or damage a replacement

http://hondaspree.net/wiki/index.php5?t ... nd_Anatomy

[gravano]

That's really helpful. Thanks.
Thanks to all.
Hopefully I can get the scoot back up to speed before June.