OK everyone I finally got my orange and black f4 for a steal! 5000 miles, mint condition body. It had a problem which is why I got it off a friend for low cash. It was put away in the winter without winterization, then ridden back from storage which is about an hour and near the end of the trip it began to sputter, I dont know the exact details. It then started leaking gas.

I assumed the carbs were clogged and the floats were sticking from gummy gas. I started tearing the bike down tonight in a small shed because it was dark and rainy. I took the gas tank off, and i shut off the petcock.. but gas still came out of it. not alot but when i set down the tank it was spewing out a decent amount.. so after that novel.. heres my question

Is the petcock vacuum on, or should that off position completely stop the flow? If so, this problem may JUST be the petcock and not dirty carbs huh? Anyone who knows the answer to this will be my hero. thanks!

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=160wk6d&s=5

 

My petcock leaks alittle depending how much fuel is in take, so "off" does not cut all full out. Truth be told its not the greatest design or the seals just maybe old. I try to empty tank as much as i can before I disconnect it / perform maintenance. I suggest placing tank on a drip pan if you have no other option.

 

So you would say that is normal and not the reason the bike is leaking gas/sputtering? Thanks for the fast reply btw.

 

Cleaned the carbs out.. drained the tank... BIKE RUNS LIKE ITS BRAND NEW. Feels like a fuel injected bike, it's that smooth. had my first ride on it today, and I absolutely love it. I'll be on this forum constantly now..Thanks for the input cbtrez

 

Glad to hear it's working well.... that's a great bike. Funny to have the pic of the bike and snow...

 

haha yeah, funny that you say that.. it's actually 80 degrees here in boston this weekend. I bought this bike from a friend, he pulled it out of storage last winter to take pics to sell it. I didn't plan on buying it because he was selling it for 3800.. Then it stopped running so I jumped on it! I need to take better pics. It's really nice