fuel valve shut off - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

bradygoat · 05-17-2008, 01:09 PM

how long can you leave the gas valve on if you stop somewhere or do you have to shut it off everytime you stop.

Easy Rider · 05-17-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradygoat

how long can you leave the gas valve on if you stop somewhere or do you have to shut it off everytime you stop.

OK, first things first. What bike are we talking about here?
If it's the one in your profile, I can't imagine that it really has an OFF position.

So, the question for your question is: How many positions do you have on your "gas valve" and what exactly are they marked ??

Way...WAY back when I had a bike with an actual OFF position, I turned it OFF every time I got off the bike. Not really necessary but just to be safe.

Aussie Steve · 05-17-2008, 07:57 PM

The Intruder being an 02 model surely has a vacuum operated valve??? and you do not have to touch it. If you have a Pri position this must only be used when the tank has run dry and you need to prime the carbs. The only other position will be reserve the switch usually will be turned 180 degrees to the on position.

bradygoat · 05-18-2008, 08:34 AM

my fuel valve has 3 positions on , off, reserve

**Clint** · 05-18-2008, 08:54 AM

You'd only use off for seasonal storage. It's probably vacuum operated, which means it's closed when the engine isn't running. If you're getting flooding, you likely have a carb float problem.

Easy Rider · 05-18-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

It's probably vacuum operated, which means it's closed when the engine isn't running. If you're getting flooding, you likely have a carb float problem.

Yes but I'm a bit confused. Like you, I thought that all modern, major brand bikes had vacuum operated petcocks but............if that's the case, it would seem that you would need a "prime" setting as there isn't enough vacuum developed while starting to open the valve.

Either way, I agree that as long as you aren't noticing any leakage, it's not necessary to turn it OFF between rides.

ONE BIG EXCEPTION though: If you park it INSIDE a building that is connected (or very close) to your house, I would turn it off while it is in there. The odds of causing a problem are extremely low........but there is a LOT to lose!

bradygoat · 05-18-2008, 10:48 AM

the book said that if you stop you would only leave on only a few minutes if you stop somewhere if longer you should turn it to off position. it doesn't tell me that it is vaccum operated.

DrBob · 05-18-2008, 11:06 PM

The petcock is not vacuum operated, it is a simple three-position manual valve, and te bike has an electric fuel pump.

My first Intruder 800 went 135,000 miles, my second one has 64,000 and counting. With the exception of when I pull the fuel tank off the bike for maintenance, I have never once turned the petcock to 'off' on either bike, even when it sits for months while I ride something else.

Easy Rider · 05-19-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradygoat

the book said that if you stop you would only leave on only a few minutes if you stop somewhere if longer you should turn it to off position.

Is that what I said?
Can't tell for sure!

bradygoat · 05-19-2008, 03:58 PM

ok i will leave it on. thanks alot guys

05-17-2008, 01:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
bradygoat Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 27	fuel valve shut off how long can you leave the gas valve on if you stop somewhere or do you have to shut it off everytime you stop.

05-17-2008, 07:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Aussie Steve Wants Better Weather Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 02 1200 Bandit Location: Western Australia Posts: 660	The Intruder being an 02 model surely has a vacuum operated valve??? and you do not have to touch it. If you have a Pri position this must only be used when the tank has run dry and you need to prime the carbs. The only other position will be reserve the switch usually will be turned 180 degrees to the on position. __________________ Once I thought I was wrong.........but I was mistaken

05-18-2008, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,550	The petcock is not vacuum operated, it is a simple three-position manual valve, and te bike has an electric fuel pump. My first Intruder 800 went 135,000 miles, my second one has 64,000 and counting. With the exception of when I pull the fuel tank off the bike for maintenance, I have never once turned the petcock to 'off' on either bike, even when it sits for months while I ride something else. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
05 C50 Fuel Shut Off Valve?	Skully	The Boulevard	3	06-19-2007 09:54 PM
RE: Keeping your mouth shut	D_Klein	The Paddock	36	09-25-2006 07:01 PM
Immediate shut down	PC 365	Mechanics Corner	3	09-24-2006 11:30 AM
Which way to shut off your bike?	Bluezuki	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	12	06-11-2006 10:15 PM
Backfires when I shut 'er down	lz0rpx	Mechanics Corner	1	07-30-2004 06:44 AM

05-18-2008, 08:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
bradygoat Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 27	my fuel valve has 3 positions on , off, reserve

05-18-2008, 10:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
bradygoat Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 27	the book said that if you stop you would only leave on only a few minutes if you stop somewhere if longer you should turn it to off position. it doesn't tell me that it is vaccum operated.

05-19-2008, 03:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
bradygoat Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 27	ok i will leave it on. thanks alot guys

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)