Is a petcock a fuel valve?
A petcock, also referred to as a fuel valve, is a valve that allows you to control the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetors. These petcocks are available as a manual-type valve or a vacuum-type operation.
What is a fuel valve on a motorcycle?
The reserve fuel switch, also called fuel petcock valve, or simply fuel valve, is used to control the fuel flow from the tank to the engine.
How does the fuel petcock work?
How does a petcock work? A petcock, or sometimes referred to as a fuel tap or fuel valve, is a 2 or 3 way valve on the bottom of your fuel tank. It works by directing fuel from your tank to the carburetors or fuel injectors. Fuel is pulled by either gravity or vacuum from the fuel system.
What kind of fuel system does a Viragos have?
Viragos and RH, RJ chain drive models offered from ’81 to’83 have a gravity feed system. The fuel runs down hill from the tank through fuel lines to the carbs. Some models have one petcock and some two, but the method is the same. One petcock just requires a splitter and two pipes to feed the carbs. The petcocks are vacuum operated petcocks.
How does the fuel tank work on a Yamaha Virago?
The second change relates to venting. California models were now vented through a hose running to a charcoal cannister which is designed to collect fumes from the tank (and the carbs) when the bike is at rest, and return them into the engine to be burned when the the engine runs.
How does the gas cap work on a virago bike?
When the bike goes over, a floating ball rolls into a seat and prevents fuel from pouring out the vent. To my knowledge, Canadian and “49 state” bikes” retained this gas cap breathing method. With these models almost everything changes big time. Gone is the petcock, together with its prime and reserve functions.
What to do if float valve on Virago goes out?
If your carbs flood on the “prime” setting, your float valves are sticking. Tap your carbs a little to see if the problem clears. Otherwise, replace your float valves. From ’84 on, the bigger Viragos have venting pipes with “rollover valves” in them to prevent fuel from flowing out in the event the bike goes over.