What to do if your petcock is leaking gas?
Check the petcock for fuel dripping, if so you’ve found the cause of the gas leak. Drain the gas in your tank by removing the gas line to your carburetor and inserting it in a clean bucket or in a gas container. Turn the petcock ON and let the gas drain completely from the tank.
How is a petcock attached to a fuel tank?
A mechanical petcock is attached to the fuel tank and has one outgoing fuel line. It is simply an on off valve. When in the off position there should be no fuel flow to the carb. The second type of fuel petcock is vacuum operated.
How can I tell if my petcock valve is leaking?
The most effective way to detect leaking petcock is to witness it with your own eyes. Yes, when you see fuel dripping from your bike, sitting on top of its motor, or can smell gas around it; possibly the fuel is leaking from the petcock valve.
Why is gas coming out of my petcock on my ATV?
Depending on the age of the ATV, there will likely be some deterioration of the seal between the petcock and the tank. 9 times out of 10, the seal is not working properly which is letting gas escape and drip onto the ATV or floor. The other place to check is inside the valve itself.
What causes gas to leak from the petcock?
For the purposes of this write up, we are going to assume the gas is leaking from the petcock on your gas tank. More often than not, the issue originates from either the carburetor (see here for fix) or the seal on your petcock. Gas on top of your carburetor or pooled on your transmission. Less gas in your tank!
What should I do if my petcock valve is leaking?
Turn the petcock ON and let the gas drain completely from the tank. Alternatively, you can remove the gas tank from the quad and then then pour the gas out of gas filler inlet. Typically, four wheelers have a plastic cover over the gas tank to keep it protected which will need to be removed first.
How do you replace a gas tank petcock?
Completely empty the gas tank and disconnect the petcock from the tank. Replace the small gasket that goes between the petcock and the gas tank. You should be able to get the right part at an auto store or online for a few dollars.
How does a petcock work on a motorcycle?
But sure enough, that’s the actual name of a very important part of every motorcycle fuel system. 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.