Leaking Gas

[mchirhart]

I got it running! I even got to ride it about thirty feet out of my driveway and back it was a big day. There are still a few problems though. 1st problem, I rebuilt the starter but it is really struggling to start and I have had to push start it half the times its started so far. 2nd problem, no matter how long I leave it running it needs at least a quarter choke but usually closer to half choke. 3rd problem it leaks gas out of the petcock when I try to use the starter, and when it is running. Probably two or three drips every second when its running, and a lot more when I run the starter so it is a concern.  I am just trying to run some sea foam through the gas system so it was sitting on idle in my driveway and it is getting really hot. Please help me.

[Walt_M.]

1st problem, you probably didn't get the planetary gears in the starter back in exactly right. It will go back together a tooth off but it will bind. Take it back apart and put them in right. You can tell it is wrong by turning it by hand. 2nd problem, you still don't have the carbs clean enough. The idle circuits and or pilot jets are clogged. And your petcock needs to be rebuilt, not a problem on the '82 as kits are available. Not so good on an '83, no kits.

[mchirhart]

Is there a difference between the petcock on an '82 and an '83? I thought the two rebuild kits would be exactly the same.

[QBS]

Yes.  Part of the '83 carburation upgrade included fuel recirculation back into the tank.  This means that '83 petcocks have outbound and an inbound spigots.  '82 only have the outbound single spigot.

Something else that might be going on with your bike is that since your vacuum controlled petcock is showing signs of malfunction, there is the possibility that it is leaking internally and supplying fuel to the engine via the vacuum line.  If this is true, it's not a really big deal in that rebuilding the petcock should fix the problem.  But, for right now, if you have this problem, you'll never get the bike to run right.  Bottom line:  you need to rebuild your petcock at your earliest convenience.

Regarding your starter motor problem: Walt's diagnosis sounds like a really good place to start.  If the planetary gears are misaligned and you insist on trying to start the bike, major starter motor damage is assured.  When properly aligned the starter should turn by hand with no sign of binding.  It won't freely "spin"(planetary gear box and brush drag prevent that), but it should be easy to turn by hand.

[mchirhart]

Does anyone know where I can find a petcock rebuild for an '83 then? because I can not find one anywhere and really dont want to use liquid sealer or something like that I would much rather use a real thing.

[QBS]

Talk to Lucky regarding '83 petcock rebuilding.