Broken Knob

[wiayeman]

Well lads, it's true. I have managed to break 2 petcock knobs in 3 weeks. I thought I had broken the first one because I forgot to push it in slightly before turning it. The second one broke even after pushing and turning. This leads me to believe I have a sticky petcock. You lot just reckon it needs to be lubricated? If so, what should I lube it with? WD did not do the trick. It has probably been turned 10 times in 12 years. 2 of those turns in the last 3 weeks............ideas?

[KitNYC]

Idea 1: Fill in the hollows on the back side of the next knob with JB Weld or epoxy.

Idea 2: Pull the petcock, strip it, & lube it.

Personally, I like to run 'em down to near the bottom of reserve every once in a while. Exercises the petcock & gets the gunk out of the tank. (And into the carbs, but that's another story...)

Cheers,
-Kit

[Hinckley]

Wheewww........

Your thread title scared me! I'm glad, for you, that it is not as bad as it could have been. I was about to reply that you need to give her a bit of a rest.

If there would have been an attachment, I don't think I would have clicked on this thread.



Another thing to consider, is to make sure the screw in the center of the knob is tight enough that there is no slop. I went through a couple as well until I figured that one out.

I'm going to have to fill in the back of the knob on my bike as Kit mentioned, to ensure it doesn't break again. That's a good idea.

[menelfloss]

I also have gone through a couple of petcock knobs. The last one I got, I filled the back side negative holes with bondo body putty. I did not have epoxy or other material.
Since then no problems.
Mike