1986 PETCOCK LEAK

Hello Forum....I've had my 86 VF 500 Interceptor for about 22 years.....Surprisingly few problems......But now the Petcock is leaking.......I know we can't find these things for model year 1986 and like others I have tried.......Now got the kits and attempting rebuild.......Pretty much done but haven't put things back yet. My question is if it fails can we somehow bypass or disengage a leaky / faulty petcock ? Any thoughts? Has anyone found another bike model petcock that will fit or be adaptable to the 86 VF 500? Thank you very much....MC

 

I have no experience (yet) with the VF500 petcock, but maybe someone else here (Capt 80's) can provide input on your question.

FYI: there is a huge VF500 Facebook Group and might be worth looking into for an additional resource.

Good luck!

 

There is not another petcock that fits the 1986 VF500F. If rebuild efforts fail, an option is to have an adapter plate machined that mounts to the tank and has a provision for an aftermarket fuel valve to mount to. Like a Pingel. You would lose your reserve function though, which is not ideal on a bike without a fuel gauge or even a low fuel light.

You could create the adapter plate to receive a different Honda petcock that has a reserve and is still available, and rebuildable, perhaps. But getting to the selector valve when reserve is needed would be an absolute bitch. You would also need to ensure that it can fit in the space and has enough flow for a gravity feed on a V4 engine, not just a single 125cc for instance.

Basically, you really need the rebuild to work.