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GT550 dumb question
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 8:24 am
by jmcgill89
I'm trying to figure which position of the petcock is "RES" versus which is "off". Which end of the dial do I point to RES to get it to Reserve?
Sorry about the basic question, but it's been a while since I had a petcock on my bike (I usually ride a fuel injected bike).
Thanks,
Joe
Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:24 am
by crash277
its not a dumb question.
i dont know the answer but im bored so i thought i would point that out LoL.

Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 11:47 am
by H2RICK
Joe, what year is your 550 ??
If it's a '72 or '73, I believe there's an arrow cast into the face of the lever, IIRC, that points to abbreviations for the various positions. The later petcocks, of course, have the little round "window" in the lever that goes over the abbreviations.
Last chance, you can always pull the fuel line off and determine where PRIme is by the fuel flow and then go from there.
Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 4:34 am
by jmcgill89
It's a 1974. I should have figured that the little "window" was meant to frame the position.
Thanks!
Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:14 am
by Coyote
Don't be confused by the 'window' on the lever. Prime is with the lever itself in the 3 o'clock position, normal run is 6 o'clock and reserve is the 9 o'clock position.
Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:03 am
by Barry S.
There is no off, run should shut off when there is no vacuum from the motor to the diaphram to keep it open. Prime is on all the time and can flood motor if left on.
Re: GT550 dumb question
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 7:00 pm
by jmcgill89
Wow...do I feel like an idiot....
I ran the battery out today with it on Reserve. It was empty of gas, and I guess nothing was heading down to the carbs. I should have set it on Prime to get the gas flowing....
Live and learn, LOL!