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71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:02 am
by wvc
Anyone have a good replacement solution for a T500 petcock ? I have a problem petcock, that the diaphragm refuses to seal up and shut off flow, and continually floods the carbs. I am replacing the needle valves in the carbs, but also want to find a good solution the the petcock issue. I've already reoring'd the diaphragm, and cleaned up the mating surface, but it still leaks.
I know Suzuki still sells new ones but $365 :shock: :shock: . Does anyone know of a good aftermarket that will adapt easily enough. This is the early style tank with the male fitting, and the nut on the petcock threads onto it. I've used Pingel's in the past, and really like their quality, but I'm guessing all there petcocks are standard thread, not metric. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:15 pm
by jabcb
Two choices:

NOS T500/GT250/T250/T350 petcock is available in the UK for about $127:
http://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/our ... 50250.html

Pingel vacuum petcock is available via Amazon.com for about $120.
Am using one on my GT250. No additional adapter is needed. It comes with a 22mm adapter nut.
http://www.pingelonline.com/powerflo_va ... itions.htm

While the Pingel doesn't look 100% correct, it does have some advantages.
Has three positions: (1) off, (2) reserve/prime, (3) on operated by vacuum.
Its a modern product designed/sold in the era of ethanol gasoline.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:43 am
by wvc
Hi Bob, Thanks for info. I wonder why the OEM unit is so much cheaper across the pond. :?: I hadn't researched the Pingel options yet, but thats nice to know no adapter needed, and it will thread right one. That would probably be the best option. Maybe I'll give them a call, I'd like to stay with the dual outlet style rather than installing an inline "t" fitting. I know they make the dual outlets, guess I just need to see which one they recommend.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:12 am
by jsyx
WVC -

did you end up contacting Pingel about splitting off the single outlet vacuum valve?
How was the fit?? Did you use the 6000 (outlet facing downwards) series?

after a replacement, and a 'rebuild' by my local shop on my T250 im ready to try another option.. (still leaking pretty good.)

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:29 am
by jabcb
I used a Pingel 6391-CHV on my GT250. Used an inline "T" fitting to split the single outlet to supply the two carbs.

Pingel does not appear to make a vacuum petcock with two outlets.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 10:27 am
by jsyx
Cheers, thanks!

Only thing is, that valve with the t fitting appears to cost about $215..
Not to be a cheap bastard, but do you guys think this will be comparable/better than an OEM suzuki replacement?

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 12:36 pm
by wvc
Haven't purchased a valve for this bike yet. It was a customers bike, he didn't want to put any money into it, so I ended up buying the bike from him. Now that I own it, I plan to install the Pingel valve. They do offer a standard on/off/reserve petcock with dual output that will work great on the T500. They also have a "design your own" petcock service, so you may be able to get a vacuum operated dual output, but personally I prefer non-vacuum valves (less troublesome).

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:45 pm
by jsyx
I would GREATLY prefer a non-vacuum petcock..

Been riding vespas and old hondas for years and have no problem turning the fuel off when im rollin up to the garage..
Never figured the vacuum valve was good for anything else than not ever having to shut it off.. but...

..will the fuel be properly delivered to the carb without a vacuum fuel valve?

Simply put, can i pretty much use any kind of valve as long as the gas is flowing into the carb?

PS - i have a T250, not sure if there is any difference between the T500 fuel delivery and that.. seems fine, right?

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 2:18 am
by MikGsxr
what petcocks off other bikes would fit? i can go the wreckers instead of paying ridiculous cash for original or pingel stuff. I just can't find any info on what other bikes have the same size petcock. thanks

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 5:25 am
by Suzukidave
MikGsxr wrote:what petcocks off other bikes would fit? i can go the wreckers instead of paying ridiculous cash for original or pingel stuff. I just can't find any info on what other bikes have the same size petcock. thanks
I think i got a rubber base gasket off a early oil cooled GSXR petcock that fit the GT perfectly , i wonder if one of these would fit up to a GT750 ?

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 10:53 am
by jsyx
Ordered a custom, down-facing dual outlet petcock from Pingel yesterday, about $160 USD all with shipping.
Customer Service rep was cool and said it is a pretty universal fit on older japanese bikes (sic) so well see.
It was nice that they were willing to direct the outlets down rather than at a slight (weird) angle on the stock 3300 series, for a $15 fee.
Also they offer chrome and aluminum finishes in pretty much any variation you can dream up.
http://www.pingelonline.com/powerflo.htm
I'm amassing pics of my T250 resto, will post some of the valve once it's mounted up.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:14 am
by jsyx
Got the Pingel yesterday. Shiny. Only potential issue is that the outlet barbs are 5/16" instead of 1/4".
Apparently Pingel doesn't offer 1/4" barbs. Despite it looking kind of too big to me, the customer service rep assures me that 1/4" lines will fit..

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:40 pm
by jsyx
Image
Got the Pingel petcock on my tank the other day.
was a little tricky getting the 1/4 lines on the big barbs, but they're holding (that's as far as i could manage to get them on.)
really nice product, and SO HAPPY IT DOESNT LEAK ANYMORE!!

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:55 pm
by alanr
wvc wrote:Anyone have a good replacement solution for a T500 petcock ? I have a problem petcock, that the diaphragm refuses to seal up and shut off flow, and continually floods the carbs. I am replacing the needle valves in the carbs, but also want to find a good solution the the petcock issue. I've already reoring'd the diaphragm, and cleaned up the mating surface, but it still leaks.
I know Suzuki still sells new ones but $365 :shock: :shock: . Does anyone know of a good aftermarket that will adapt easily enough. This is the early style tank with the male fitting, and the nut on the petcock threads onto it. I've used Pingel's in the past, and really like their quality, but I'm guessing all there petcocks are standard thread, not metric. Any help is greatly appreciated.
just a thought,did you replace the rubber o ring inside the petcock.I did mine and problem solved.

Re: 71 T500 petcock options

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:05 pm
by samuelbh
jabcb wrote:Two choices:

NOS T500/GT250/T250/T350 petcock is available in the UK for about $127:
http://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/our ... 50250.html

Pingel vacuum petcock is available via Amazon.com for about $120.
Am using one on my GT250. No additional adapter is needed. It comes with a 22mm adapter nut.
http://www.pingelonline.com/powerflo_va ... itions.htm

While the Pingel doesn't look 100% correct, it does have some advantages.
Has three positions: (1) off, (2) reserve/prime, (3) on operated by vacuum.
Its a modern product designed/sold in the era of ethanol gasoline.


Im looking at replacing my GT250's petcock as well But i need a double outlet Is yours the same?