Petcock left to "ON" for 5 days.
#1
Petcock left to "ON" for 5 days.
I recently bought a 1982 shovelhead because I wanted to learn to work on my own bike. It was delivered 5 days ago, but the petcock was left to the "ON" position after it was started when delivered. I just turned it to the "OFF" position. There has been some liquid leakage on the frame and below the bike. Maybe an ounce total or less. How bad is this? I do not have much mechanical experience. What do I need to do to fix this? Will it be a lot of work? Do I need an skilled mechanic? All help is appreciated. Thank you!
Below is a picture of the petcock. Is it in the "OFF" position now? There is also a picture of the leakage puddle.
I just noticed my front-most spark plug is wet and smells like gas. Back spark plug is dry.
Below is a picture of the petcock. Is it in the "OFF" position now? There is also a picture of the leakage puddle.
I just noticed my front-most spark plug is wet and smells like gas. Back spark plug is dry.
Last edited by Lava1900; 06-30-2024 at 09:30 PM.
#2
Just give it a wipe down with a rag and some windex or similar. Fuel evaporates pretty quickly so there's really nothing to worry about. If it's leaking however, you might want to consider replacing the petcock entirely which means you'll need to drain the gas tanks and swap it out. Again, not a big deal and certainly nothing that would require a mechanic.
#3
#4
#5
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Posts: 7,298
Received 848 Likes
on
456 Posts
It is off now....to be totally cautious, you could remove the plugs and spin the motor over to blow any excess gas out but leaving them out overnight so the gas can evaporate might be safer.
#7
What happens if the gas is mixed with the oil? Should I change the oil?
Last edited by Lava1900; 06-30-2024 at 09:14 PM.
Trending Topics
#9
If gas leaked into the cylinders, it will quickly drain past the rings to the bottom end. The oil pump will return the oil and gas to the oil tank when the engine is started. So if you just change the oil, the gas is still in the engine and will mix with the new oil when it is started. Although you don't know how much gas is in there.
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
Paul
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
Paul
The following 2 users liked this post by pgreer:
Lava1900 (06-30-2024),
Spanners39 (07-01-2024)
#10
If gas leaked into the cylinders, it will quickly drain past the rings to the bottom end. The oil pump will return the oil and gas to the oil tank when the engine is started. So if you just change the oil, the gas is still in the engine and will mix with the new oil when it is started. Although you don't know how much gas is in there.
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
Paul
As SPanners39 suggested, clean the plugs and crank it over to clear the cylinders of excess gas. Then crank it up and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the oil and gas back to the tank and then drain it. I'd be tempted to get an inexpensive oil to put in the first time and take it out and get it fully up to temperature and then drain the oil again and refill with the oil you plan to use in the bike.
Paul