Retrobikes petcock rebuild kit quality?

eamartin · Post by **eamartin** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 11:44 am

I had the rebuild kit from Retrobikes before researching comments about this kit. I've since found many uncomplimentary statements about this kit. The first problem was that packing A would not fit down into the recess of the petcock body properly without somehow modifying it or somehow forcing it into position; so a new packing A has been ordered from Honda.
Will the other kit components also give me problems?
Will the 3 metal washers (not fiber) seal properly?
Will the cork packing B have the correct thickness to seal against the lever surface?
I'd rather not install this "rebuilt" petcock only to find that another component was subpar.

Thanks, Angel

Hamamatsu Nippon · Post by **Hamamatsu Nippon** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:25 pm

I have used a Retrobikes rebuild kit. The metal washers sealed fine. The Packing A was a very tight fit, and I used a lubricant to get it to seat. My cork packing B only had two through holes drilled, the other hole was 50% undrilled. It is difficult drilling cork, so I had to use a small round file to finish the opening. Don't worry too much about the cork thickness, once you tighten the petcock to the gas tank, the fuel cock plate acts as a spring and keeps pressure on the packings even as they wear with constant use.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 6:50 pm

I have 2 of my own bikes using these kits and have sold many others. One of my bikes has had the kit on there for over 8 years.

The Honda petcock is a bit of a pain to begin with. The kits do work but everything is a tight fit and work ok once its all assembled. A little grease will help quite a bit. Also polish and grease the faces of the lever so when you use it the risk of tearing up the packing is reduced.

eamartin · Post by **eamartin** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 6:07 pm

Thanks for both of your responses. It looks like I should be okay with the parts I have.
Angel

eamartin · Post by **eamartin** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:06 pm

Hamamatsu Nippon wrote:I have used a Retrobikes rebuild kit. The metal washers sealed fine. The Packing A was a very tight fit, and I used a lubricant to get it to seat. My cork packing B only had two through holes drilled, the other hole was 50% undrilled. It is difficult drilling cork, so I had to use a small round file to finish the opening. Don't worry too much about the cork thickness, once you tighten the petcock to the gas tank, the fuel cock plate acts as a spring and keeps pressure on the packings even as they wear with constant use.

Hamamatsu, I assembled the petcock and my only concern is the cork packing. Like the original packing, the 3 holes were actually too small to slide over the valve body protrusions. Rather, the edges of the cork holes get compressed. Since this is how the old cork packing appeared when removed, I guess this is nothing to worry about. (?) Angel