Commando petcock valve - head scratcher (2015)

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JimR said:
Main or reserve is based on the height of the tap in the tank, correct?
Click to expand...

Yes.

Commando petcock valve - head scratcher (2015)
 
Hmm.
I may have been too diplomatically subtle regarding original style taps (and now position).
On my '72, the stock taps and original position were rubbish! Improve. There, I've said it. :D
Ta.
 
I now shun the tall reserve because if really that low on gas you may likely have to stop and tip gas from other side over to reach a station and if realy kicking up heels that uncovers the reserve tube then the other one with low fuel over it may not feed the carbs fully so either can not stay game squad or runs lean enough to heat harm. Nothing says old fashioned steam punk like stamped on/off arc labels with some brass highlights and contoured lever.
 
I do not see them on his website, but Matt (CNW) sells a nice set of petcocks.
Each is 3-way, so with my premiers connected via the float bowl junction, either can switched to reserve when needed.
They also use less fittings than BAP or stock versions.
 
Fittings???
I've got BAP taps on 4 bikes. Mercury, '74 Roadster, '75 Roadster, '70 Tiger.
Direct screw-in for each. Of course I used sealing washers for each.
 
lazyeye6 said:
Fittings???
I've got BAP taps on 4 bikes. Mercury, '74 Roadster, '75 Roadster, '70 Tiger.
Direct screw-in for each. Of course I used sealing washers for each.
Click to expand...

I'm talking about the lower fittings.
CNW unit has no nut / spigot kluge. Spigot to petcock body is one piece so less chance for leakage there.

Commando petcock valve - head scratcher (2015)
 
needing said:
gortnipper said:
needing said:
RH side on for main and LH side on for reserve.
When the tank is empty only fumes are left.
Ta.
Click to expand...

You have this backwards - Right is Reserve

p12 in the Riders Manual - http://britmoto.com/manuals/Manuals/Riders_2.pdf

Right on for main will (un)surprisingly get you on fumes!
Click to expand...

Nope. With my tank, I switch on RH tap and ride until the top and RH flank is empty (bike coughs).
I leave my RH on the throttle and reach down with my LH to switch on reserve LH tap (for the LH flank of the tank).
IF I ride until the LH flank is empty (bike coughs then stops) and I only have fumes left.
I try very hard to avoid this last scenario as it makes me sad.
Ta.
Click to expand...

Well experienced Commando drivers know that after the reserve side goes dry there is still just a bit on the main side that is below the stand pipe. Tip the bike to th reserve side and it flows to that side....maybe half a mile.
 
Hi illf8ed.
My earlier statement on page 1 is "...flush with base of tank...".
So, when both sides are empty they really are empty.
That tilting of bikes onto their side bends footpeg arms (LH side can punch a hole in the primary case).
Ta.
 
pauldridge said:
Today I took the Combat Commando out for a spin in the Texas Hill Country. As always, following my normal starting procedure:
(1. break clutch free.. 2. tickle each carb about 6 seconds 3. two kicks with key off to "prime" the intake, 4. One kick to start), she cranked right over on first kick, after sitting for 2 weeks.

I rode a short distance, had to stop at a shop, and as I was pulling in, the engine sputtered, wouldn't take any further throttle, and died.

I have clear gas lines, and they looked empty.. hmm, I thought, must be low on gas, so I turned on the reserve petcock (left side), saw gas flowing, tickled again, cranked on first kick again, and proceeded on my way. I stopped at a gas station, but was surprised to find I had nearly a full tank of gas.

Back home, I noted an anomaly between the left and right petcocks. The left valve ONLY moves within a 90 degree arc, from horizontal to vertical, but the right valve doesn't seem to have any constraints.. it will move a full 180 degrees, or even more, only stopped when hitting the underside of the tank.

I am just wondering if maybe something is slipping inside this petcock, so that when it appears to be in the open position, it actually isn't?

I've never taken one of these apart, so I have no idea if the construction could allow this.

Both valves appear to be original, or original style.

Should I just replace the valve with a new one? If so, best recommendation for an original-style valve?

Phil - Austin
'72 Commando Combat
Click to expand...


Wait... the left side is designated as "reserve"... I've been running with both fuel valves open... whoops
 
L.A.B. said:
That's 850 Mk3.

Earlier models had reserve on the right-hand side so it's a good idea to check which side the reserve is.

Commando petcock valve - head scratcher (2015)
Click to expand...

Plus, of course, 45-50 years later, what the factory did must be presumed irrelevant as previous owners may have put any tap type in any hole.

Definitely should be checked.
 
Truth is you should have two reserve taps. If you are so out of touch that you dont know you fuel level you probably shouldnt be on a bike.
Most of my bikes have trip meters but the Commando doesnt. I do note the mileage when I leave and am prepared. You have to be when
petrol stations are few a far between especially ones that offer premium grade.
 
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