Fuel tap

[Chris Exelby]

Not really a problem specific to Silk’s but can anyone help me identify the sort of tap I should buy to replace the current one that passes fuel even when closed, running through the engine and leaking out through the crankcase and onto the floor?

Knowing the thread that would fit the tank would be a great start!



Of course the fuel is flowing through the carb. The float height is set high to aid starting. I miss the tickler on my norton Amal’s! It’s not helped by the angle of the carb to the intake manifold.

Any ideas on the broader issue of better starting, fuel management are welcomed.

[gilesorton]

I have been through this - there is an old thread on the subject.

I was able to buy Suzuki Part 44300-05115 which is a slightly updated version of the original Suzuki tap fitted to the Silk, fits just the same but internal works slightly different.

[hendred]

Smokey Paul bought one of these from Thailand I believe and it fits the Silk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cock-petcock-Suzuki-K10-K11-M12-AS50-A100-B100-B120-TC120-TS50-K125-NEW-/380629002995?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

The tank has a male to male adapter to convert the 1/4 BSP thread in the tank to the 16mm (I think) female thread of the Suzuki tap.  I have a 1/4 BSP BAP tap on my bike as I needed a tap in a hurry because the old one failed - flooding the engine or leaking slowly and causing all the volatiles to evaporate in the carb float bowl leaving just heavy oily remains making starting difficult.  I always shut off the petrol and let the engine run until it stops after a ride.

To help prevent flooding of the engine ensure the pilot jet is in the correct position.  The Silk manuals (part 2 for the MKII) on this site tell you the correct one - on the top of the float bowl with the blank in the carb body.  If you leave the petrol on with the jet and the blank swapped over I found the engine will flood due to the steep angle of the carb.

Hope this helps.

[Chris Exelby]

Thanks Hendred, this is really helpful. I will also check carb setting because something is not right. Starting the Silk is pretty difficult as it seems to take a while for the fuel to reach the cylinder heads.

[hendred]

Just another thought on difficult starting.  I presume the crankshaft seals are ok?  My Silk was difficult to start from cold when I got it.  Eventually found the silicone sealant between the inlet port and transfer ports under the port cover had disappeared so most of the mixture was going round in circles.  Remade the joint and starting much improved,  I made up a thin paper gasket and used my favourite sealant, Wellseal, and it has been ok since.  I guess we all have our preferred sealant for this sort of application, I don't get on with silicone for some reason.

[Smokey_Paul]

Correct m16 x 1 tap is correct fitting.

I found Threebond sealant excellent and is grey in colour so you can't see it