Z1 Petrol tap

[Vince2]

Hi Guys, Just bought a '73 Z1 and the petrol tap lever was broken

So I bought a new lever part No. 51030-001 which the Ebay guy says fits all years.

Trouble is, although they look similar, when I put in the new one petrol still pours through the outlets regardless of what position I put the lever in.

You can see from pics that original has a small O ring which the new one doesn't have. And the holes are in slightly different locations.

Does anyone have any comments and is my petrol tap an original Z1 Tap?
Help

[zpower]

Vince,

I don't think the tap fitted to your bike is an original z1 tap.

The lever I gave you (which looks the same as the one you have ordered) is to fit an original I believe.

You have a brand new complete copy of an original z1 tap in a box from zpower why aren't you using that one mate?

Let me know if you want a hand and I will pop over

Cheers,

Phil.

[Vince2]

Hi Phil, the lever you kindly gave me was totally different. Got it here to let you have it back when I see you.
I wasn't sure if the black one fitted was original and I wanted to maintain originality by repairing it rather than replacing it with what looked like an aftermarket copy.
Looks like I've wasted my money on the new lever.

I'll put the other on when I get a chance. I'm away most of this week but have also got to sort carb overflowing issues that are driving me to distraction!!

Thanks for offer of help Phil. I'll probably take you up on it when I get back.
What are your rates? Coffee and biscuits do?

[zpower]

Vince,

Sounds like the needle valves may not be seating correctly due to either build up (old petrol evapouated and left a residue) because it's been standing or possibly just good old wear and tear.

Will have a look when your next around.

Rates = FREE

Phil.

[wilsonsjw11]

Vince,
The tap is probably leaking due to the inner seal having gone hard.
The O ring that has been fitted just above that seal is not standard.
The O ring fitted to the lever is standard but I have a 72 Z1 tap with no O ring.
The after market inner seals I have used in the past do not totally line up with the holes on the lever but still allow enough fuel through to operate ok.
Hope this sort of makes sense.
Regards
Steve

[kas750]

For anybody with leaking standard taps i have had good success by putting the complete tap in a sealed jam jar full of petrol for a week.This makes the seals supple again and the leaking stops.

[Vince2]

Seem to have gone off track a bit here.
Thanks for the advice guys but tap problem is that I initially wanted to replace just the lever that was broken. It wasn't leaking. I bought what was supposed to be an original Kawasaki replacement lever which you can see in grey in photo. While it looks similar to broken one shown, it doesn't shut off at all. Petrol pours through regardless of what position it's in. Closer inspection shows the holes aren't in exactly same location and the old lever had a small O ring which the replacement doesn't.
My main question is this. Is my black tap the original Z1 tap? And if so, is the replacement one right?
Thanks again guys.

[wilsonsjw11]

Vince
That lever that should have a slight taper on it's upper body should be suitable. The holes will not line up completely but will allow enough fuel through.
Don't know why it's leaking, is the seal turning when the tap is turned? when it should not.
The O ring on you're original tap has been added just above the seal or at least I think it has as I have a 4/5 Z1 taps and none have this O ring on.
Regards

[Vince2]

Vince
That lever that should have a slight taper on it's upper body should be suitable. The holes will not line up completely but will allow enough fuel through.
Don't know why it's leaking, is the seal turning when the tap is turned? when it should not.
The O ring on you're original tap has been added just above the seal or at least I think it has as I have a 4/5 Z1 taps and none have this O ring on.
Regards

Thanks Steve but the small o ring is in a recess so it's not just been added. I think it's made that way.
Do you know if the tap is original and correct for the 73 Z1?

[wilsonsjw11]

Vince
Are you talking about the top O ring nearest the lever or what appears to be an O ring atop the inner tubular seal in the pic.
Regards
Steve

[Vince2]

The O rings aren't the issue here Steve, my issue is establishing if I have the correct original black 73 Z1 tap. (Which i think i do). If so, the I suspect the Ebay seller has mistakenly stated the replacement grey lever is ok for mine when it isn't.

[z1bman]

i would say your tap is correct for a z1 as they where anodised / plated black & your lever still has the original coating applied to the internal part of the lever although it looks like someone has painted the tap with black paint over the original Finnish. if the part no is correct for the lever it should have a black finish unless the part no has been super seeded to a later model

[wilsonsjw11]

Vince.
You have a Z1 tap.
That replacement lever assembly will work with your tap as I have used one myself in the past but as I said earlier the holes will not totally line up with the holes in the inner seal unit. Has your inner seal unit hardened over time causing the leak
Regards
Steve

[Vince2]

Thanks Steve but what am I doing wrong?
It shouldn't be rocket science! I take out old broken lever, put in new one and fuel pours out the outlets regardless of which position i put lever in.
Put back the old broken one and it's fine!

[wilsonsjw11]

Vince
When you take the tap apart is there a removable inner black plastic sleeve left behind in the bore of the tap, should be 2 holes in it one in front of the other.
The replacement lever you have must be used with the fore mentioned item.
Regards
Steve