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Is there a decent repair kit for a '72/3 Z1 Fuel tap ?

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:16 pm
Author: neil.p
Hi all.

A subject that has no doubt been covered more than once.........

I've got a few jobs to do on my Z1, one of which (hopefully) is to replace the existing fuel tap with a black painted item, I have a good tap - at least the paint is but blowing air through the thing I know it's going to leak.........

Does anyone do a decent repair kit for these taps including the inner sleeve ?

Any leads gratefully received.

Cheers, Neil

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:31 pm
Author: 000zeds

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:53 pm
Author: A1John
I have the same problem I don`t think anyone does a full repair kit inc plastic insert.

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 4:05 pm
Author: wilsonsjw11
American Classix were the last company to supply the soft plastic sleeve but Mike Hunnisett and myself bought the remaining 3 that he had 3 years ago.
The fuel tap lever is another source of wear too as the spindle at the lever end is tapered, these come up on ebay quite often as I have just sent 2 off to RD Cox for painting.
I was going to suggest dropping American Classix a line but see they are on vacation till September.
If you get an inner sleeve rebuild the tap using red rubber grease and apply each year to keep the rubber moist and it ensures the lever operates freely.
Regards
Steve

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 12:46 pm
Author: neil.p
Hi all.

Thank you for the feedback.

The bug bear here is the inner plastic sleeve...........Did the ones you and Mike bought from American Classix work ? if so it may well be worth convincing them that another batch would be worthwhile...........Steve, do you think that the original sleeve shrinks when not in contact with petrol ? (grasping at straws here....)
I have two taps, one looks almost new and I would not have thought it's done much, should I rebuild with red rubber grease and see if it works :lol:

Cheers

Neil

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:53 pm
Author: wilsonsjw11
Neil,
The original sleeve went hard over the years due to being in contact with petrol,probably why Kawasaki changed the tap design after the Z1B.
The replacement part from American Classix work spot on.
They may contact their supplier for another production run as there is good money in them @$25.00 dollars each :shock:
Remember they are off the air till September.
Regards
Steve

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:55 pm
Author: Vince2
I had acquired a leaking original Z1 tap and Ade on this site suggested soaking the complete tap in a jar of petrol for a few days which I did and it worked. No more leaks after about 6 weeks but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:46 pm
Author: neil.p
Hi Steve, Vince.

I've pulled the tap apart and re-built packed with red rubber grease - it may work........From Steve's experience it would seem getting American Classix is re-stock on their sleeve would do use all a big favour. I'll try giving them a nudge when they get back from what must be an epic holiday sometime in September :D

Thanks for your help guys.

Cheers Neil

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:30 pm
Author: Taffus
I just fitted a pingel, works a treat and no more nagging about petrol smells fom the wife :D

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:20 pm
Author: neil.p
Hi Taffus.

Yeah, hear what your saying........but it's a Pingle :D

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 10:35 pm
Author: wilsonsjw11
Neil,
There were a few variations on these sleeves over the years and most leaked.
The American Classic item was made of a quality product and has lasted for 3 years now but the tap is drained down every year before winter storage.
Regards
Steve