Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Bsa bulletin board B44 VS Orientation of Ewarts Petcock

I have a 1969 441 Victor Special. What is the proper orientation of the Ewarts petcock? I've seen photos with three different orientations. I realize that all three options will work, but I would like to set it up the way it came from the factory.
Orientation
1. Petcock valve pulls out directly to the right with the fuel line exiting to the left and crossing over the carburetor to the left and then down to connect to the bottom of the carburetor.
2. Petcock valve pulls out directly to the rear with the fuel line coming out to the front and bending down to connect to the bottom of the carburetor.
3. Petcock valve pulls out directly to the front with the fuel line coming out to the rear and bending down to connect to the bottom of the carburetor.

When I received the B44 the petcock was mounted at a 45 degree angle with the valve located on the inside which was difficult to reach and a homemade fuel line with a large double loop was attached and everything leaked badly. I've been running the B44 with option #2 but I needed to remove everything and decided I would like to know how it should really be oriented before re-installing. I'm almost positive that option #1 is correct.

If you look at the parts list for 1969 B44 Victor Special, it shows the orientation as option 1 in your list, in other words, it pulls out to the right, so my guess is your thinking is correct.

As you probably already know, getting the petcock in the right orientation requires screwing it in to the tank and using the lock-nut to keep it there.

To ensure there are no leaks, I use a fiber washer between the lock-nut and tank, the ID needs to be just slightly larger than the OD of the petcock thread. When the lock-nut is tightened the washer compresses and seals the threads and flanges. Some prefer Dowty washers and other methods, so I guess its down to preferences.

The Ewarts push pull petcock does not have the lock nut set up gunner is talking about. That is a different petcock. The issue with the Ewarts is you really have to tighten it to where it is good and tight and compresses the fiber washer. That usually ends up having the petcock pointing in a less than optimal direction. Perhaps if one could source the identical thickness and hardness fiber washer that the petcocks originally came with the orientation would be where you would want it, but the available washers do not cooperate usually. I have a couple different thickness washers that I suggest folks try either alone or stacked to have more luck with the final position. Honestly if you want a petcock that works and is easy to work with, then switch over to a Triumph type petcock (83-2800) which has a on/off lever and the ability to adjust as noted by gunner above. I supply all of these items.

Peter

Peter, thanks for the info. I was wondering about using two fiber washers to get the proper orientation. Also, I plan to seal the threads with Rectorseal #5, which is recommended to seal both 100% gasoline and gasoline with 10% ethanol. I have purchased several things from you in the past and have been very satisfied with the quality, price and quick shipping.

I’ve found the original taps were matched, ie if you have a set that left the factory together the taps would face correctly
When used on the correct left/right orientation and be a mirror to the other. Swap the sides over and they look like Marty Feldman. Could just be that I’ve been lucky but with original taps in different original tanks, this is what I have found.

Allan G, The tank is an alloy B44 Victor tank. Meaning it just has one petcock

Ahh, sorry Peter, thought these all had 2.

While I have never done this (never had the need to) I understand the classic dodge to get the orientation of the petcock that you want is to sand down the fibre washer gradually checking frequently that it is getting near the correct position and then continuing to sand while homing in to get to your desired position.
Sand the fibre washer off the bike by rubbing it on emery paper on a flat surface---a piece of emery paper stuck to a piece of glass etc.
HTH

. . . or just put on two washers

with a bit of sealant smeared in between?

and tighten until theyre where you want?