Why doesn't my petcock align with the left side panel bodywork?

[vtnewb]

Hey folks,

Bottom line up front: Do I have a tank from some other bike? What?

This is my first post here. I bought, for surprisingly cheap, a reasonably modded up (was raced, then converted back) RZ350 from 1984. The thing is far from stock. Runs great, tons of fun.

I've taken the body work off and fixed a few things that need fixing, mostly in the wiring harness. Both side panels were missing the plastic spear that goes into the tank grommets. KTM airboxes have threaded metal spears, so I used those on both to good luck on the right side body panel, which aligns perfectly.

The left side panel, however, is a junk show.

The petcock is not an RZ petcock, but works well enough. However, the petcock interferes with the tab on the tank for the plastic spear for the body panel, which I thought weird. The petcock is at least 1.5" away from aligning with the body panel, and so is the body panel's plastic barb to attach to the tank.

You can zoom in here to see: https://i.imgur.com/eS5vL5w.jpg

Does anyone know why everything aligns but this? Leads me to believe I have a tank from some other bike maybe? Were there differences in model year and this tank was bought off ebay and doesn't fit just right?

This isn't really a big deal to me, but I would like to understand it at least.

Thanks yall.

[kpke]

Welcome vtnewb. That's looks like a nice bike with suspension and other upgrades. Re the petcock you said it. It is not a stock RZ petcock. Therefore it does not align properly. Get a stock one and your alignment issue goes away.

I am curious about this "KTM airboxes have threaded metal spears". Can you offer any more details like a photo and maybe a part number?

[vtnewb]

I recognize the petcock is not the same, but I would think it should still be algined. the stock RZ petcock dial would have to be nearly 1.5" to the left of the straw, and that simply doesn't seem to be the case based on these ebay links: https://www.ebay.com/itm/373996662211?e ... SwEK9UHPUO

If I used the petcock on that link, It would be just as mis-aligned. Also the body work snap on the tank doesn't align by the same distance.

I was theorizing that the tank and body panel could be from different generations/years?

Re: the KTM threadable bodywork spears: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284584604355?c ... 9kQAvD_BwE

I get them from the microfiche for much cheaper because I only needed two. They're found in the Airbox microfiche for a 2014 KTM 150SX - Chassis. And many other years.

[kpke]

It's hard to tell on your Imgur photo what's going on. I thought it was just an up down misalignment not front to back. All the body work is the same on 83-85, except for the weird 85 Canadian. Your body work looks to be "normal" except for the solo tail and the front fender. Some photographs of the inside of the side panel and the petcock on the fuel tank it would be helpful.

Thanks for the link.

Here are some RZ350 petcock photos for your reference.

[vtnewb]

Sorry for the delayed reply - it's hard to take a picture of this area, but here's my best take:

https://i.imgur.com/mtlbmZj.jpg

[Smoker]

Here's a tip, to help you out.

If you put good pics in your first post, you would have received the correct answer right away.

Your pics need to show the areas you're asking about. Show the inside of that side cover. Show the bottom of the tank where the petcock is mounted and where the side cover mount is located. Then we can see if those parts have been altered.

No. There are no other RZ models with different tanks or side panels that look like that.

[vtnewb]

If you put good pics in your first post, you would have received the correct answer right away.

You must be a blast at parties.

But - here's what you desire. https://imgur.com/a/U6GidbV

[75RD350rider]

It looks like a manual petcock similar to the RD400 petcock conversion I did to mine to get rid of the vacuum stock petcock.

[75RD350rider]

http://www.rzrd500.com/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 21&t=13677

Here is the link for what I did.

[Bald Anthony]

Start with a new petcock or continue loosing sleep. RZ's Unlimited has them ready to mount with no pri. If you need the contact number message me. I made an extension piece to bring the knob out anywhere I want it.

[JonW]

FWIW you can still buy the OEM petcock new for all models of RZ.

Defo incorrect petcock in your pics.

[vtnewb]

Ok new petcock on, same problem, but now poorer. What now?
Pics:
https://imgur.com/a/tJL3CN9

I'm pretty convinced my tank comes from another bike, maybe a seca? Would love confirmation.

[Evans Ward]

How about some good pics of the fuel tank on your bike so we can try to help you.

[vtnewb]

What angle do you want? This thread has the misalignment from every angle I can think of. Total pic of the tank is in the first post if you want that.

Be more specific and I'm happy to take a picture.

[Smoker]

What angle do you want? This thread has the misalignment from every angle I can think of. Total pic of the tank is in the first post if you want that.

Be more specific and I'm happy to take a picture.

I answered this question almost a year ago.

Instead of listening to my advice, you throw out insults.