Motorcycle Repair: Petcock leaking, self tapping screws, oem replacements

Question
1986 CMX450C Rebel petcock leaks when moved to Reserve position, does not leak in Off or On.  No screws to remove for repair.  Would a petcock kit possibly repair the drip?

Answer
James... I went to the BikeBandit.com site and checked the illustrations on your bike. The petcock body is not repairable... at least from Honda. If you are resourceful and have some tools and patience, often these petcocks can be repaired. The small retainer plate rivets must be very carefully drilled out.. or the head drilled off, then remove the lever, spring, plate and the packing seal inside. If it is a regular Honda 4 hole gasket, you can check for aftermarket or OEM replacements that fit many of the 1960s Honda twins.

If you are doing it this way, you will have to drill and tap the rivet holes in the petcock body for some.. 3 or 4mm (check the size before you drill) metric screws or possibly some small self tapping screws that will go deep enough to secure the lever, spring and plate again.

While you have it apart, check the diaphragm on the vacuum operated portion for any pinholes. Kits are available for the petcock diaphragms, too. May as well do it all while you are in there!

Bill Silver