1990 katana 600 petcock positions

[chrisrubb]

I just bought a Katana 600 1990 without a user manual and I can not figure out which position the petcock should be in for reserve, main and off. Does anyone have any info on this...Thanks!

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[Clint]

You mean there aren't any marks on the plate?

[chrisrubb]

unfortunately, there are no markings...

[Clint]

I'm sure someone knows. Hang on a while.

[chrisrubb]

i found an image on a site dedicated to katanas and someone illustrated the petcock positions



assuming that is correct, how long would the bike run in the "prime" position. i was attempting to run the bike "prime" position until it would die but it never stalled. i ran it for about 5 minutes in the "prime" position as indicated in the illustration. maybe it needs more time to stall? or maybe that illo is incorrect. i bought the bike used and i'm not sure what the previous owner put on there. it's a 1990 so do you think that a petcock could need to be replaced over a 15 year lifespan?

[Clint]

You never use prime unless the carbs have been drained for storage or maintenance.

[jsvickers]

My 2004 Kat is the same as the picture above. Turn it clockwise all the way and that's reserve. The middle position is ON and is where you should run the bike.

[chrisrubb]

i am new to bikes so if do not paln on riding the bike for a day or so, should I shut the fuel off?

[Kat]

I have a Katana 93 1100
On mine there are only two settings prime and fuel prime is to be used when the bowls of the carbs are empty fuel is the setting to leave it on your fuel system is works on a vacum seal which means it pumps gas in the system when the bike starts.
Now back to your question the setting of prime on mine is straight up and down fuel is left and right.
Hopefully that helps you out
lates

[sonny]

There is no "OFF" setting on the petcock. The petcock works as a vacum. When the engine is on and the petcock is "on" or "res" the carbs suck gas down. and as when the engine is not engaged, the carbs dont suck since the vacum is not there.

Keep it always "ON" position. or "RES" thats what i do to mine.

Dont use PRI, although its not that big of a deal if your floats are working properly. if they're not.. you'll have a puddle and thats bad.

i am new to bikes so if do not paln on riding the bike for a day or so, should I shut the fuel off?

[AZkatana]

here's a pic of my '99 kat 600 petcock labeling (if the attachment worked) if not email me and I'll send it to you. i just leave mine 'on' and watch the gauge - no puddles (besides once in a while from my pants after a 'learning experience')