Regarding your number 3 item above: There definitely should be plastic/nylon filter "sleeve" that fits down over that tube and rests in an indentation down in the throat of the petcock. It is held in place with an o-ring which is slipped over the sleeve, then worked down to its base. I "packed" the o-ring in place very gently with the blade of a screwdriver.
This is designed as a temporary "seating" of the filter. It is not held securely in place until it is pushed up into the tank and the big nut snugs the tank fitting down on the o-ring. That's why I cautioned to align the petcock first, when installing, then pushing the whole assembly up into the fitting with your thumbs, and not to over tighten the big nut. Apparently, a previous owner has done the exact thing the PO did to mine -- tightened the big nut trying to stop a leak. What typically occurs when that's done, is the petcock turns also, so the perpetrator twists the body of the petcock back to face forward, then tightens the big nut some more. That action twists the plastic sleeve, chews up the bottom part of it and destroys the o-ring holding it in place. Chances are you'll find the sleeve up inside the fitting, or maybe inside the tank. You may need a new one, and a new o-ring. I was able to salvage mine by trimming the base with nail clippers. It was twisted and misshapened, so I warmed it with my Zippo (not too close, it'll melt) and slipped it over the closed jaws of needle nose pliers to shape it back to round. Hope this helps. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
