2001 1550 Classic fuel cock replacement

[skyryder]

It's been a tough summer. Had an intermittent fuel pump issue that turned into about a 3 week and two tows issue to fix. Then my right turn signal just broke off the fork as I was riding home from the shop. I taped them up until I could get the new ones shipped to me, but I kept smelling gas when I parked in the garage. I chalked it up to a full tank, since I usually fill the tank on my way home from a ride. It was a pretty day today and I walked into the garage to find a pool of gas on the floor, and my left floorboard full of gas. I found the leak, the fuel cock was leaking from behind the selector valve. Of course I had a full tank of gas to siphon out first, but got the fuel cock removed and am waiting for the replacement part to arrive in a couple of days. (Many thanks to the nice folks at the Kawasaki dealership in Ozark. Ala). My question is whether or not there is any need for a gasket of sealant between the fuel cock and the bottom of the tank? There wasn't one when I removed it, but thought I would check and see for sure.
I've only had this bike for about 3 years and put about 5K miles on it. It has 45K on it now, and I really like it, but...... It is getting to the point that I am seriously considering looking at the same model 8-10 years newer. It doesn't make sense to keep pouring money into a ride with a small valve knock and who knows how many more miles before a big ticket item makes the bike not worth repairing.....
Thanks for letting me vent a little.

[Peg]

Partzilla is my preferred parts supplier, and their microfiche shows an O-ring in there... 92055 RING-O,FUEL TAP PACKING 92055-1112 In Stock $4.01.

Not a significant pour at that price, I'd suggest?

[skyryder]

Originally Posted by Peg

Partzilla is my preferred parts supplier, and their microfiche shows an O-ring in there... 92055 RING-O,FUEL TAP PACKING 92055-1112 In Stock $4.01.

Not a significant pour at that price, I'd suggest?

Thanks Peg,
I'd agree, it is not significant price. I was mostly just whining about losing three or four good riding days waiting for the part, since I have endured the Florida heat for months now........still thinking about the upgrade though....

[Peg]

Originally Posted by skyryder

Thanks Peg,
........still thinking about the upgrade though....

I upgraded myself a few years ago, from an '02 Nomad to a '10 Voyager, so I know the feeling well, and certainly wouldn't fault you for it. I loved that Nomad, but the Voyager is a very able improvement. I certainly wouldn't buy another touring bike without it having cruise control.