no the petrol taps work on a vacume system ... to check if the tap is working properly you need to reconnect the bottom hose (useualy the smaller of the 2)
and turn the engine over (push the start button)if petrol flows out then it s working fine.
i would imagine it needs new piston rings to be sure you need to test the compression but this is more difficalt to explaine your best bet is to take it to a bike garage worst case sinario would cost you £100/150 but only if the rings have broken and scored the inside of the barrel. if just a set of rings and fitting about £50
hope iv help in some way
Jae
January 2008