Fuel leaking around large brass plug (fuel inlet valve?)

[zuburg]

I finally got my 1956 T-bird to start on a newly rebuilt engine after a 5 year saga of replacing tons of mechanicals (engine, Fordomatic, front suspension, brakes, etc.)

Now I have fuel leaking around a large brass plug at the rear of the carb. I think it might be above the fuel inlet valve. There is a rust colored gasket under it. This carb was rebuilt using a comprehensive rebuild kit several years ago but just now being used for the first time. I assume I should buy a new gasket, and or plug? Or could I use some kind of thread sealer to fix it?

Here are some pictures that show the plug on the carb and laying on the bench for identification purposes.

[55blacktie]

Mike's Carburetor has a Holley 4000 "Teapot" series on youtube. There are at least 4 parts to the series. If you have the time and patience to watch the entire series, you should find an answer to your question.

[scicala]

I don't think the Mike's Carburetor video will give any info about the leak at that brass plug. I've watched them before. I've been rebuilding the Holley 4000 teapot carbs for a long time, and chances are it just needed to be tightened a little more to stop the leak, as long as the round gasket isn't damaged. You need a very large blade screw driver to get it tight enough. I have a Snap-On socket made for it. You can also replace the gasket with an o-ring of the same size.

Sal

[zuburg]

Thanks, I’ll try the O-ring if I can’t get it to seal.

[zuburg]

I ended up using an O-ring and it fixed right up. The one I used was from Ace Hardware. The one I used as:
#28 “O”Ring 5/8” O.D. x 1/2” I.D.

It was in the plumbing area and there was a note that said “Fits Delta, Cuthbert, Koehler”

[scicala]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Good Job ! I get O-Rings from Ace Hardware too. Good selection, and you don't have to buy a whole pack of them. Just the one or one's you need.

Sal

[rotorwrench]

I would keep an eye on it for a while. The o-ring used may be made from a material that is usable with fuel but not all rubber like o-ring elastomers are so keep that in mind.

From aviation industry sources, I can pick and choose the correct material for a sealing o-ring but from the average hardware store, the choices aren't very clear.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

I would keep an eye on it for a while. The o-ring used may be made from a material that is usable with fuel but not all rubber like o-ring elastomers are so keep that in mind.

From aviation industry sources, I can pick and choose the correct material for a sealing o-ring but from the average hardware store, the choices aren't very clear.

!!! AMEN !!!

And Very Valid And Good Point ...

[scicala]

If the Ace Hardware o-ring does deteriorate, CASCO (classictbird.com), offers a new brass cap with an o-ring. I'm assuming the Ace one will work since the packaging said it's compatible with gasoline. I've used one or two in a pinch before without an issue.

Sal

[fiddy6]

I had to resurface the sealing face due to pitting and the fact that someone had dropped it in its past. I made a tool to do it. I threaded a shaft to keep the tool straight.

[scicala]

Originally Posted by fiddy6

I had to resurface the sealing face due to pitting and the fact that someone had dropped it in its past. I made a tool to do it. I threaded a shaft to keep the tool straight.

Good job !

Sal