Fuel shut off valve question

[31modelaguy]

I have a 31 model a and I’m not getting fuel out of the valve. At first just a few dribbles and now I can keep the valve open and nothing comes out. I’m sure it’s rust clogged. Can I remove the valve without taking the fuel tank out? Or does the tank need to be removed? It’s been running good just went to start it the other day and now this issue. Thanks for the help.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good Morning...You can remove and replace the valve with the tank in the car. If you are then going to flush the tank...good idea to remove the floor boards and do the work outside. Ernie in Arizona

[31modelaguy]

Awesome thank you. It seems to just screw out so shouldn’t be an issue. Glad to see another fellow from Arizona here!

[Brentwood Bob]

Have you put a little air back thru the outlet to loosen the plug up?

[Lefthander1930]

Good idea to blow air back into tank & drain the tank, you don't need gas all over the place.

[Mulletwagon]

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You should have a pencil filter inserted into the valve. Good idea to change it while the valve is out. Be sure to use thread sealer when re-inserting the valve.

[700rpm]

Disconnect your battery any time there is the chance of exposing raw fuel.

[mass A man]

All the replies are very good ones. First, use a flashlight in the tank to see if the valve opening has something covering it. A friend with a '30 roadster had an annoying intermittent fuel supply starvation problem, he found a little silver foil cap liner from an old bottle of "something", sometimes covering up the hole to the valve! He got it out and that was the end of his fuel problem. One of the best things to come along for our "A's" is the cigarette filter for that valve.

[Redbird]

No smoking during this procedure. Siphon all the gas out from the top first. Then get a big bucket under the valve. Remove the fuel line from the valve. Slowly remove the valve a little at a time and drain the gas that is left in the tank. It is best to have the car facing out of the garage. You don't want raw gas all over your floor. The pencil filter should come out with the valve.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by Mulletwagon

You should have a pencil filter inserted into the valve. Good idea to change it while the valve is out. Be sure to use thread sealer when re-inserting the valve.

what specific type of thread sealer do you use?

[Mulletwagon]

Back in the day we used teflon tape. It was even recommended by Holley for carb connections. Teflon tape is now considered to be gas soluble and is no longer recommended - but still used by some with no negative effect. The better solution now is to use liquid sealers, most notably from Permatex.

https://www.permatex.com/products/th.../?locale=en_us

[Joop]

31modelaguy

Doe you have the shutoff in the car or under the hood?

Where are you located in AZ..

Joop from Glendale, AZ

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Disconnect your battery any time there is the chance of exposing raw fuel.

Very wise and prudent suggestion! Wayne

[J.Ukrop]

Yes, it's definitely possible to remove the petcock with the tank on. When you have the issue sorted, make sure to install a filter screen on the top of the petcock prior to filling it back up. These are cheap and also very functional.

[Joop]

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31modelaguy

Doe you have the shutoff in the car or under the hood?

Where are you located in AZ..