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Old 08-23-2020, 02:47 PM   #1
zaugger
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Default Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Hey folks...still a newbie here. I replaced manifold gaskets yesterday. It went well, but when I came home from testing and turned the fuel off (as I usually do because the fuel in the bowl make my garage stink), tho motor dieseled on more than normal. Later in the evening my daughter notice the smell of gas and when I checked on it a significant amount of fuel was dripping from the carb. Need to fix that for sure, but I'm surprised it's happening with the fuel shot off. Is it as simple as a bad valve, or has anyone experienced this with a different explanation?

Thanks for your help!
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Old 08-23-2020, 02:55 PM   #2
Gary WA
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Bad valve- rebuild or replace- Berts Model A Parts or other good venders have them.
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Old 08-23-2020, 03:14 PM   #3
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Usually there will be a packing nut , just under the lever on the cut off valve . I t will be necessary to remove the nut that holds the lever and the lever for access to the packing nut . don't over tighten the packing nut or the lever won't want to move after installation . There is no need to remove the cut off valve to attempt this adjustment . Packing is available but is a tight fit .
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Old 08-23-2020, 03:29 PM   #4
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Guten Abend!

I also had on my car, that the gasoline valve was a little leaky even it was closed. The assembled revision set brought some help, but also the valve leaked a bit. Then I ground in the valve cone with valve grinding paste.

Now it's tight.
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Old 08-23-2020, 03:33 PM   #5
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Hey Zaugger,
Common problem, in fact, had the exact same presentation - fumes in the garage. The quick fix is a new valve. I got mine from Bratton's two years ago and it works great.

https://www.brattons.com/fuel-shut-o...-gas-tank.html


Be sure and get the "inside" valve and not the late 31 version.

Enjoy that Model A !!
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Old 08-23-2020, 07:13 PM   #6
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

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And when replacing the shutoff valve install a 'pencil' filter in the valve to prevent crude from messing up your new valve. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword
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Old 08-23-2020, 07:27 PM   #7
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

If the shutoff is an issue fix, then leave it on overnight and see if you again get the gas smell - if yes you have a carb issue, typically it is the float valve, but there are many other carb possibilities.



Even if the shutoff valve is working you can get a little gas into the air intake, from fuel left in the fuel line after the sediment bowl going to the carb. In this case it may not even drip. If you use a finger to feel around the inside bottom of the carb air intake it will be wet/damp after an hour or so, this is not normal. This is why some run the car with the fuel shutoff off to drain the fuel line and float bowl.
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Old 08-23-2020, 08:40 PM   #8
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

I used two of those replacement valves that are sold through the vendors.
The first one lasted about three years, then it started to leak externally.
The second lasted about two months, then it leaked also.
Both were installed with the 'pencil' type screen.

I'm frustrated, and I wont buy another repop.

I've started the process of securing a different type of fuel valve.
The outside looks similar to the original/repop type brass valves.
No shaft packings to leak.
It is not a 'Frankenstein' of assembled fittings and tubes.
It uses a full-flow ball valve design with a modern high quality polymer seat,
Its gasoline and ethanol proof.
And, of coarse, its all Made in USA!

I'm working with the prototype parts to get it to "drop right in" as a replacement valve, with no modifications to the existing fuel line.

If this project is successful, I may make some to sell. Lets see how it goes.
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Old 08-23-2020, 09:24 PM   #9
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Thanks for the input, all! I'll take it all in and plan my next step. I'll let you know how it goes!
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Old 08-23-2020, 11:36 PM   #10
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup View Post
I used two of those replacement valves that are sold through the vendors.
The first one lasted about three years, then it started to leak externally.
The second lasted about two months, then it leaked also.
Both were installed with the 'pencil' type screen.

I'm frustrated, and I wont buy another repop.

I've started the process of securing a different type of fuel valve.
The outside looks similar to the original/repop type brass valves.
No shaft packings to leak.
It is not a 'Frankenstein' of assembled fittings and tubes.
It uses a full-flow ball valve design with a modern high quality polymer seat,
Its gasoline and ethanol proof.
And, of coarse, its all Made in USA!

I'm working with the prototype parts to get it to "drop right in" as a replacement valve, with no modifications to the existing fuel line.

If this project is successful, I may make some to sell. Lets see how it goes.

Good luck on your endeavor. Hope it works out. I would be interested in something that lasts more than a couple of months.
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Old 08-24-2020, 07:11 AM   #11
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

No luck with rebuild, bought new original type and problem solved 4yrs ago...
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Old 08-24-2020, 07:21 AM   #12
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

I have rebuilt several original valves, they aren't hard to rebuild once you pry off the washer from the shaft that sits on the packing. I used graphite rope to repack them with. The only one that I couldn't rebuild was a repop one from the 70s, the casting of the cone shape piece was so bad that there was still sand casting areas where the part was turned down on a lathe. They had to know it was poorly made when they assembled it but put it together anyway and it always leaked. The originals were still in good shape and can be lapped with a little tooth paste to make a perfect mating of the critical parts.
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Old 08-24-2020, 04:40 PM   #13
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

I just want to let you know that the leaking gas valve is responsible for the bulk of Model A losses due to fire at home. If you have a water heater in your garage and a fuel leak you could lose your car(s), garage and maybe even your home. Play it safe!
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Old 08-24-2020, 05:05 PM   #14
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup View Post
I used two of those replacement valves that are sold through the vendors.
The first one lasted about three years, then it started to leak externally.
The second lasted about two months, then it leaked also.
Both were installed with the 'pencil' type screen.

I'm frustrated, and I wont buy another repop.

I've started the process of securing a different type of fuel valve.
The outside looks similar to the original/repop type brass valves.
No shaft packings to leak.
It is not a 'Frankenstein' of assembled fittings and tubes.
It uses a full-flow ball valve design with a modern high quality polymer seat,
Its gasoline and ethanol proof.
And, of coarse, its all Made in USA!

I'm working with the prototype parts to get it to "drop right in" as a replacement valve, with no modifications to the existing fuel line.

If this project is successful, I may make some to sell. Lets see how it goes.
judging by the frequency that this subject draws, I'd say you won't have any problem finding buyers.
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Old 08-24-2020, 08:56 PM   #15
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Quote:
Originally Posted by ericr View Post
judging by the frequency that this subject draws, I'd say you won't have any problem finding buyers.
I hope you're right.

I started this project because I HATE being held hostage to poor Quality, especially when it comes to safety issues, so I'm doing something about it.

As the project was developing, I started to think that there had to be other folks out there with the same issue. I'd like to say that I'm being benevolent, but the reality is, I'm broke and sure could use some extra money

Its still pretty early in this project, and many things can still send me off the track. I hope to have a small lot (maybe 10 valves?) in about 5-6 weeks. I would like to get just a few valves out there for constructive feedback. After that, we'll see.
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Old 08-24-2020, 09:17 PM   #16
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

1930 Pickup, if you have one to sale later on. Please contact me I’d like to buy one from you.
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Old 08-24-2020, 09:58 PM   #17
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

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Originally Posted by robert shreveport View Post
1930 Pickup, if you have one to sale later on. Please contact me I’d like to buy one from you.
Good to know.

I will make a new thread to keep folks updated on the progress of this project. It's not really right that I keep dragging this thread out for so long...I feel like I stole it...yeah, I'm pretty sure I did. Sorry about that.

At this early stage I cannot make a commitment to sell any valves; I must have production versions fully evaluated and tested first. That includes thousands of cycle tests to assure reliability.

Just so you know where I'm coming from:
I've worked in the medical equipment and devices industry for decades. My main function (one of 153 "main" functions) was the in-depth testing and production release of new products. All of it to FDA requirements and ISO-13485 (very similar to ISO-9000) standards. I also have a formal education in Aviation Technology and I continue to hold a FAA aircraft mechanic licence (A&P). Its in my very DNA to evaluate and test products before the customer ever sees it, and I will never provide products that are not airworthy, Uhm, I mean 'vintage car' worthy

As most of you have seen though many previous posts, the fuel shut-off valve is darn close to what I would term as a 'critical safety component' for vintage vehicles that employ gravity-feed type fuel systems.

Potentially, significant damage or injury can result if fuel systems fail to meet their design requirements. I will NOT send out a valve if I am not 100% satisfied that I can count on it working right. It really mentally beats me up to see so many products out there today that are significant safety concerns.

I think most of you feel the same way.
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Old 08-25-2020, 08:22 AM   #18
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

Just finish replacing my first new shut-off. Used it maybe 20 times before it started to bind. By the time I got it out of the car it was so bound up you couldn't turn it at all by hand. Ultimately had to go back to the original shut off valve. So now my new shut off valve is just for backup purposes. It took two hours of polishing the brass so that it wouldn't bind. The vendor who sold it to me, a well-known vendor, was not interested in warranting the valve. It's interesting that some vendors are reluctant to stand by their products. Understandable considering the low quality of these parts. I wonder if the market would bare the cost of high quality Model A parts. It also appears that many vendors are not able to stock even the basic parts. Off subject . . . ordered a gasket set yesterday, and was told it would take more than 12 months to come in. Really? Looks like opportunity is knocking.
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Old 08-25-2020, 09:57 AM   #19
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Default Re: Fuel leaking when shut off valve is closed

I have a used original, it's been sitting on the shelf for the last 50 or 60 years, hasn't leaked a drop.
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Old 08-25-2020, 01:34 PM   #20
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i have a used original, it's been sitting on the shelf for the last 50 or 60 years, hasn't leaked a drop.
Hahaha, thats pretty good
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