The Ford Barn

Russell Reay · 10-11-2023, 04:16 PM

My shutoff valve looks like all the ones in the catalogs, so I assume it is a late model replacement for the original. I shut it off faithfully after each trip (in and out of the garage) but the carb is still covered with gas, and it drips on the floor. I am inclined to get a hardware store ball valve with brass fittings to the flared gas line. Les Andrews says the valve is 1/2" NPT, but mine measures about 0.550" male thread OD, or closer to 3/8" NPT. Do I have an oddball or is Les wrong? I prefer to have the correct replacement in hand before removing the leaker.

Joop · 10-11-2023, 04:40 PM

Russell to be sure it is the shutoff that leaks disconnect the gas line at the carburetor and put a can under it and test it.

Russell Reay · 10-11-2023, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joop

Russell to be sure it is the shutoff that leaks disconnect the gas line at the carburetor and put a can under it and test it.

Appreciate the tip. I flunked Gas Line 101 in college.

nkaminar · 10-11-2023, 05:29 PM

The use of EZ Turn Lubricant will stop the petcock from leaking for a while and make it much easier to turn. See https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...ezturnlube.php

If you drive your car a lot and turn off the gas each time the lubricant will last about 6 months. Drain the tank then take the valve apart and smear it with the lubricant and re assemble it.

Gary WA · 10-11-2023, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Reay

My shutoff valve looks like all the ones in the catalogs, so I assume it is a late model replacement for the original. I shut it off faithfully after each trip (in and out of the garage) but the carb is still covered with gas, and it drips on the floor. I am inclined to get a hardware store ball valve with brass fittings to the flared gas line. Les Andrews says the valve is 1/2" NPT, but mine measures about 0.550" male thread OD, or closer to 3/8" NPT. Do I have an oddball or is Les wrong? I prefer to have the correct replacement in hand before removing the leaker.

Try tightening the nut a bit behind the on off handle! Test as stated above first. or remove carb and check that all jets etc are tight along with the float adjustment.

DNLs1930 · 10-12-2023, 12:10 PM

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I have replaced my shutoff valve twice over the last few years due to internal leakage when closed. $25 in fittings and a ball valve from Ace hardware installed on an extra fuel line equals no more shutoff valve issues. I did buy a flair kit from HF for $10...

I leave the tank fuel valve open and use the ball valve as the main shutoff. I also run the carb "dry" when parked inside the garage.

Russell Reay · 10-12-2023, 12:37 PM

Great photo. Per Joop's suggestion I discovered that the valve does, in fact, leak. I think I will use your suggestion, and I already have a flaring tool.

DNLs1930 · 10-12-2023, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Reay

Great photo. Per Joop's suggestion I discovered that the valve does, in fact, leak. I think I will use your suggestion, and I already have a flaring tool.

Good luck measure twice then one more time before you cut the line because it has to fit spot on as there is no way to manipulate the distance. I cut the line on the curved side (where I wanted the valve located) and then measured the distance to the factory valve (straight line = easy measuring) but also visually checked the distance before cutting the second time (the ball valve displaced pipe) I installed the valve to rotate towards the direction of flow when on.

Works good and you can only see the valve if you look under the dash.

Y-Blockhead · 10-12-2023, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNLs1930

I have replaced my shutoff valve twice over the last few years due to internal leakage when closed. $25 in fittings and a ball valve from Ace hardware installed on an extra fuel line equals no more shutoff valve issues. I did buy a flair kit from HF for $10...

I leave the tank fuel valve open and use the ball valve as the main shutoff. I also run the carb "dry" when parked inside the garage.

I did similar, I got tired of replacng the leak proof valves the vendors sell.

katy · 10-13-2023, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Reay

Les Andrews says the valve is 1/2" NPT, but mine measures about 0.550" male thread OD, or closer to 3/8" NPT. Do I have an oddball or is Les wrong?

Valve thread size is 3/8" NPT.

Dino's A · 10-13-2023, 08:00 AM

If you mean the part of the valve that screws into the tank? Les is
wrong. Not 1/2" npt. It's either 3/8" or 1/4"

10-11-2023, 04:16 PM	#1
Russell Reay Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: NH/ VT Posts: 336	Gas shut-off leaks-I think My shutoff valve looks like all the ones in the catalogs, so I assume it is a late model replacement for the original. I shut it off faithfully after each trip (in and out of the garage) but the carb is still covered with gas, and it drips on the floor. I am inclined to get a hardware store ball valve with brass fittings to the flared gas line. Les Andrews says the valve is 1/2" NPT, but mine measures about 0.550" male thread OD, or closer to 3/8" NPT. Do I have an oddball or is Les wrong? I prefer to have the correct replacement in hand before removing the leaker.

10-11-2023, 04:40 PM	#2
Joop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 2,953	Re: Gas shut-off leaks-I think Russell to be sure it is the shutoff that leaks disconnect the gas line at the carburetor and put a can under it and test it.

10-11-2023, 05:29 PM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,903	Re: Gas shut-off leaks-I think The use of EZ Turn Lubricant will stop the petcock from leaking for a while and make it much easier to turn. See https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...ezturnlube.php If you drive your car a lot and turn off the gas each time the lubricant will last about 6 months. Drain the tank then take the valve apart and smear it with the lubricant and re assemble it. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

10-12-2023, 12:37 PM	#7
Russell Reay Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: NH/ VT Posts: 336	Re: Gas shut-off leaks-I think Great photo. Per Joop's suggestion I discovered that the valve does, in fact, leak. I think I will use your suggestion, and I already have a flaring tool.

10-13-2023, 08:00 AM	#11
Dino's A Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arcadia, Ca. Posts: 251	Re: Gas shut-off leaks-I think If you mean the part of the valve that screws into the tank? Les is wrong. Not 1/2" npt. It's either 3/8" or 1/4" __________________ 1928 Roadster Pickup 1930 Tudor 1943 Ford WWII Jeep 1968 Taco Minibike Member, Santa Anita Model A's Arcadia Ca.