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Old 08-27-2019, 05:22 PM   #1
Steves46
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Default Gas Shut Off Valve

I really enjoy driving my Model A as much as I can and have a question regarding the gas shut-off valve. Is it absolutley necessary to turn it off everytime you shut off the engine or should it be ok to leave it open for an hour or 2, like going to a car show or making a few stops during the day? Thanks.
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Old 08-27-2019, 05:25 PM   #2
chrs1961815
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

It is not absolutely necessary for short drives like that. It does of course depend on how well the valve actually works. If it doesn't work well, your carb will fill up and might leak which is why people turn it off in the first place.
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Old 08-27-2019, 05:29 PM   #3
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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Originally Posted by chrs1961815 View Post
It is not absolutely necessary for short drives like that. It does of course depend on how well the valve actually works. If it doesn't work well, your carb will fill up and might leak which is why people turn it off in the first place.
The carb will fill up only if the float valve is also faulty. To get fuel leaking from the carb, BOTH valves must let fuel past. Turning off the shutoff is a worthwhile safety measure so long as it seals IMO.
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Old 08-27-2019, 05:34 PM   #4
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

Thanks guys. The valve works fine rather just saving wear & tear.
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Old 08-27-2019, 05:34 PM   #5
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

I have never had any issues when I have left the tap on with day to day driving and stopping of an hour or two. As Syncro states, its the float valve in the carby that is stopping the fuel from continuously flowing when the fuel bowl is full.
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Old 08-28-2019, 07:51 AM   #6
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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Yeah, no issues. I leave mine open unless I'm shutting down for a long period of time.
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Old 08-28-2019, 07:53 AM   #7
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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Thanks guys. The valve works fine rather just saving wear & tear.

But, does your carb drip if you leave the valve on?
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Old 08-28-2019, 08:04 AM   #8
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

The original Model A Zenith carb had a brass needle - ground to a fine joint between the needle and the seat. Corrosion, corrosion products, crap in the gas tended to keep the needle from its seat and would cause a gas leak. Owners of the day and now tended to "overuse" the gas tank valve as a way to prevent loss of gas.

Today there are at least two brands of "replacement" valves for one's Zenith carburetor. Fit, form, function is all similar to the original. And forgiveness of crap gas is a recommendation.

I don't care for the "multi-ball" version. Too many places to crap up and leak by - which is exactly the opposite of what the manufacturer intended, I'm sure. Probably my most favored is the "viton tipped" needle - if you can find it.

Originally these were made using Buna-N - but the alcohol in the gas now tends to soften Buna-N until the valve "sticks" to its seat. Mostly a problem on initial startup. A John Deere lawn tractor of my familiarity has this issue to this day - a remedial "tap" on the carburetor usually frees it for that day's mowing.

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Old 08-28-2019, 08:08 AM   #9
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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Originally Posted by Steves46 View Post
Thanks guys. The valve works fine rather just saving wear & tear.
A major cause of gas shutoff valve failure is debris from the gas tank getting into the valve. If your gas shutoff is the inside the car under the gas tank style, a pencil filter that is placed into the inlet of the fuel valve helps a lot.


https://modelastore.com/fuel-system?product_id=3884
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Old 08-28-2019, 08:20 AM   #10
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

Your use of the valve depends on the seal you get out of your needle and seat in the carb. Carb stays dry and doesn't weep or leak. You can leave it on forever. I cleaned my valve with some diamond polishing paste. Mine was hard to turn as it was over tight to try to seal it and it leaked slightly still. I took it apart to find deep scratches(probably from tank debris) on the sealing surface. Lapped with polish for 20 min till he scratches disappeared. When back together it gets a good seal with minimal tightness and the valve turns very easily. Before you had to grab it just right to get enough force to open it.
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Old 08-28-2019, 09:34 AM   #11
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

I always close the gas shut off valve when not in use . I think that cutting off the gas when not in use is a good habit .
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Old 08-29-2019, 09:14 AM   #12
Jeff P. / MN
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

I have always installed an electric fuel shut-off in every Model A I have owned (7 in 40 years). Never had a failure of any sort.
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Old 08-29-2019, 11:48 AM   #13
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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I have always installed an electric fuel shut-off in every Model A I have owned (7 in 40 years). Never had a failure of any sort.
What electrical shut off valve have you fitted? I have alweays thought them a prudent measure but so far I have refrained from fitting them as "they're just something else to go wrong"
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Old 08-29-2019, 02:08 PM   #14
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

X2 on the electric shut off. About once a year I would have to disassemble the solenoid and clean due to crap gas. No leakee.
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Old 08-29-2019, 05:23 PM   #15
Steves46
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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But, does your carb drip if you leave the valve on?
No sir it doesn't.
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Old 08-31-2019, 09:31 PM   #16
Jeff P. / MN
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Default Re: Gas Shut Off Valve

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What electrical shut off valve have you fitted? I have alweays thought them a prudent measure but so far I have refrained from fitting them as "they're just something else to go wrong"
John, I installed the one on this car in 1998. I sold the car to a friend in 2000 and bought it back from him a year ago. I cannot remember the name of the company that made it but they were in Ohio. I bought several from them in the 90’s and installed them on my 155-c, 400-a, 160-b and this car. I never had a leak or a problem. I always install seat belts, turn signals and electric fuel shut-offs on all my A’s. Anything else installed is “something else to go wrong!”
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