Removing Gas Tank Filler Screen

[Brianfrench65]

As I am new to the Ford Barn, I was not aware that there are archives out there, and provide a wealth of information.

I just purchased one of those spark arresters for my car, and now I'm going to leave it in the zip lock bag.

Thank you all, for this incredible resource.

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

One Recent Single Experience Last Week:

"Some" (at least mine), newly advertised gas tank strainers, corrode easily after about a year or so, & form a coating/residue that is gray/white in color looking similar in color to corrosion on battery terminals. (Also small spots of rust).

These new strainers are advertised as "28-31 without tabs", with screens looking like shiny aluminum or stainless steel, as opposed to the color of copper or brass.

The screen's interior & exterior surfaces acquire a corroded appearance & screen holes get partially clogged with the same type of corrosion which falls out into one's Model A gas tank when one adds gas to the tank.

Later one can find that these corrosion particles can clog the shut-off valve to make one's car starve for fuel & even quit running; & corrosion particles can also be found in the sediment bowl.

The corrosion & small rust spots can be cleaned off of the interior & exterior of the screen with a small steel or brass brush until one sees shiny metal again.

Hope this information helps just in case one has installed a similar new screen lately which can easily corrodes & plug gas lines.

If you are going to run with a screen try to find an original one like the one below (picture 1) I pulled out of a 1928 gas tank I bought for my Huckster restoration rather than an inferior repop. I have had no problems with the screen. But then I treat refueling my A just like my boat. I bring the gas home in 6 gal. plastic cans, add marine stabil or seafoam and fuel at home. On a tour or long trip I can bring along one these (picture 2).

BTW I wound up using the original gas tank so I still have a real nice 28-29 gas tank.

[Fullraceflathead]

This "Spark/Flame Arrestor" was one of Henry Fords many Patented Ideas used on the Model A. It's a Safety device to help prevent an Explosion during a accident like in a roll over or severe collision. The repro's that I have seen do not match the originals in the number of holes in them. The repro's restrict fuel flow when refilling the tank. I run the pump nozzle slow with my original one and don't have any problems during filling.

I made a short video of installing the early threaded one into my Model A. It's on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Xkob1gim1DzYHk

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Fullraceflathead

I run the pump nozzle slow with my original one and don't have any problems during filling.

.

Me too.

[treuland]

I have an early 28 (Sept.) and the flame arrester has four notches. I need to remove it to replace fuel float gauge. It will turn but. Can't remove it. Is it threaded? Seems like it should unscrew. It is slightly dented just below to presumably fron gas nozzle. Anybody had this problem or know any tricks to remove it?

[duke36]

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Had the same issue on late '31 , couldn't remove the frozen solid screw-out portion with the socket tool. The prior owner(s) had cut off the screen portion and left the mounting threads. Solution was to take a vendor's replacement tab type screen, separate the screen at the spot welds, cut the top tabbed section portion to reduced diameter, then roll the screen to just fit snug inside the filler hole and steel rivet the screen back together. The tabs can be bent as needed, dropped right in to the existing tank hole. No issue w/ gas pump fill nozzle.

[TerryH]

I have had 2 Model A's totaling over 20 years, and neither had that screen in them when purchased. I certainly have never had an issue with it, nor have I ever heard of a documented case of a fire or explosion caused by it being missing. I agree that the new nozzles in use for many years now pretty much negate the need that was there so many years ago.

[CarlG]

Mine didn't have one when I bought it, and I have no intention of putting one on it. Don't see the need.

[CHuDWah]

Probably yet another Model A legend but there is the story about prospective customers expressing fear the cowl tank would blow up in their faces. The salesmen would remove the gas cap and strike a match over the filler outlet, producing a small flame but no explosion.

[treuland]

I have a 28 and the flame arrester turns but won't loosen. I have turned it many rotations while pulling up on it but it doesn't come out. Anybody ever had this problem? It's as if threads are stripped but even then it seems it should come up but something is preventing it. I would like to get it out so can replace gas gauge float. Any suggestions?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by treuland

I have a 28 and the flame arrester turns but won't loosen. I have turned it many rotations while pulling up on it but it doesn't come out. Anybody ever had this problem? It's as if threads are stripped but even then it seems it should come up but something is preventing it. I would like to get it out so can replace gas gauge float. Any suggestions?

You just have to remove the tank gauge from the front. No need to touch the flame arrestor.

[treuland]

Doesn't the float rod hit the flame arrester preventing unscrewing it?

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Fullraceflathead

I run the pump nozzle slow with my original one and don't have any problems during filling.

Same here as well as Mike V Florida, original screen and never a problem filling up. Just did yesterday getting car ready to put away for the winter. Lay the tip of the gas pump nozzle into and over the opening and slowly squeeze not a problem. Don't stick the nozzle down into the filler neck that will make it kick off too fast.

I read once where a salesman was demonstrating the safety of this design when the Model A Ford was new, and held a lit match over the fuel filler neck and there was no explosion or fire. That guy had cahones I couldn't do THAT

[jburns79se]

I have two 1929 Model "A" Fords. One has the "screw in style' and is easy to remove-unscrew. The other car is evidently not the screw in type. I can "spin' the filter around to the right and left with no problem. But I can not pull it out with fingers pressed against the filter screen sides. It will move upward ever so little but something is preventing it from being removed. There is a 'metal' sound when attempting to 'pull' it out past the easy spin area. Very annoying!!! Any thoughts???