Leak, petrol tap/tank

Canute · Post by **Canute** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:09 pm

I have just changed a petrol tap on my 1963 31 Swift. The problem is that petrol weeps out in the joint between the tap and the underside of the tank. I have used one fibre washer, then two, and tightening up as hard as I dare, but petrol still finds it way out.
Has anyone got a cure for this problem,which I didn't expect to be a problem.
Would a coating of liquid gasket like Hermetite Gold do the trick ?
Or perhaps a sealing ring of petrol-resistant material (Perbutan ?)?
Cheers.
Canute

itma · Post by **itma** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:25 pm

try a copper washer, softened by heat.
this joint is seldom a problem.
maybe a bit of ptfe tape?

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:06 am

You will probably find there will be a hairline crack around the boss th at the tap screws into. I have the same problem, usually as a result of overtightening.The more you tighten the more it leaks I simply cleaned around the area and did a soldering job. But it should really be brazed for strength but then you burn the paint all around it!!

paul knapp · Post by **paul knapp** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:39 am

quote: you burn the paint all around it!!
Wilko, I think you should say.."blow the paint off",...with the resultant explosion!

snatchpiece · Post by **snatchpiece** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 4:17 pm

PTFE tape around the tap threads.

Q. What does PTFE stand for?

A. Put The F*!$£er Everywhere!

itma · Post by **itma** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 4:31 pm

polytetrafluoroethylene

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:14 pm

Steady itma you could yet become a chemist

itma · Post by **itma** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:07 pm

wot? a job in Boots?

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:25 pm

Well, if you like but I prefer shoes myself I find boots too warm.

itma · Post by **itma** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:36 pm

smart alec
need waders down here today