Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

"You'll wonder where the leaks all went,
when you lap your valve with Pepsodent"

Or so the jingle went.

Several prominent members have mentioned curing gas shut-off valve leaks with toothpaste. In doing so, did you attach the stem to an electric drill? It's hard for me to believe that merely twisting the stem manually a few times would cure leaks.

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

It was quite a few years ago that I did mine, but I started by spinning the tapered part in the lathe and using crocus cloth, then finished with toothpaste. I probably spun the valve in the body by using my lathe. You can also get a good seal by twisting it with your hand to lap it in as long as it isn't badly scratched to start with. I used a light coating of grease when I reassembled it, and it's been easy to turn and leak free since. I've turned some valves that you almost need a wrench on them.

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

I used a cordless drill to spin stem in the body, a repoped gas valve
When it sticks in place you'll know you have a good fit. Be sure clean it up!

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

I found this list showing the abrasiveness of different toothpastes and it looks like Pepsodent is way up on the list and a good choice.

It also looks like some of them have low abrasives may have little or no effect on lapping the valve. I didn't have much luck lapping mine a couple of years ago, maybe I was using the wrong brand.

Here's the list -
http://www.freysmiles.com/blog/view/...ve-toothpastes

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

Toothpaste manufacturers don't like the fact that they have abrasives in their product being spoken about.:D:D

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

I've had some luck using tooth paste, but haven't tried Pepsodent. I'll try it.

Re: Lapping Gas Valve with Pepsodent
 

I've done a couple that way, any non gel toothpaste will work. Most homes will have it already.