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03-03-2018, 12:26 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 162
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Avoided possible catastrophe
New seats and re-styled shifter FINALLY back in Miss Vicky. I had forgotten that gas gauge was replaced about 2 months ago. Filled her up and went to get in only to discover a waterfall of gas flowing from the gas gauge❗Luckily, they had a bucket but it was one of those big jobs -- 4-5 gallons. It took a great deal of strength to shove it between brake pedal and shift lever as gas was running to the back of the underside of dash.
While holding bucket in place with one hand, I dialed several friends/acquaintances before I found someone who could come help. While holding bucket, I turned off batter cutoff switch. Once friend/neighbor arrived he drained off gasoline using the sediment bowl. Once enough gas (@3 gal) was drained off and the waterfall of gas had stopped, I was able to extract myself and my large bucket. I had approximately 1/2 gallons in "drip bucket." During this ballet of drainage, I managed to call AAA and requested a flatbed to take her home. Driver was ecstatic with the Vicky and took all sorts of photos. He said he drove to my house quite slowly just to "show off" the car! lol I removed the dash to allow airflow to back area and left windows open to air out. When I have the chance, I will take a look and see what happened during the installation. (Same neighbor who rescued me put in the gauge for me.) All I can say is: WHEW! Bill |
03-03-2018, 01:03 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Cave Junction, Oregon
Posts: 432
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Bill, this might be been caused by a peoprene washer being used behind the gauge. I had the same thing happen, and when I pulled the fuel gauge that neoprene gasket had turned to goo. After really cleaning out all of that old gasket material, I made my own gasket out of carburetor gasket material and used permatex on both sides when I re-installed the gauge.
I had to make my own tool to tighten that fuel gauge ring while holding the starred gauge in place with a flat piece of aluminum ground on both ends so it fit into the star. Problem solved, Mike |
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03-03-2018, 02:41 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,093
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Wow, I cant imagine the mess and the smell.
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03-03-2018, 02:46 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
The same thing happened to a friend. If you use the repro gauge nut, the plating might be so thick that the nut doesn't tighten all the way.
Always be sure to use only the cork gaskets on the fuel gauge. |
03-03-2018, 08:32 AM | #5 | |
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Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 162
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Quote:
Bill |
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03-03-2018, 09:41 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: FRESNO, CA
Posts: 12,560
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
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Jaguar ZKEs were NOTORIOUS for leaks in the rear well, that housed the tank & the spare!!! Ammonia got rid of the smell & made the CHROMED wire wheel SHINE! Bill Clean
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"THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" |
03-03-2018, 11:19 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,819
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Once you get the whole thing back together and not leaking.
Some of us old timers don’t fill the gas tank over half. Just to be safe. I have “never” filled a gas tank in any of our Model A’s. That’s in almost 60 years. Never! I know I am opening myself up to many comments. Just my FREE advise. Enjoy. |
03-03-2018, 11:48 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Glide, Oregon
Posts: 1,336
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
I know it is too late but I always check my work at home garage. Sorry to hear of your mishap. looking forward to see what the issue is/was.
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03-03-2018, 12:48 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Grand Haven, MI
Posts: 95
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
At the annual car show inn Grand Haven last year a 1930 Tudor was on display. Checking the interior out, I noticed a slow drip of gas from the gas gauge with a nice little puddle on the rubber mat. The owner had filled up (and I mean filled up!) that morning and not noticed the leak. New gauge installed without tightening the nut completely.
Lots of nice show cars nearby, which could have made it into a serious event. Somebody recommended adding gas at home the first time after a gauge repair, so a leak can be fixed quickly. Seems like really good advice. |
03-03-2018, 01:03 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mossel Bay, about 300km from Cape Town
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Bill,
I believe you meant XKE not ZKE. The Jaguar XKE is the E Type. Don't ask how I know.
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Regards Chris Cape Town 28 Model A RPU, 29 Chevy Phaeton, 67 E Type FHC, 67 250SL Pagoda, 83 911 SC |
03-03-2018, 01:26 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hingham, MA
Posts: 135
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
A little assembly lube and more than one brass washer are a must. I also find the steel gas gauge tools work better than the cast aluminum tools.
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03-03-2018, 03:48 PM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: FRESNO, CA
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Quote:
bILL w.
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03-03-2018, 05:51 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Albuquerque
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
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03-03-2018, 06:02 PM | #14 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sedro-Woolley, WA
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
Quote:
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03-06-2018, 05:30 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Gold Country
Posts: 64
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
I agree with a previous post, the stainless steel gas gauge tool is the only way to go. The casted tool simply does not get the gage tight enough in my opinion.
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03-07-2018, 04:25 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: san diego
Posts: 114
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
I have just used the giant tie rod screw driver bit. Fits it enough to get it tight.
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03-07-2018, 11:16 PM | #17 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Wimauma, Florida
Posts: 121
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Re: Avoided possible catastrophe
I have come to use the available neoprene gaskets and 'O' rings wherever I can. I learned back some 30 years ago NOT to over-tighten the gas gauge. When it starts to feel tight, turn a little bit more and leave it. If it leaks then the problem is that something is not seated properly.
I am also going to switch to the Teflon pads for the steering linkage. I missed the 'Wacky Weekend Sale' of these at Mike's a month ago. Now have to pay full price - still I think it is worth it for my 'driver'. |
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