The Ford Barn

ursus · 08-16-2018, 10:17 PM

I am in the process of replacing the gas tank float in a late 1931 coupe. The gauge, which never leaked a drop, was removed and the assembly consisted of 3 brass rings and no gaskets. The postings on FordBarn are replete with cautions about Neoprene gasket failures and recommendations of only using cork gaskets. Bratton's currently supplies only Neoprene gaskets, so what to do? Also, previous posts recommend a wide variety of sealants for the fuel gauge,everything from maple syrup to Teflon-based thread sealants, so any recommendations on that would be much appreciated. Thanks! .

Y-Blockhead · 08-17-2018, 12:37 AM

I use the cork gaskets from Snyder's https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/gas-gauge-gaskets, brass ring, no sealant. I like the brass floats from Reelee Kotas in San Diego, CA.

jw hash · 08-17-2018, 01:26 AM

look again if it way not leaking there is a gasket there. and only use cork gaskets or you will be redoing it again later down the road.

WHN · 08-17-2018, 06:45 AM

I would recommend using cork gasket.

Also, if you can, keep gas tank under half full. This helps with stale gas, and potential gas gauge weeping.

This was a questionable design when done 90 years ago. All the problems that they were concerned about have or are happening now. Enjoy.

Big hammer · 08-17-2018, 06:58 AM

Cork gasket with the brass rings! But no cork float, buy an unsinkable float! The cork float on my gauge disappeared and now is blocking the outlet sometimes :-( I need to go fishing

pbishop · 08-17-2018, 09:03 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

First time I replaced (with original rebuild) I had no leaks with cork and brass - did not leak for twenty years. When cork float finally went bad, I used neoprene gasket set-up and non-degradable float. No problems for last two years.

08-16-2018, 10:17 PM	#1
ursus Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,374	fuel gauge questions I am in the process of replacing the gas tank float in a late 1931 coupe. The gauge, which never leaked a drop, was removed and the assembly consisted of 3 brass rings and no gaskets. The postings on FordBarn are replete with cautions about Neoprene gasket failures and recommendations of only using cork gaskets. Bratton's currently supplies only Neoprene gaskets, so what to do? Also, previous posts recommend a wide variety of sealants for the fuel gauge,everything from maple syrup to Teflon-based thread sealants, so any recommendations on that would be much appreciated. Thanks! .

08-17-2018, 01:26 AM	#3
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: fuel gauge questions look again if it way not leaking there is a gasket there. and only use cork gaskets or you will be redoing it again later down the road.

08-17-2018, 06:45 AM	#4
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,821	Re: fuel gauge questions I would recommend using cork gasket. Also, if you can, keep gas tank under half full. This helps with stale gas, and potential gas gauge weeping. This was a questionable design when done 90 years ago. All the problems that they were concerned about have or are happening now. Enjoy.

08-17-2018, 06:58 AM	#5
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: fuel gauge questions Cork gasket with the brass rings! But no cork float, buy an unsinkable float! The cork float on my gauge disappeared and now is blocking the outlet sometimes :-( I need to go fishing __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

08-17-2018, 09:03 PM	#6
pbishop Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wimauma, Florida Posts: 121	Re: fuel gauge questions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) First time I replaced (with original rebuild) I had no leaks with cork and brass - did not leak for twenty years. When cork float finally went bad, I used neoprene gasket set-up and non-degradable float. No problems for last two years.