The Ford Barn

shall · 10-03-2011, 10:06 AM

Well, while trying to remove my leaking shut-off valve I twisted the top threads in half and now need to drill the old brass part out of the tank, and probably re-thread it for the new shut off valve. Anyone run into this before and/or know the size die that I should use?

(1929)

Thanks in advance!

Steve

Tom Wesenberg · 10-03-2011, 12:36 PM

I would not drill it out, but try to find a good easy out, and not one of those cheap tapered reverse sprial things. A much better choise is a square taper with sharp barbed edges. Or ask the Snap On driver to see what he has for sale. There are also some with a straight shaft with sharp gripping edges running lengthwise.

For anyone needing to remove the tank valve, it's very important to use BOTH hands and press forward on the valve while you pull with the wrench handle toward yourself. You are trying to keep all the pressure in a rotating motion, and not so much pushing sideways, which is what breaks the fittings.

Gord. B by the bay · 10-03-2011, 01:58 PM

The thread size should be 1/4" iron pipe thread which is a tapered thread, NOT a bolt thread. Gord. B by th bay

MrTube · 10-03-2011, 02:46 PM

Be warned, when you buy a 1/4" NPT tap you will need a tap wrench which fits larger than a 1/2" tap. I found this out the hard way, in fact I'm still looking for a wrench to fit mine.

JohnW · 10-03-2011, 03:30 PM

You can buy the quality ease outs, the taps and the dies at your local NAPA store.

shall · 10-03-2011, 10:12 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks all. Easy out wouldn't do the trick so drilled (small). Basically have a brass sleeve in there now to deal with. Thought maybe the heat from the drilling would free it up but no luck. I'll check NAPA...and pick up some #2 permatex while there.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 10-04-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrTube

Be warned, when you buy a 1/4" NPT tap you will need a tap wrench which fits larger than a 1/2" tap. I found this out the hard way, in fact I'm still looking for a wrench to fit mine.

An 8 or 12 point socket of the right size will suffice.

MrTube · 10-04-2011, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

An 8 or 12 point socket of the right size will suffice.

I NEVER though of that!

Thanks Bill!

shall · 10-04-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrTube

I NEVER though of that!

Thanks Bill!

Gotta love this forum! (thanks also Bill)

shall · 10-05-2011, 08:14 AM

Tapped out the fuel tank last night and all went well. Leak free and the shut off actually shuts off!

Thanks Gordb for the tap size and Bill Williamson for the socket trick. I used a 12pt 3/8" which seemed to fit the tap handle end nice and snug.

columbiA · 12-24-2011, 12:32 AM

With taps I like to press a nut on them & then can use them w /a ratchet or extension if needed.Just find a nut a little smaller than the square end & press the nut on in the vice.

bogiediver · 01-09-2012, 05:37 PM

Les Andrews book #1 - in two places says the thread size is 1/2" pipe thread...

(for all shut offs, including fire wall late 31).

I have a early 31 roadster...

I got my shut off out without breaking it, but the threads seem a bit fudged - I was planning to run a tap into the tank to clean up that side and use a die to clean up the valve side...

Any Comments, precautions or other advice appreciated.

Thanks

Tom Wesenberg · 01-09-2012, 10:09 PM

The thread size is 1/4" pipe thread. I'd just run the tap until it starts to bite, then back out. You just want the threads straight, and not cut new threads. I use a bit of pipe dope on the threads for the fitting.

10-03-2011, 01:58 PM	#3
Gord. B by the bay Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Owen Sound Ont. Canada Posts: 198	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size The thread size should be 1/4" iron pipe thread which is a tapered thread, NOT a bolt thread. Gord. B by th bay

10-03-2011, 02:46 PM	#4
MrTube Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,471	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size Be warned, when you buy a 1/4" NPT tap you will need a tap wrench which fits larger than a 1/2" tap. I found this out the hard way, in fact I'm still looking for a wrench to fit mine.

10-03-2011, 03:30 PM	#5
JohnW Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 37	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size You can buy the quality ease outs, the taps and the dies at your local NAPA store.

10-03-2011, 10:12 PM	#6
shall Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Summit Station, Ohio Posts: 81	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks all. Easy out wouldn't do the trick so drilled (small). Basically have a brass sleeve in there now to deal with. Thought maybe the heat from the drilling would free it up but no luck. I'll check NAPA...and pick up some #2 permatex while there.

10-05-2011, 08:14 AM	#10
shall Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Summit Station, Ohio Posts: 81	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size Tapped out the fuel tank last night and all went well. Leak free and the shut off actually shuts off! Thanks Gordb for the tap size and Bill Williamson for the socket trick. I used a 12pt 3/8" which seemed to fit the tap handle end nice and snug. Last edited by shall; 10-05-2011 at 08:22 AM.

10-03-2011, 10:06 AM	#1
shall Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Summit Station, Ohio Posts: 81	Fuel shut-off thread size Well, while trying to remove my leaking shut-off valve I twisted the top threads in half and now need to drill the old brass part out of the tank, and probably re-thread it for the new shut off valve. Anyone run into this before and/or know the size die that I should use? (1929) Thanks in advance! Steve

10-03-2011, 12:36 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size I would not drill it out, but try to find a good easy out, and not one of those cheap tapered reverse sprial things. A much better choise is a square taper with sharp barbed edges. Or ask the Snap On driver to see what he has for sale. There are also some with a straight shaft with sharp gripping edges running lengthwise. For anyone needing to remove the tank valve, it's very important to use BOTH hands and press forward on the valve while you pull with the wrench handle toward yourself. You are trying to keep all the pressure in a rotating motion, and not so much pushing sideways, which is what breaks the fittings.

12-24-2011, 12:32 AM	#11
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size With taps I like to press a nut on them & then can use them w /a ratchet or extension if needed.Just find a nut a little smaller than the square end & press the nut on in the vice.

01-09-2012, 05:37 PM	#12
bogiediver Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 290	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size Les Andrews book #1 - in two places says the thread size is 1/2" pipe thread... (for all shut offs, including fire wall late 31). I have a early 31 roadster... I got my shut off out without breaking it, but the threads seem a bit fudged - I was planning to run a tap into the tank to clean up that side and use a die to clean up the valve side... Any Comments, precautions or other advice appreciated. Thanks __________________ - bogie '31 (Mostly) Roadster Last edited by bogiediver; 01-09-2012 at 11:42 PM. Reason: Said 'with breaking it'; meant 'without breaking it'

01-09-2012, 10:09 PM	#13
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Fuel shut-off thread size The thread size is 1/4" pipe thread. I'd just run the tap until it starts to bite, then back out. You just want the threads straight, and not cut new threads. I use a bit of pipe dope on the threads for the fitting.