Gas Shut Off Valve testing

[rivcokid]

Hi all - I had to replace the gas shut off valve due to it not shutting off and leaking gas through the carb. Anyway, the tank is totally empty now. I'm wondering if it would be safe to test my connections with 3 - 4 gallons of water in the gas tank first to make sure there are no leaks before I fill the tank with gas (at $4.30/gallon). I wouldn't leave it in for long, would drain it thoroughly and dry it before I'd revert to gas. I just don't want gas leaks in the cabin.

Thanks!

[Redbird]

Do not put water in the tank. You can use some pipe dope or plumbers tape to put the valve with pencil filter back in the tank. Place a plastic pale beneath the valve. Then just pour a little gas in the tank to see if it leaks. If not, then hook the gas line back up and check for leaks again after opening the valve.

[rivcokid]

Ok - I should have mentioned that I used the pipe dope on both fittings on the valve.

[McMimmcs]

A gallon of gas at 4 dollars is cheap insurance and peace of mind. Playing with water in the gas tank is asking for trouble!

[Mulletwagon]

The best way to test a valve is to disconnect the fuel line at the carb with the valve closed. Place the fuel line in an empty water bottle and let is sit overnight. Typical leakage of a worn valve would be two or three oz. over twelve hours or so. A good valve will not leak at all. The first indication of a failing valve is the scent of gas fumes in the garage. Been there.

Water is a definite no go.

[Model A Ron]

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I would not put water in the gas tank. This is just asking for problems but that's my opinion.

Ron

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

A gallon of gas at 4 dollars is cheap insurance and piece of mind. Playing with water in the gas tank is asking for trouble!

This is good advice. BUT Don’t expect that once you determine there’s no leakage that you’ll never have to do anything about it again. This is not one and done. A year or two or ten down the line it will leak again. It’s just what they do.

[rivcokid]

@700rpm - Don't worry. I'm under no delusions that this will be the first and last time I'll do this. However, I got into trouble with the mini-storage people for the gas smell, so want to make sure (at least right now!)

@Mulletwagon - that's exactly what I did. The fuel shutoff valve didn't shut off!

Thanks everyone - I won't put water in the tank!

[katy]

If'n you're worried about leaks during long term storage, one could disconnect the line from the valve and put a cap on the valve.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1449/207176831

[JayJay]

I may be floating a bit off-topic here, but someone raised "long term" storage. For long term storage I would be more inclined to drain the tank. Run the tank down to less than 1/4 full, then park it. Remove the fitting at the carburetor, attach a length of 1/4" tubing, then open the tank valve and drain the tank into a gas can set between the front bumper brackets.

It's common practice to drain fluids when storing a vehicle for long term. Also to jack up and support under the frame so the tires don't take the weight.

But a lot depends on just what "long term" is. Over the winter I'd drain gasoline and (if you live in an area prone to freezing) water. For a few months oil is fine. Longer, I'd go the full route.

Also take the battery out and store it where it won't freeze.

Fortunately, where I live in NorCal we can drive 12 months, and don't have hard freezes where I'm concerned about water cracking a block/head.

Oh yeah, I second (third? fourth?) the recommendation - don't put water into your tank.

JayJay

[rivcokid]

@JayJay - thanks. This really started because I had to replace the gas shutoff valve because it was not shutting off. Therefore, the carb kept getting gas and leaking. My concern is whether I've replaced everything correctly. We'll see!

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by katy

If'n you're worried about leaks during long term storage, one could disconnect the line from the valve and put a cap on the valve.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1449/207176831

Great idea for long term storage.

[JayJay]

There have been a couple of threads here recently about sealing the fuel tank valve pipe thread.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=thread+sealer

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...light=Permatex

JayJay

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...Bratton's sells a modern 1/4 turn ball valve system that just bolts into your fuel line and solves the leaking problem. You put in a new regular valve and then attach the Bratton's valve which is made up of the valve and fuel line from the original valve to the fire wall. I've had one for several years and NO leaks. The Bratton's part number is 13330 for 28-29 and 13350 for 30-31. Ernie in Arizona

[psimet]

Originally Posted by JayJay

There have been a couple of threads here recently about sealing the fuel tank valve pipe thread.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=thread+sealer

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...light=Permatex

JayJay

Thanks for the links - those threads don’t seem to come to a consensus thought. What I got was Teflon tape = no. Yellow tape (like for natural gas line) = maybe just don’t over wrap it and end up with it in the line. Permatex = yes but many different options/products.

Seems strange there isn’t a pretty universally accepted sealant for these threads in the gas shut off.


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