Tank Taps - leaking

[Brucie64]

Does anyone know the best solution for sealing the 1/4" threads on the tank taps, my new taps leak fuel down through the threads which is most annoying as I now need to drain the tank again!

Can you use plumbers PTFE thread tape to stop the leaks or even loctite thread sealant perhaps?

[A10Boy]

Ive used ptfe on petrol threads with no problems.

Have you got fibre washers in the correct places ?

[Brucie64]

Hi Andy,

Yes I have the correct fibre washers mated directly with the underside of the tank, the tap is then screwed in to the tank and the washer is compressed with the taps locking nut. It still leaks though.

Incidenty I tried a little Wellseal on the mating surfaces of both sides of the fibre washer and a little on the threads but when the fuel contacted with it, the wellseal just turned to a liquid and ran down the tap 

I shall try some ptfe tape tonight

Many Thanks

[a10 gf]

Try blue loctite, 243. Will not dissolve, and keeps everything leakfree, with no need for overtightening. Discussed earlier in the forum.

[Brian]

These taps do leak even with a fibre washer. I use Loctite Hydraulic sealant on the threads and havent had one leak since I started using it.

[a10 gf]

2x loctite recommendations, from practical experience. Have no doubt, these products will fix the problem. Can be used on parts of the carb as well.

[a101960]

I agree with a10gf. Loctite 243 will effect a complete cure for your problem. I had the same problem as you and it worked perfectly.

[Brucie64]

I now have some loctite 243 and a roll of PTFE tape in my posession, guess who will be draining off a fuel tank tonight 

[a101960]

and a roll of PTFE tape in my posession

I think you will find that the PTFE tape will be counter productive. Loctite 243 will work just fine on it's own.

[LJ.]

I picked up some special washers for petrol taps last Sunday at Banbury, they have a rubber edge on the inside and grip to the taps thread, no idea if they'll be any good, cost a quid each! 

[beezalex]

LJ's got the right stuff.  They go by the name of "Stat-o-seal" or "Dowty" washers.  I don't know where you can get them in the UK, but most any industrial supply place has them here in the states.

[RichardL]

If I am seeing these correctly, the actual washer is steel and the base of the tap goes hard up against that after the rubber is compressed. Right? While these look like a real nice solution to leaks, the problem I had with my right-angle taps was getting them to point in the right direction. To do this, I sanded down the thickness of the fiber washers until they were correct for tightness and direction of the taps. I wonder if the stat-o-seal could be used in cojuction with a fiber washer to allow the same adjustment. Methinks, not, as a new path for leakage would be introduced.

Richard L.

[LJ.]

Richard... Your correct that the washer goes hard (but not too hard so as to damage the rubber seal) up between the tank and tap. I would certainly think you could use a fibre washer after this as the seal to stop petrol leaks should have taken place. The inner of the steel washer is a softer rubber to wrap round the threads. I would think that a light lublication would be neccessary in turning the washer onto the tap threads and then hard up between the tank and tap. I'll let you know how I get on with fitting them.

Edit... forgot to post side view pic of washer.

[beezalex]

There certainly is some leeway in turning these things, but if it's 180 degrees out, you're stuck.  I personally don't care which way they're sticking, I just like for them not to leak.

[RichardL]

I admit, I'm just being curious right now, as my taps are in place and not leaking (dang, no wood on the train so, knock on historical novel). I take it the rubber of the washer is a very snug or thead-on fit?

Richard L.