Avoided possible catastrophe

BillEbob

BillEbob

Senior Member
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
 
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
 
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.
 
wingski said:
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
Click to expand...
Mike, a cork gasket was used -- it replaced the neoprene gasket that the previous owner (PO) had installed. Like you say, it had turned to goo. Until I open this up and take a look, I'm not sure what I'll find with the gasket -- maybe it slipped?

Bill
 
If you have to do scrubbing for the gas smell, plain old Ammonia & water kills the smell well.
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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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.
 
WHN said:
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.
Click to expand...
For over 50 years, I have always top my model A tanks off. I leave just enough room for heat expansion. I learned that the hard way too. When I drive them, I can go through a full tank in a half a day. Out west here, 100 miles is just the next big town. :) Then it is another 100 miles to get back home.
 
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.
 
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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