Fuel Valve Question

Walt Ebie

Walt Ebie

Senior Member
My overheating problem mentioned in some previous posts has been resolved by a new heavy duty radiator from Snyders. But here's my question: ever since I've had this car (abt 2 yrs +) the fuel valve was always hard to open and close and after being closed, the result was a gas drip on the bottom of the carb. But then I once forgot to close the valve and when I came back to go again, there was no drip at all. Since then I've left the valve open and it hasn't dripped again. I know the valve must be there for some good reason so the question is, is there a downside to leaving it open if it doesn't drip gas? BTW this is a pretty new carb - about a year old.
 
The fuel shut off valve will prevent a tank of gas leaking past the needle seat in the carb if that should get some dirt in it. The fuel would leak onto the floor. The fuel valves are easy to repair/replace. The vendors sell a kit with a lead packing, and fuel resistant grease. Its a good idea and safer if you can shut the fuel off to the carb. If you don't have a lot of rust in your tank it may not leak, but Murphy is always around the corner.....Good luck
 
I would think that the float/needle valve in the carb would shut off the gas entering the carb if everything is working right.
But if the car is restored and/or there's any chance of getting small particles in the gas line, then you run the risk of getting gunk in between the needle valve and seat. Same is true with the shut off valve, but I personally don't trust either, so I always shut the gas valve. Unless I forget. :)

Tommy-
 
TommyCoupe said:
I would think that the float/needle valve in the carb would shut off the gas entering the carb if everything is working right.
But if the car is restored and/or there's any chance of getting small particles in the gas line, then you run the risk of getting gunk in between the needle valve and seat. Same is true with the shut off valve, but I personally don't trust either, so I always shut the gas valve. Unless I forget. :)

Tommy-
Click to expand...

Yes, Tommy, it is best to turn the fuel off when parked for an extended period. You really don't want gallons of gas dumped in your garage over the course of a day or two. :eek:

When I garage my car, I hang my ignition key on the fuel valve handle when the valve is closed. The handle is sideways, so there is a little bit sticking out to the left that the key ring slides right over. (This does not work on my '31 with the indented firewall.)

Hanging the key down there reminds me to turn the fuel off. Retrieving the key from down there, when I go to drive the next time, reminds me to turn the fuel ON! I, and many others, have had a problem getting their A to start and run because they forgot to turn the fuel valve on. :D

HTH.
 
When you were young & lost a WHOLE tank of gas, from not turning it off & a NOT so good needle/seat, then you will NEVER forget it again.
One problem is that many valves leak through, when off! Turn your valve OFF & run the carb DRY. After 3 days, see if it starts, with the gas OFF!!---AHA!
That's why I use the pet **** type valve---$3.99!
Bill W.
 
Bill Williamson, where can I buy one of these Petcock valves? I agree most fuel valves you get from the vendors leak thru after a few days.
 
A valve that leaks needs either repaired or replaced since it's not doing the single thing it's supposed to... Ensuring the fuel is secure and the battery is disconnected (disconnect switch) is two things that keeps peace of mind.. Car fires are tragic.
 
Ken/SC said:
Bill Williamson, where can I buy one of these Petcock valves? I agree most fuel valves you get from the vendors leak thru after a few days.
Click to expand...
Ken,
They're a standard hardware/plumbing part & fit perfect, in place of the stock valve. Take an OLD valve for a sample.
Bill W. (Be SURE to put a "pencil" filter, in the top of it!!)
 
This is what I use:

On the handle it says "WOG" Water, Oil, Gas.
 

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I like to replace the cheap drain valves on my air compressors with the ball valve. For the Model A's I would use a good original valve or a new one from the parts houses. I never had a problem with the replacements ones, but have only used a few for customers.
 
On the handle it says "WOG" Water, Oil, Gas.
Click to expand...

I believe that the gas that they're referring to is in a vapour state, such as natural gas or propane, not gasoline.
 
I use the valve to shut the gas off and then run the gas out of the carb while driving the car in the garage. My garage is under my bedroom so I don't need a fire to start. Also, with the valve off, I can ensure the gas it out of the carb. Can't stand the smell of gas vapors wafting past the carb air horn.

Brian
 
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