replace pet taps

lawman · Oct 22, 2013

I have fuel leaking from my bike which leaves a small stain under the bike when I leave it for a couple of days. I always turn the fuel taps off when the bike is sitting and I am worried the bike will catch fire if I don't get it sorted.

I have ordered and received a set of pet taps from Andover and now want to fit them.

Is it easy enough to fit them myself or should I get some help?

I have looked at the works manual and it isn't exactly clear on how to go about it although I know the petrol tank needs to be drained before I do anything.

My main concern is making sure that they are sealed correctly after fitting so they don't leak.

Any help is appreciated.

Frank

concours · Oct 22, 2013

The "sealing" washers usually supplied are poor application. A fuel proof thread sealant is the way to ensure the threads don't leak. Loctite 592 works well. As for the taps themselves... Many previous threads here to peruse.

DogT · Oct 22, 2013

As I remember, the stat-o-seal washers require a flat washer to work properly. L.A.B. filled me in on that quite a while ago, but not before I used some fuel proof sealant in the threads to the tank. I used the aviation type permatex, it's not a glue.

The other thing you really want to check is the float needle in the float bowl. Remove the bowl, mount it on a flat plate including the gasket and rig up a hose to it, fill the hose and make sure the needle seats properly.

Dave

concours · Oct 22, 2013

DogT said:
As I remember, the stat-o-seal washers require a flat washer to work properly. L.A.B. filled me in on that quite a while ago, but not before I used some fuel proof sealant in the threads to the tank. I used the aviation type permatex, it's not a glue.

The other thing you really want to check is the float needle in the float bowl. Remove the bowl, mount it on a flat plate including the gasket and rig up a hose to it, fill the hose and make sure the needle seats properly.

Dave

That washer is meant to seal a bolt head on a flange, no matter how it's rigged on a fuel tap, the fuel can still leak around the threads. Unless the design of the fual tap was changed to include a machined flange to seat the washer, any seal made by squeazing the rubber portion down INTO the threads is hit or miss at best. Yes, I know a zillion BritBikes have been rigged that way. JMWO :mrgreen:

comnoz · Oct 22, 2013

I just throw the Stat-o- seals in a box for future use where they will work and use a few wraps of teflon tape around the threads -let it wad up a little next to the nut. Perfect seal every time. Jim

lawman · Oct 22, 2013

Thanks for the info everyone and I will give it a go.

concours · Oct 23, 2013

I found these to seal well (shut off tight), although the aren't visually correct. http://m.ebay.com/itm/230755319135

DogT · Oct 23, 2013

Those ebay ones are the same you can get from OB here for $17 ea. http://www.oldbritts.com/13_604512.html

concours · Oct 23, 2013

DogT said:
Those ebay ones are the same you can get from OB here for $17 ea. http://www.oldbritts.com/13_604512.html

A MUCH better price! Got mine from my local guy http://www.gatecitycyclecenter.com/ always good service, fair prices and he's been at it 50 years. Fred & Ella ALWAYS a good choice!

OldBalz · Oct 23, 2013

DogT said:
Those ebay ones are the same you can get from OB here for $17 ea. http://www.oldbritts.com/13_604512.html

Yup...I bought a set from Old Britts this summer and they work exceptionally well and you can also choose the type of shipping that you prefer and receive a hand written "Thank You" on your invoice from sweet little Ella....Nice folks!! :mrgreen:

L.A.B. · Oct 23, 2013

concours said:
DogT said:

As I remember, the stat-o-seal washers require a flat washer to work properly. L.A.B. filled me in on that quite a while ago, but not before I used some fuel proof sealant in the threads to the tank. I used the aviation type permatex, it's not a glue.

The other thing you really want to check is the float needle in the float bowl. Remove the bowl, mount it on a flat plate including the gasket and rig up a hose to it, fill the hose and make sure the needle seats properly.

Dave

Click to expand...

That washer is meant to seal a bolt head on a flange, no matter how it's rigged on a fuel tap, the fuel can still leak around the threads. Unless the design of the fual tap was changed to include a machined flange to seat the washer, any seal made by squeazing the rubber portion down INTO the threads is hit or miss at best. Yes, I know a zillion BritBikes have been rigged that way. JMWO :mrgreen:

Agreed, the actual Stat-O-Seal type may not be as good as the copper/rubber sealing washers. The copper/rubber seals will compress tightly into the tap threads-IF a flat washer (between nut and seal) is used. Attempting to compress the sealing washer directly with the tap nut is not as effective.

http://www.triumph-spares.co.uk/cat_det ... 20fittings

rx7171 · Oct 24, 2013

DogT said:
Those ebay ones are the same you can get from OB here for $17 ea. http://www.oldbritts.com/13_604512.html

I used the BAPs from OB.
I used plumbers teflon tape on the threads and are leak free after 4 years.

replace pet taps

lawman

concours

DogT

concours

comnoz

lawman

concours

DogT

concours

OldBalz

L.A.B.

Moderator

rx7171

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