Tight gas tap

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Torontonian

Torontonian

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Original MK 111 gas tap getting so tight to use it is bending it's on/ off lever now. Jerky. Reserve tap smooth as silk so using that now. Ideas ?
 
I suppose that the immediate assumption would be ethanol in the petrol.....
The main tap having problems first seems logical because that's the one that is used most. Maybe your reserve tap will get sticky with use.

On the other hand, is your main tap wearing out? Can it be dismantled?
 
Torontonian said:
Original MK 111 gas tap getting so tight to use it is bending it's on/ off lever now. Jerky. Reserve tap smooth as silk so using that now. Ideas ?
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If it is an original plastic/nylon valve Mk3 tap (below, centre) then I suggest you don't continue to force it as the lever is very likely to break off.
Tight gas tap


Try easing it with WD40 or similar.
 
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lazyeye6 said:
How about buying a new gas tap? I'm sure after 45 years it has served it's purpose well.
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+1

Don't be penny wise and Pound foolish you will only open the door to greater expenses.

I'm guessing, but I'm thinking that your fuel line assembly, so to speak, may very well be original?? If so then it is about as fragile as an egg shell. Take the "systems" approach here and you won't end up being a "crispy critter".

If you can honestly say that money for new petcocks and new fuel line is an issue for you PM me and I will make a donation.

Best.
 
RoadScholar said:
+1

Don't be penny wise and Pound foolish you will only open the door to greater expenses.

I'm guessing, but I'm thinking that your fuel line assembly, so to speak, may very well be original?? If so then it is about as fragile as an egg shell. Take the "systems" approach here and you won't end up being a "crispy critter".

If you can honestly say that money for new petcocks and new fuel line is an issue for you PM me and I will make a donation.

Best.
Click to expand...
Thanks , I have money. Wondering why one is tight and jerky and the other is smooth as silk. Fuel lines are supple. Not the issue here. B.T.W. the P.O. gave me a braided stainless fuel line complete set up which has never been used or seen fuel.
 
It’s worthy of disassembly and inspection to see what’s going on and why.

I’m curious as to why you are so certain it is original BTW?

Because if it’s a pattern tap, some of those have rubber sleeves or cylinders that the tap body rotates in. My guess is these are cheaper and easier to mass manufacture than those with an accurate taper fit. Trouble is, that sleeve swells and distorts badly with ethanol, but cos it’s trapped with nowhere to swell, they often close up the hole to the point there is almost no hole.
 
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Old braided tube has an internal rubber tube not ethanol proof, found out one day by turning tap on and petrol gushed out of the braid. No idea if it's been improved but stopped using it as the inner tube is hidden and you cannot inspect.
 
The post solid brass fuel cocks had internal rubber liners around the rotary valve. These early ones were not E-10 proof and the rubber would swell up like crazy and jam them up pretty good, super hard to turn. Probably would not last a lot more than a few weeks ...in E-10.
I'm guessing they later tried an E-10 resistant rubber that seemed to hold up a bit better. You might get a season out of them.
Both of these look externally like the PIX in LABs post.
You can look in the outlet port and see a squeezed small residual hole in the black extruded rubber.
If you dismantle them and they have a black rubber liner than GOOD LUCK.
 
Since Torontonian is in Canada he should have access to non EtOH fuel, at his local Chevron station. Just say'in, eh!
 
Fast Eddie said:
It’s worthy of disassembly and inspection to see what’s going on and why.

I’m curious as to why you are so certain it is original BTW?

Because if it’s a pattern tap, some of those have rubber sleeves or cylinders that the tap body rotates in. My guess is these are cheaper and easier to mass manufacture than those with an accurate taper fit. Trouble is, that sleeve swells and distorts badly with ethanol, but cos it’s trapped with nowhere to swell, they often close up the hole to the point there is almost no hole.
Click to expand...
It's an original replaced tap. But fairly newish. Looks new as I purchased the bike as a restored original show winner (8 X Best in shows) about 5 yrs. back now. I sprayed it with WD 40 as suggested and no improvements from tight and jerky. So... Have 2 new BAP taps on the way . I'll pay more attention to buying Premium Shell or Esso non-e fuels . No Chevron pumps near Christie and St. Clair area at all.
 
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