Subject: petcock gaskets
Author: Bruce Giller
Date: Aug 7, 2000, 6:32 AM
Post ID: 1701771603
Never was able to find a MG parts place that had a source of gaskets
for the original fuel petcocks on my Eldo. They all suggested that I
purchase the new style petcocks plus adapters for the fuel tank. But I
like the originals and decided that I'd try to make some new gaskets.
Using an original gasket as my template, I got the following measurements:
thickness - .9"
OD - 19 mm
inlet/outlet - 5.5 mm
holes
I found a local supplier of 6" x 8" x 3/32 (.9") sheets of Viton -
Viton has excellent resistance to fuels. This supplier deals in rubber
goods, hoses of all types, and other assorted items. Turns out that 19
mm and 3/4" are the same measurement and 5.5 mm is about the same as
7/32". I had been to the Carlisle Import Car show in Pa. in the Spring
and bought a 12 piece hole punch set of Chinese manufacture. And in
that cheap set ($8) was a 3/4" and 7/32" punch! Usually I spend too
much time looking for the tools required than I do anything else.
Before using any of the punches, I honed them a bit on my ceramic
whetstones to make sure that they were sharp and would give me a good
edge. I punched out a 3/4" plug of Viton - the easy part. Used the
original gasket as a template and holding it against the new gasket, I
punched two 7/32" holes. And lo and behold, the new gasket fit into my
spare petcock - although with a bit of prodding with a small screwdriver
to make sure it bottomed out evenly. Also polished up the gasket mating
surface on the aluminum 'valve' to further reduce any chance of leaks.
Not only did it fit, but it seemed to hold air - I blew into the inlet
pipe to see if it leaked.
I made two more gaskets, drained the gas out of my Eldo, replaced the
gaskets with my homemade ones, and filled up the tank again. No leaks
on either side and the petcock handles turn nicely, too. Did not even
have to torque down the cap to stop any leaking.
Now I have a sheet of Viton with 4, 3/4" plugs taken out of it (one was
a failure). I'm willing to make some more for anyone who happens to
need some new gas petcock gaskets for these older machines.
Bruce
'72 Eldo