Stuck fuel shut off valves

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David N
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Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by David N » Sun Dec 27, 2020 1:33 am

In regards to the brass fuel shut off valves that the parts suppliers sell that are attached at the carburetor, I have installed several on my T and after a year or so they become harder to turn on and off until they get stuck. Is there a way to lubricate the valve to restore it to working order? Right now I have to crawl under my car to turn the fuel on and off at the gas tank and my back doesn't enjoy that too well.


DickC
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by DickC » Sun Dec 27, 2020 2:20 am

I had that problem with every one of the shut offs. I talked to Lang's and bought a tube of "airplane" lube they sold, it didn't work. Unless you are set on having an original looking shut off, I would go to the newer "ball valve" type. They seal and work!!!

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ABoer
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by ABoer » Sun Dec 27, 2020 7:33 am

I use this valves for years and they works fine .
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CudaMan
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by CudaMan » Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:37 am

I take the center out of mine once a month and lube it with EZ turn, works great. :)

https://www.modeltford.com/item/2902LUB.aspx
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troutjohn
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by troutjohn » Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:54 am

I have 2. If you lift up on the handle they turn fine. You can push down on it to reseat after it is turned and in place

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TWrenn
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by TWrenn » Sun Dec 27, 2020 9:31 am

Mark, you have more ambition than me!! That's too much work. I have the rather pricey period-correct valve you can only
get through Langs on the '13, works great, always easy, no leaks. On the Fordor I put on a simple, non period-correct "T handle" needle type valve and frankly I love it too! No leaks, very positive on and off. Just my two cents!! :D


Original Smith
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Original Smith » Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:02 am

I have the old fashioned shut off valves that Lang's sells on all of my cars, and have never had one stick.


Norman Kling
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Norman Kling » Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:17 am

The only "Period Correct" valve is the one on the sediment bulb! However, it is much easier to have one under the hood near the carburetor. Not period correct anyway, so use whichever one you like best!
Norm

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Steve Jelf » Sun Dec 27, 2020 12:52 pm

I didn't like having to use a wrench, and I didn't like the look. So I got rid of it.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG106.html


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Dan B
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Dan B » Sun Dec 27, 2020 2:14 pm

CudaMan wrote:
Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:37 am
I take the center out of mine once a month and lube it with EZ turn, works great. :)

https://www.modeltford.com/item/2902LUB.aspx
EZ Turn is the stuff you want to use. I put a small amount on the cone of the valve before putting it back together and have never had to have it apart since. Turns EZ!
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by John L » Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:34 pm

Where did you get the shut off valve shown in the third post?

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DanTreace
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by DanTreace » Sun Dec 27, 2020 4:11 pm

Gasoline has so many additives and driers the gas valve doesn’t have a chance to work without lube.

Apply your favorite penetrating solvent when you notice sticking. Of course, adding MMO to your tank provides good lube and keeps your engine valves from sticking too :P

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Oldav8tor
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Oldav8tor » Sun Dec 27, 2020 6:06 pm

Good timing! My valve at the carburetor has gotten to the point where I almost need a wrench to turn it. I'm going to take it apart this winter and lube it. Fortunately I have a small can of EZ lube left over from an aircraft building project and plan to use that. I'm glad to learn some have had success with it.
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Art M » Sun Dec 27, 2020 10:04 pm

Easy turn lube works for me for about 20 on and off turns. After that, the valve starts to turn harder. Eventually I use a pliers to turn it. I relube it every spring.
I might switch to a different valve.
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Retro54
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Retro54 » Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:26 pm

Dan B wrote:
Sun Dec 27, 2020 2:14 pm
CudaMan wrote:
Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:37 am
I take the center out of mine once a month and lube it with EZ turn, works great. :)

https://www.modeltford.com/item/2902LUB.aspx
EZ Turn is the stuff you want to use. I put a small amount on the cone of the valve before putting it back together and have never had to have it apart since. Turns EZ!
Never heard of it. Help a brother out! Ha.


Art M
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by Art M » Fri Jan 01, 2021 9:44 am

Lang's sells EZ turn.

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RajoRacer
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Re: Stuck fuel shut off valves

Post by RajoRacer » Fri Jan 01, 2021 11:02 am

Or most any small GA airport that has a parts store - Spencer Aircraft & Aircraft Spruce Specialty online.

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