Question About Fuel Line Part

[BLB27]

Connecting the fuel line to the sediment bulb involves the pack nut and a felt gasket. However, I see where one of the suppliers offers the option of using a neoprene gasket instead. This looks like a good option to me. Any comments?

[DanTreace]

Fuel hose neoprene, 1/4” I.d. section, is better over the felt, compresses to really seal, and can be reused.
As you can slide the section on the fuel line, easy to see the distance the fuel line engages the elbow to full depth. Then slide compression nut over the cylinder of fuel hose. Easier than packing that felt, the felt has larger I.d. and o.d.

[MichaelPawelek]

I have used them with 100% success….

[Rich Eagle]

I just slice pieces of plastic tubing for seals. 1/4" id works well.
Rich

[RajoRacer]

Please enlighten me Rich - what type of seal ?

[Oldav8tor]

Felt is old school, neoprene is a superior modern alternative although purists may elect to stay with felt.

[DHort]

If I use felt I also add a little soap residue from the soap dish.

I would think you have to make sure it is soft if you use plastic tubing. Hard tubing will not compress as well.

[Joe Reid]

The neoprene works great, have never had an issue with it.

[BHarper]

I have been using the felt seals ever since I got involved with Model Ts in 1967.
The felt does not leak and I have been able to reuse it.
Your milage may vary.

[mbowen]

I have been using the felt seals ever since I got involved with Model Ts in 1967.
The felt does not leak and I have been able to reuse it.
Your milage may vary.

Do you use them dry, or add some kind of sealant?

[BHarper]

Hi Miles,

In most cases I have used them dry with success.

In the past, if I suspected that the felt might need some help to seal properly, I would rub the felt with soap. Now, I reach for my tube of Aviation Fuel-Proof Lube and anoint the felt with a smidge of that.

Note of Caution:
When applying this fuel resistant material to the felt when it is on the fuel line, be mindful that a tiny fleck of the lube does not get on the open end of said fuel line and block the opening.
Fuel will not pass through the line.
Fuel will not enter the carburettor.
The engine will not start.
You will ask "What now? What happened? What did I do? This thing was running just fine."


Don't ask me how I know.

[mbowen]

Thank you Bill. Having been an airplane guy for 40+ years, EZ-Turn brand fuel lube was what I was thinking of using. As soon as I can get the front axle assembly back under my ‘24 touring and get it off the jack stands, I have all the proper (I think) parts to replace all the plumbing from the tank and carburetor. What was there before looked more suited to plumbing water to a toilet than fuel to an engine.

[RajoRacer]

Saturating the felt with engine oil is also an option - wipe dry after compressing onto carburetor fitting.

[John kuehn]

Also the neoprene seal is probably most easier to get than the felt would be since it’s a more commonly used product.
But that’s my opinion.

[mbowen]

Also the neoprene seal is probably most easier to get than the felt would be since it’s a more commonly used product.
But that’s my opinion.

I saw the felt seals on Snyder’s web store, but didn’t notice the neoprene. If the felt seals don’t work I’ll try to find the neoprene seals or make some out of hose.

[DHort]

I have done the same as Steve. Soak in oil for ease in installation. Do not install dry. If a little oil leaks out n gets in the fuel line, no harm done. The felt still gets compressed.

[A Whiteman]

A sightly different approach (based on what was at hand at the time) I wrapped many twists of wax coated string then tightened up - never had a leak and it has survived several removals and re-installs too.

[TXGOAT2]

Bees wax? Modern "wax" is often paraffin, which modern "gasoline" additives might dissolve. Real soap is probably what was used back in the day. These days, real soap would be Ivory or bright pink Zote. Lead foil "metallic" water pump packing might work well, too.

[George Mills]

I had posted a similar question a while back...

I have always used the felt seals with no issues, but this last time was just a constant PITA and a drip...drip...drip...drips...everso slow but enough to gag in the house from the smell!

I thought of using 'packing twine' as my '15 had come that way years ago and still has the 'packing twine/bonnet twine' in it.

This 19 though...I tried soaping the felts....drip....drip...drip...

Then went with the neoprene...5 minutes and done...NO drips...end of discussion

[TXGOAT2]

Soap may not work with ethanol-adulterated gasoline. Any trace of water in the fuel would defeat soap.

[MichaelPawelek]

I have done the same as Steve. Soak in oil for ease in installation. Do not install dry. If a little oil leaks out n gets in the fuel line, no harm done. The felt still gets compressed.

David, Are you trying to sneak in another controversial Marvel Mystery Oil thread?

[TXGOAT2]

Marvel Mystery Oil, flake graphite, and goat hair... or shag-cut Hi-Plane brand roll-your-own tobacco!

[RajoRacer]

Side note: not all 1/4" fuel line has the same O.D. - best check the fit inside the pack nut prior to installation !

[DanTreace]

Here's what is supplied and works every time. Use of 1/4" dia. steel brake line for the fuel line is my preference, easy to hand form the new line.

[A Whiteman]

Bees wax? Modern "wax" is often paraffin, which modern "gasoline" additives might dissolve.

Good point. I don't really know what it was - an industrial grade wax string for installing NEC digital telephone exchanges in the 90's...... Probably not something most folk would have lying around

Also. I suspect we don't have the same additives that you struggle with in the US....

[JohnM]

It may be, or similar to plumbers graphite rope or string which I have used for years with no problems. Nothing against neoprene seals, but it's what I had and it works.

[Original Smith]

I only have one late T, so if I needed to make a new gas line, I would do like Dan says, but my gas line is an original, and it works fine.