Sediment petcock leaking

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
LittleTimmy52
Posts: 78
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2025 4:41 pm
First Name: Lucas
Last Name: Milatti
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Model T Touring
Location: Saint cloud FL
Board Member Since: 2025

Sediment petcock leaking

Post by LittleTimmy52 » Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:28 pm

I replaced my sediment Bowl and I reused the old petcock after clearing the blockage on the top of it and the petcock is leaking not from the threads but the actual valve part, the spinning part. how might I be able to fix this? I did though disassemble the petcock valve to clean and uninstall and reinstall it but there was no gasket or anything.


Topic author
LittleTimmy52
Posts: 78
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2025 4:41 pm
First Name: Lucas
Last Name: Milatti
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Model T Touring
Location: Saint cloud FL
Board Member Since: 2025

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by LittleTimmy52 » Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:31 pm

Might I add that it also only leaks when the sediment bowl valve is open when I shut the fuel off it quits leaking mind you there's still fuel because if I open the sediment drain valve fuel comes out of the bottom. So it seems it only leaks under a light pressure.

User avatar

Oldav8tor
Posts: 2243
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Oldav8tor » Sun Feb 16, 2025 11:49 am

A common problem. You could try lapping the valve with a fine abrasive (rubbing compound, etc. - google it) - it didn't work for me so I bought a new petcock. An alternative is to remove the valve and replace it with a brass pipe plug. Not original but it does the job. Normal procedure calls for turning the fuel valve off before draining the sediment bulb. With a plug you can turn the fuel off and remove the plug to drain the bowl - more efficient anyway.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


Erik Johnson
Posts: 1055
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2019 10:25 pm
First Name: Erik
Last Name: Johnson
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Erik Johnson » Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:09 pm

Lap the shut-off valve as previously mentioned and then lubricate it with bar soap.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 7391
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Feb 16, 2025 1:41 pm

Ivory bar soap.

User avatar

JTT3
Posts: 1854
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by JTT3 » Sun Feb 16, 2025 2:43 pm

Do not be aggressive with lapping or you’ll screw the pooch & create a bigger leak on & off.


speedytinc
Posts: 4725
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by speedytinc » Sun Feb 16, 2025 3:56 pm

Use tooth paste. I found you can go to far with 400 grit lapping compound.


Rich P. Bingham
Posts: 1611
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:24 am
First Name: Rich
Last Name: Bingham
Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Sun Feb 16, 2025 4:06 pm

There is an aircraft product called “EZ Turn” that is fuel resistant, meant to lubricate the turning parts of fuel line valves and petcocks. It will stop minor leaks and seepage.
Get a horse !

User avatar

RajoRacer
Posts: 5170
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:18 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Tomaso
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1919 Centerdoor, 1924 TT C-Cab Express, 1925 Racer
Location: Longbranch, WA
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by RajoRacer » Sun Feb 16, 2025 4:14 pm

I also use EZTurn BUT be careful to use it sparingly - it will block the orifice !


Rich P. Bingham
Posts: 1611
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:24 am
First Name: Rich
Last Name: Bingham
Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:02 pm

RajoRacer wrote:
Sun Feb 16, 2025 4:14 pm
I also use EZTurn BUT be careful to use it sparingly - it will block the orifice !
Well said Steve !! “A little dab ‘ll do ya !”
Apply a thin film to the “cone” make sure none gets in the orifice of the valve. It keeps the moving part from seizing, and will stop a minor leak. Three years now, mine turn easily and don’t seep.
Get a horse !

User avatar

Craig Leach
Posts: 1906
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:22 am
First Name: craig
Last Name: leach
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Firetruck/1922 Speedster
Location: Laveen Az

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Craig Leach » Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:31 pm

Hi Lucas,
I use timesaver to lap the valve & for lubricant I picked up a can of G-363 military grade plug valve grease. I believe EZ-Turn is the same spec.
Craig.


NoelChico
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:42 pm
First Name: Noel
Last Name: Chicoine
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1920 roadster, 1923 Touring, 1926 Coupe
Location: Pierre, South Dakota
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by NoelChico » Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:51 pm

I've lapped several similar fuel valves with timesaver then used EZ turn. They don't leak and turn well. Unfortunately, it only comes in a large 5 oz tube that will take me 5 lifetimes to use. I plan on getting some small bottles (prescription bottles?) and give it to friends on tour. :)

User avatar

RajoRacer
Posts: 5170
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:18 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Tomaso
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1919 Centerdoor, 1924 TT C-Cab Express, 1925 Racer
Location: Longbranch, WA
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by RajoRacer » Sun Feb 16, 2025 8:14 pm

I've done the same Noel - more in a tube than I'll ever use !

User avatar

Craig Leach
Posts: 1906
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:22 am
First Name: craig
Last Name: leach
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Firetruck/1922 Speedster
Location: Laveen Az

Re: Sediment petcock leaking

Post by Craig Leach » Tue Feb 18, 2025 1:06 am

I picked up this @ a swap meet it's about 1/3 full I will never use it all up but don't know anyone that repairs valves other than me.
IMG_3325 (1).jpg
Craig.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic