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Reserve fuel tank valve

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sp250boy
Posts: 305
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:29 pm
Location: Llanybydder Wales

Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by sp250boy »

On my Lanchester LA11 1939

There is a two way brass valve that switches fuel from normal or reserve petrol levels, activated by a cable on the dash board. As mine has not been used since 1966, when it was last on the road it has seized. I have taken it off and soaked it in petrol but not had any luck..

Has anyone got a working valve or got theirs refurbished.

Thanks
It is a Lanchester

qantasqf1
Posts: 299
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2016 10:13 pm

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by qantasqf1 »

Don’t give up! It’s unlikely petrol will free it up. Soak it in paraffin, or better still penetrating oil for a few days. After that try to cycle the lever, but not too enthusiastically. Repeat as often as you like.Eventually it’ll almost certainly free up because it’s brass.
Steve

Vulgalour
Posts: 236
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2020 11:04 pm
Location: Kent

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by Vulgalour »

If it's stuck due to corrosion, white vinegar can work if you're able to leave it to soak for a few days. Take it out and wiggle it a bit once a day. Doesn't work so well on threaded components, but if it's a sliding part that's stuck it can sometimes do the trick.

classiclife
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Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
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Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by classiclife »

Steve,

If you have access to Plus Gas fluid, normally sold in aerosol, that will be a very good option as it is a penetrating fluid - its sole job is breaking through corrosion; safe on all metals.

A five minute soaking is a good start point.

Regards.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

sp250boy
Posts: 305
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:29 pm
Location: Llanybydder Wales

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by sp250boy »

I have just soaked it in Gas Plus fluid and was going to leave it a few days.

Will check it later after the dog walk :D
It is a Lanchester

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migray
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Posts: 353
Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 10:31 pm
Location: Bakewell

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by migray »

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2638 quite a bit of information in this post, including an article by Mr Techy on refurbing the valve

Marcel Renshaw
Man of Many Parts
Man of Many Parts
Posts: 673
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:44 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by Marcel Renshaw »

One thing to think about is that the seal in petrol reserve taps is often cork.
Cork is attacked by ethanol based petrol and with ethanol set to be added in greater amounts so will it’s effect on the cork.
Many years ago I swapped the cork for viton rubber which is more resistant.

sp250boy
Posts: 305
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:29 pm
Location: Llanybydder Wales

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by sp250boy »

Hello Marcel,
managed to get my valve apart...Looks like someone has fitted 9mm rubber hose bushes that split and that was causing the seizure.

could you point me in the direction where i could purchase viton seals?

One other thing should I replace the fuel lines or just blow them through with an air line?.

The tank has been cleaned and lined with 'Slosh'

Thank you for your advice.
It is a Lanchester

Marcel Renshaw
Man of Many Parts
Man of Many Parts
Posts: 673
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:44 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by Marcel Renshaw »

On my car I managed to get a sample length of Viton O ring from a local engineering supplier and then cut the rubber And drilled it.
It was a bit of messing about but it did the job.

sp250boy
Posts: 305
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:29 pm
Location: Llanybydder Wales

Re: Reserve fuel tank valve

Post by sp250boy »

Hello Marcel,
Not that I’ve been lucky restoring my Lanchester LA11 in anyway. Everything is a challenge and there is certainly no quick easy jobs. But my luck must be turning as I managed to get hold of 9mm Viton cord; cut to length and drill a hole 😊.
It is a Lanchester

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