Leaking reserve tap

[dmblbit]

Aaaaaaaargh. Just as everything was going so well (still elated from working tachometer), I have just noticed the bulkhead mounted reserve tap is leaking precious golden fluid all over the back of the engine and the drive. No smokers in the family, but still a potential fire hazard - eeek!

- It doesn't look that easy to get at - is it actually feasible to remove it without first removing the engine?

- Is it in fact repairable?

Steve

(I guess I'll have to empty the tank again which means yet another petrol bath - will remove watch first this time)

 

[chrisyork]

No need to remove it! All you need is a new "O" ring, and you change that by taking the quadrant off the front of the tap.

Chris

 

[dmblbit]

Brilliant - thanks Chris. Do you think if I put the front wheels on ramps I could get away with not emptying the petrol tank? (Didn't enjoy that last time)

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Putting the front wheels up certainly does no harm. Changing the 'O' ring (be sure to ask for a fuel resistant one just to be safe) in theory in straight forward, although in practice it could take you quite a while indeed depending on how flexible you are.

Ron.

 

[Classicus]

Yes, you certainly have to be flexible. I replaced mine using my left hand only, the other hand held the torch. you have to very carefully remove the cable that goes to the reserve lever inside the car. Be carefull not to drop anything or it will disappear without trace.Remove the little screw that holds the lever etc inside the tap. You can then slide out the lever together with the section with the O ring.Replace the O ring and reassemble.

 

[dmblbit]

So, up on ramps at the front to avoid having to empty petrol tank. This masterstroke seemed to work. Or maybe there just wasn't any petrol there any more because it had all evaporated away through the tap.

Anyway, after much wriggling, squirming and scraping of skin have removed the little perisher. In absolute dread of dropping anything, but somehow managed not to. Took the opportunity to remove the inner cable, straighten the end to make it easier to get back in on reassembly, and even greased it too. If you look at the first picture it's pretty obvious why it was leaking. New seal cost £1.95 from Wins - bought two - one for each car. So impressed with tiny price that got carried away and bought new air filters, flame traps and throttle rod grommets at the same time - oooops - somehow now £45.30 lighter. Oh well - I'm sure it'll be worth it. Had just got cable back through the little hole and about to tighten tiddly nut when heavens opened. Easter egg hunt tomorrow so exciting denouement will have to wait until Monday now.