Simple question. Should I add any kind of petrol resistant sealing compound to the threads of my fuel taps when I install, to prevent any seepage? or is a fibre/rubber washer sufficient ?

(i say rubber as my original fibre washers have crumbled and I cant find any the right size so have fitted some black hard rubber/plastic ones).
Rich

email (option): richardpurkiss@hotmail.com

Hi Richard, I always use PTFE tape just to be sure.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

Yes, was going to use that as my first thought. Will that be ok with the fuel ?
Rich.

email (option): richardpurkiss@hotmail.com

nowt to do with tap leakage, but for any where else on pipe junctions or cracks in the tank the ancient trick of rubbing soap in works every time.
I'd still use some kind of sealing washer even with PTF tape.

I haven't had a problem with Ethanol and PTFE but anything is possible.

And yes you will still need the fibre washer.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

And Imperial-size fibre washers are still widely available.........

I use aluminium 'Stat-o-seals'

http://www.earls.co.uk/earls/accessories/seals.html

I have a feeling that this type is supplied with 'BAP' taps. They only need a nip and never leak.

Ive been promised this weekend a rummage through the old contents of an ordnance factory spares cabinet that was saved from the skip 20 years ago. Plenty of imperial sized stuff in there apparently! Good to have mechanic friends!!
Rich

email (option): richardpurkiss@hotmail.com

Go to an engineering or bearing shop and buy a lump of "petrol proof butyl rubber" and cut your washers out of it.
N-buyta is the only rubber that can withstabd all of the garbage solvents that they put in fuel ( which is not petrol ).
The other thing to use is tefflon foam.
you can buy it in varying densities and about 75% is good for washers & gaskets which is about as hard as the sole on a rubber thong The type you wear on yor foot not your bum.

email (option): wariron@tpg,com,au

You are right Trevor, butyl is a good rubber to use.

PTFE tape is fine if you are sealing a tapered thread, but if it is a parallel thread and sealing washer affair, then the ptfe tape should not really be used. I have seen instances when the tape stops the washer sealing properly.

The PTFE ( Teflon - same thing really ) is possibly one of the most chemically inert substances in engineering, so can be used happily with all variations of fuel.
Darren

email (option): dwrudd at lineone.net

Well the fix was....renew all 4 cork seals in the taps, take off and re-solder all the joints on the copper feed lines, rub down the brass ends of the 3 connection points for a better fit, PTFA behind the flanges on all 3 nut positions, tighten up the nuts and....no leaks on the taps or feed lines.
In other words...done all of it !

Now I have found a leak on the float chamber to carb body joint !! But its only damp, not dripping profusely!!
Rich