HELP ABOUT leak of fuel

meolo2002 · Post by **meolo2002** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:57 pm

Hy guys!
I'm sorry but i've sent an e-mail to john about some problems, but in this period his mail is out of order...
I'll forward you the mail:

Hi John!
How are you? I'm sorry for bother you, but i've some problems with the gull... When the sun warms the tank, some fuel flow through the tap, especially when the engine is horizontal.
Then, when the engine is locked horizontally on the boat it leaks fuel by carburettor maybe from the silver button (i don't know what's its name), and when on ground,standing on handle leaks from the two holes of the carburettor...
It's the normale condition? Can i remedy?
Tank you very much
regards Alessandro

I'll hope that someone could help me...
tank you very much
kind regards
Alessandro

Waggles · Post by **Waggles** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:13 am

Hi Alessandro,

Suffer from this a bit myself ( see under 'Float bowl hole' in the general forum ) and to some degree you are stuck with it, like all good thoroughbreds Seagulls leave a mark behind them

There are things you can do to minise it though. Firstly, the sun on the tank problem. I have not had this cause a leak past the tap but then the sun isn't that strong round here usually! firstly I would check the condition of the cork washer in the tap, it may need the boiling treatment or just to be lubricated, instructions can be found on the main site but it is simply a case or taking off one screw on the side of the tap and withdrawing the plunger. Secondly, I tend not to fill my tank too full, this then means I can open the breather on the fuel cap and prevent the pressure build up the sun can cause.

The other leaks will be from the holes in the float bowl ( although the silver button - 'tickler' we would call it - can leak too ) the holes appear to be there to allow you to tell when the bowl is full prior to starting but they also prevent the carb from flooding fuel directly into the engine if a problem occurs with the supply valve so you are stuck with them. If you read the FAQ page on the main site you will see that John advises turning off the fuel just before you arrive so the fuel in the bowl is reduced or used up, then the problem is solved.

Hope this helps

meolo2002 · Post by **meolo2002** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:18 pm

Oh i'm sorry i didn't read the FAQ page... It's decisive!
But i've another problem: i've no gaskets on fuel tap and on the cap of the tank: unfortunately i've bought this engine from a fool, and i'm renovating step by step.
How i can replace it whithout buying as a spare(because i would use it as soon as possible)? i've tried to buy some gaskets in a ironware but they melt in fuel.
Many Tanks!!!!!
You are saving me

Waggles · Post by **Waggles** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:39 am

Obviously the best solution is to get replacements from John at SOS, fair prices and quick delivery. I beleive he is off sailing this week but back next week.

If you really can't wait that long a soft copper washer might do the trick on the fuel tap if you can find one with the correct internal diameter, or see below re plastics. I have managed to seal one as a temporary measure with some 'gasket in a tube' sealant. Don't know what is available where you are but just check it is ok for use with fuel. I really would treat that as a temporary thing only though, and be very very careful, it has a habit of squeezing out of the joint and getting into filters

so don't overdo it.

As for the tank cap ideally you would look for a sheet of cork, but it has to be nice and dense so bits don't break off and get in the filters too, they used to sell gasket cork in car parts shops, not sure they still do in these days of 'dealer service only' cars.

There are plastics you could cut a seal from but as you have found out a lot of them just dissolve in petrol, to be safe, perhaps someone has an old plastic petrol can you could sacrifice and cut a disc or two from?

All in all though I would treat anything like this as very temporary and replace with the real deal as soon as possible, fuel leaks are not to be trifled with and can so easily cause a fire.

Hope this helps. Take care

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:43 am

I make up washers from leather (roo actually). Have done so on fuel caps with success and on carbies as well. Wasn't leather washers used on old RR Ghosts?

Hugo

meolo2002 · Post by **meolo2002** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:40 pm

Hi, guys!
I've found in a specialized shop a sheet of special paper made to resist to for doing gasket. Maybe it's the same material for doing the gasket of cylinder heads.
In any case i'll order the originas iby John as soon as possible.
Many tanks!!
Alessndro

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:04 am

I make up washers from leather (roo actually)

But first you've got to catch your 'roo! I need a new tank cap washer myself so Lord help the next roo I see hopping around north west kent.

Post by **RickUK** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:19 pm

We've got a lot of wild Wallabies running around this area (Northampton, Bedfordshire etc) TRUE!!-supposedly long-time escapees from Woburn Safari Park - and I imagine they really would be wild if you tried to remove a gasket shaped piece of hide from their person.
But maybe they would only be good for thinner gaskets compared to a 'roo?
Hugz - don't I remember about you using more intimate 'roo parts??

Rick.

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:38 pm

These
.......................

you mean. Click the picture

Waggles · Post by **Waggles** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:18 am

Wouldn't the petrol leak through the lace holes?

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:56 am

I thought one (of the large ones perhaps) would make a neat poch for carrying a spare plug and a drive spring. Maybe John could get some made with the SOS logo.