Leaking fuel tap on 1924 Johnson BNL 2hp

[Monte NZ]

Suggestions please on how to fix the above.

I have dismantled  the tap and noticed that is a tapered type and wondered if using fine valve grinding paste, or similar would be the way to go?

Once again, thanks in advance for any help

Monte NZ

[The Boat House]

I have never tried valve grinding compound. What I have tried is toothpaste, different grades of rubbing compound and metal polishes. If I could make any improvement at all it usually wasn’t successful as to getting them totally dry so a motor could sit overnight. I have given up trying.  As they are harder to get I have picked up both 45 & 90 deg. petcocks. The ones for 1/4od tubing, that I need for my larger motors, are almost impossible to find.  I knock out the pin in the stem and drill out the threads of the thumb screw the size of the stem. Then solder the thumb screw on the stem. Not necessary but I sand off the solder till its flush with the thumb screw. I also will make up a fuel line for the replacement. Put the original line and petcock back on when I’m done running the motor.   Tubs

[Monte NZ]

Thanks very much once again Tubs for your helpful comments and  excellent photos!

Today I tried lapping the tap ……. I might be lucky, plus replacing the olive where the fuel line that takes off to the carb as that was weeping. I used paint  cutting compound and Brasso for a while by hand, then used the slow speed on my drill…… I attached my  electric drill to the stub on the tapered part of the tap. In the meantime I will check out what suitable taps are available here.

I reassembled  the tap and will leave it for a day or so and see what happens

It’s worth mentioning that the float valve is still working well, with no leaks for several days.

Thanks again.

Monte NZ

PS Hope to run the motor it’s first run tomorrow…….will keep you posted

[The Boat House]

Video?

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