Packing for rebuilding fuel shut off valve

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:07 pm

Do you guys know what to use for the seal in the fuel and fording shut off valves? I read you can put various packings in there but I'm sceptical.

Thanks.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:12 pm

It's a brass to brass contact, cone shape receptical. I unstuck and cleaned mine. Keep the surfaces unscored. Don't sand it. If anything polish it. Then apply actual valve grease for gas valves. It's grey colored and very thick. It makes a nice seal and helps lubricate it. I doubt you will ever turn it unless you work on the fuel pump or pull the engine. Mine works fine now and isn't stuck. Hope this helps you! John

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:00 pm

Sounds like the seal doesn't do much. I'll use the grease and pu the old seal back in.

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:01 pm

hmmm, according this thread:

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f= ... ve+packing

there is a packing present

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:03 pm

oh woops, sorry mis-read the post

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 11:04 am

Mr. MOD, providing the link was in order as that was my original question so thank you!

I noticed in your link on the 'G' or 'M38A1's are second rate site' that the question is left unanswered.

I'm staring to think the packing just keeps the tapered plug pushed down and clean and the real sealing is done by the precision fit of the tapered valve.

Am I correct Wes?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 11:36 am

It's a standard 100 year old style plug valve that stops the gas movement at the mating of the tapered plug and tapered body. The felt is a dust and dirt seal.
These plug valves can be polished several times (the tapered surfaces) before they wear to the point that the plug bottoms in the housing then there's nothing more to do except buy a new valve. If the valve leaks at the felt then the tapers have worn too far and it is time for a new valve. A battery drill and a tube of smoker's toprol teeth whitener paste is all that's needed to polish the tapers. You coat the plug taper with it and insert it in the drill and slide the plug into the body and with light pressure spin the drill for a few moments until the surfaces are smooth and shiney and appear to have a completely even lap contact showing.