Fuel Gauge Seal

[MikeB]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before, but I've started to notice a small seepage of fuel on the nose tank gauge. I assume the seal is leaking or at least it looks like a seal to me. Is there a source for the seal? When I put the plane together I left that part of it alone as it looked like someone had used a pipe wrench on the retaining nut (some things are best left alone if not causing trouble). I'm not exactly looking forward to the job, but have my annual coming up in June so might as well get things lined up before hand.

Thanks for the info.

Mike Berg

[big chief 48]

Is the glass part leaking? Then you may have to order a new one from wag-aero. If the threads are leaking which is normally the case, then you can use a fuel proof goop to seal it. It is one area that was poorly designed. Bad narrow threads. I got mine from wag-aero and after some sealing difficulties got it to seal but it was not a pretty job. In the yellow covered aeronca book,(forgot the name) they adress this problem.

[MikeB]

Thanks, that would probably be the Lasher Book which I have the first two.
I'm pretty sure it's not the glass itself, but I'm headed down to the airport this afternoon to take advantage of the good weather so I'll take a better look. It's not a huge leak, just enough that I can smell it and feel it with my fingers when the tank is full and splashing around. I have the same gauge on my L16 project plane so I can take a look at that too.

Mike Berg

[Ron Babos]

Mike: I got fed up with the one in mine and bought one from Spruce. It has normal sealing technology and seals like a charm. May or may not be legal in your case.
Ron

[Jody Wittmeyer]

check out http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/

[MikeB]

Thanks Jody. I'd forgot about the Model A parts until I was reading my Lasher book this afternoon, but didn't have an address. I have a friend who's really into Model A rebuilding. I'm betting he has a guage in his shop that I can look at. I have the tank out of my L16 so I can get all my 'ducks in order' before I tackle the Champ. Shouldn't be that hard of a job if everything comes apart.

Mike

[shorty]

you can also try Mikes A Fordable. in Ga. he also carries the parts, and tools, to rebuild you gas gauge. I think that you can get everything including the float, float rod, gauge "dial" lens, gaskets, nuts, washers etc.

(but they aint TSO'd) but are exactly as origional.

[Gene Morton]

The model A guys also have a couple of little "wrenches" used to disasemble the old guages. I think I paid around $7 for both of them. One fits the flats on the outside and the other fits the star on the inside.

[Jody Wittmeyer]

Snyders also have the tool. Very handy. Actually, for the inner nut, a piece of 3/4 inch square bar stock works.

[MikeB]

Thanks guys! It's been so blasted windy here (gusts to 35 today) for the past week, I've hardly thought about flying. I need to talk to my Model A friend. I'm sure if the tool is available, he has it (probably the parts too).
Not critical right now, but I want to fix it when the annual is due in June.

Mike Berg

[drskyking]

Three of us here near Albany NY have leaky gauges when full. Stops after burning less than half a gallon. I find if I only fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck no leak...Good luck.

[Jody Wittmeyer]

send me your e-mail addresses and I can send you an article with photo's. Mike, I don't have yours on this computer. Won't be at my desktop much, since I will pretty much be living at the airport for the next week getting ready for the Aeronca Festival

[Mnflyer]

Hi Guys, just a note, I ordered parts to overhaul my gas gage from Snyder's, ordered the fuel resitant float, and gaskets and the tools, they shipped them right out. Got all the parts and the tools and went to work on the gage today, and so far everythings looking good. Have to say Snyder's has great service.
Its blowing like crazy here so will have to wait to see how the gage works in flt.