help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

[Jeffbo1]

My 1946 BC-12D still has its original fuel transfer valves for the wing tanks and they have recently started sweating fuel residue and really don't hold the fuel back even when in the off position. I have them out now and in researching these i find that the culprit causing the trouble is the rubber o-ring that seals the shaft internally. I need to find a source for this o-ring as they are rather thick and tapered on the side that faces the handle...any thoughts or help in this way would be greatly appreciated as i want to get her flying again...many thanks

Jeff Weldon

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[Mark Julicher]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

You are in luck if the seep is along the handle shaft. This would originally be a leather packing which can easily be bade with some harness leather or a thick leather belt and a set of gasket punches and some "EZ Turn" fuel lubricant to slather up the whole thing. Not a difficult process and there should be some helpful tribesmen in your area who know how to do this task.

[Jeffbo1]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

Thank you Mark, you have me thinking now...yes it is simply a leak around the shafts, more of a nuissance mess than anything. It appears there is a thick o-ring in there now on each valve and perhaps i can fabricate something similar and pliable...i doubt i could find another set of rubber o-rings like what i see in there now...never thought of leather...good idea, thank you!

Jeff

[Marv]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

If you put regular o rings that are the right inside and outside diameter in with the right lube they will probably look just like those in a year or so if you would take it back apart then. Marv

[Jeffbo1]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

I did just that Marv and I have been testing them by filling them with fuel. Also they seem to hold air pressure as well....3 o-rings now in each valve, that and a good cleaning has improved things, but not sure if it will hold with full tank pressure....I might re-install them, fill the wing tanks and leave the header tank empty to see how much the stick comes up. Will keep yah posted...thanks again!

Jeff

[astjp2]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

Jeff, I can give you a part number for a comercial valve that is teflon lined if you dont need to be original....Tim

[Jeffbo1]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

I got my valves rebuilt "again" by lapping them over and over to a nice satin smooth finish on both the plug and cup, then i got rid of the rubber o-rings i'd been trying on the turning shaft, as Forrest suggested, I punched new "leather" o-rings and put them both back together..so far so good...actually got her off the ground and it sure felt nice to be in the air again...if anything develops in a negative way i will be sure to post further...thanks for all the help..

Jeff

[Jeffbo1]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

Well, I did a nice job on those old plug valves but alas after sitting a week with the header tank full, they have begun to drip ever so slowly, about 1 or 2 drops every 8 hours or so...i was hoping the leather o-rings on the turning shaft would swell and seal...so now i'm looking for options like Apollo ball valves or anything that will finally put this issue to rest...any thoughts would be much appreciated...

Jeff

[Jeffbo1]

Re: help rebuilding my fuel transfer valves

Well, I did a nice job on those old plug valves but alas after sitting a week with the header tank full, they have begun to drip ever so slowly, so Tim I would really appreciate a source for new valves, part numbers etc...I really would appreciate it very much and hopefully i can put this issue to bed once and for all...Jeff