L-2B fuel shut-off valve

[ssandsas]

Is the L-2B fuel shut-off valve, located on the header tank at the line leading to the gascolator, a repairable item or must I replace it?
The original valve, per TaylorCraft Aviation Corporation drawing #D-A36, was manufactured by The Imperial Brass Manufacturing Company of Chicago. (This bit of information has not been helpful, yet.)
Univair says they do not stock this valve or the valve parts, but suggest the possibility of substituting the PMA approved J-3 Fuel Valve.
Any member knowledge/experience that will solve my problem will be appreciated.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: L-2B fuel shut-off valve

Anything is repairable, if you have enough money. What gives you a smile is when you can repair it for free or really low cost. If the L-2 valve is the same as my pre-war BC-12-65 the problem is usually a bad seal that can be made (I think from leather). The other common failure is scoring between the housing and the tapered "shaft?" with the hole in it. That can usually be lapped with some compound till it seals again. There is also a small spring that keeps the tapered "shaft" in the tapered hole. If it's weak or broken (or missing on one!) the shaft will float back and REALLY wet your feet!
Before you do ANY "repair" work on it, open it up and clean it well. I have seen some that were "greased" with the wrong material and worked fine once the C**P was cleaned off. I think there is a "fuel lube" available but I have to admit it has been over a decade since I messed with the valve on mine. One of these days I need to find the handle for the shaft to put on mine so I don't have to reach all the way to the firewall under the panel to shut off the fuel (yes, I have arms like an Orangutan).
Hank