TR4/4A Cork gaskets for TR4 fuel pump glass bowl

[SCguy]

The cork gasket that came with my aftermarket fuel pump disintegrated and lead to my TR4 stalling as cork pieces were blocking fuel flow to the carbs. Napa gave me a rubber replacement which I couldn't get to seal (it was slightly smaller). So I made one out of a sheet of cork gasket matterial. It sealed nicely, but will it also disintegrate or do you suppose it was just a problem with my cheep foreign aftermarket gasket?

By the way, I bought an inexpensive electric fuel pump today just in case to run as a back-up based on a forum member's recommendation.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I've used homemade cork gaskets on the fuel bowls for years and never had one fall apart.

I think Moss sells a rubber/vinyl/neoprene version that perhaps is a better fit than the NAPA item. Probably easier to reuse the rubber variety but I just make a bunch of the cork in one sitting. Sometimes they reseal okay after emptying the fuel bowl, sometimes not. Those that leak on resealing seem to leak right away, i.e. if they do not leak from the get-go they typically do not leak down the road.

 

[TR3driver]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif Quality cork will last a long time.

Did you make sure your backup pump is the low-pressure (2-4 psi) version ?

 

[SCguy]

I'm also soaking a piece of my gasket matterial in some gas to see if it will break down. I made a few just in case. I also did make sure that the electric fuel pump I ordered was 2-4 psi. I really appreciate all the help I've been getting!

Thanks

 

[NutmegCT]

Question on the dissolving gasket issue -

Larry mentions his cork gasket fell apart. Does cork actually dissolve and/or fall apart due to gasoline contact? If that's the case, how can cork even be considered for fuel line use?

I always thought cork was cork (unless some companies are making a "faux cork" nowadays).

thanks.
Tom

 

[TR3driver]

Cork is a natural product, meaning there can be a great deal of variation. Think of a nice oak floor compared to that horrible stuff HD sells for plywood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_%28material%29

 

[Eric]

However, cork gaskets are made of particles of cork held together in a sheet, presumably by some kind of adhesive. Cork itself will not fall apart in gasoline, but adhesive will.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

Years ago, when California went with Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) additives in the gas, it quickly dissolved the rubber in my carbs. Today with the addition of ethanol in ever increasing amounts has the potential to do the same thing. Might want to see what has changed in the fuel you are using.

Just a thought.