New gas tank issue [SOLVED]

[BWillis]

Has anyone else who installed a new tank from the usual ebay seller had any trouble getting the gas line installed? I can't get mine threaded without binding. I know that this is the original fitting but I'm scared to try to turn it any harder.

Thanks!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New gas tank issue

There was an Article in the Healey Magazine about the wrong fitting being installed. I'm pretty sure I threw it away, but post over on the Healey board and someone (maybe Reid) can help you out.

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

Are you talking about this article, Trevor?

https://www.vintage-sportscar-touring.ca/technical/gastanks.html

 

[Bruce_B]

Re: New gas tank issue

Great posting that can reall be of help/warning to future buyers of gas tanks. Definitely rating this a top posting.

Hopefully Ben, you'll be able to get that adapter and be on your way! Keep us posted.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New gas tank issue

Thats it!

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

Well, now to figure out a fix. Hopefully I can source something local.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New gas tank issue

Just change to a NPT fitting and reflare the line.

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

That article talks about a male fitting. My tank has a female fitting. Anyone happen to know the correct fitting size that I should get to replace the stock one on the Bugeye fuel line?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New gas tank issue

I think it was referring to the male fitting on the fuel line.

Your tank most likely has a NPT female fitting, but the male fitting on your gas line is BSPT. It suggests using the adapter, and that seems like a good/easy solution to me.

 

[John Kuzman]

Re: New gas tank issue

IIRC, I used the McMaster-Carr 4936K137 adapter. This part no. has 1/4'' NPTF male to 1/4" BSPP/BSPT female. As Trevor said, the other option is to cut off the old fuel line fitting and install a 1/4" NPTF male flare fitting, assuming that you have some slack in the line to allow for cutting and re-flaring. Before you cut anything, verify that the new tank female fitting is indeed 1/4" NPTF.

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

John,

Thanks for the clarification! I plan to cut my gas line to install a fuel pump anyway so the new fitting may be the easiest route for me.

Thanks again!

 

[John Kuzman]

Re: New gas tank issue

Ben -

I had to chuckle when I read your reply. Ironically, three months after I struggled with the tank fitting, I ended up cutting my line to install a new Carter low pressure electric fuel pump!

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

I went my my local hardware store in search of a fitting that I could use to just reflare the line and nothing in the 1/4" NPT stuff looked quite right. I bought a 1/4 pip to 1/4 NPT adapter just to see how close it would be to whats int he tank.

Looking at McMaster's website I'm not even sure that part 4936K137 is right for my issue.

John, Did you use that adapter on a Spridget tank?

Thanks,

 

[Morris]

Re: New gas tank issue

Hey Ben,

Pipe threads can be wicked confusing... I think what you need is a 1/4" flare fitting or NPTF. NPT is tapered thread used in piping applications. If you look in the flare stuff (it's in a different bin at my hardware store of choice) you may be able to find what you need. Even if they do not have the individual part you need, sometimes you can find the part that you need in a combo part: ie. 1/4 flare to 3/8 pipe reduction EL. I frequently find weird combos like that that contain the odd piece that I need to complete a job.

Also, if you do not have a flare tool, you can "borrow" one from Autozone or Advance Auto Parts through their lend a tool program.

 

[BWillis]

Re: New gas tank issue

Morris,

I went back and took my original fitting (cut the line). It turned out to be a 1/4" Reverse Flare fitting? All I know is it fit but I had to drill the center out to 11/32 for it to fit over the original ferrule.

Thanks for all of the helps as usual guys!!!

Ben