rebuild fuel selector valve

DrDave · #1 03-01-20, 04:02 PM

I just went through this. The issue of leaking past the valve is from the little balls not sealing on the seats. The selector valve has a small well in it that can collect water. I think this contributes to the problem. The ball is held against the seat with a spring that is likely rusted. There will also be some rust on the seat that is causing your leak-past. You can remove the valve and see the ball/seat assembly. Don't remove the little clips that hold in the spring. They seem to be impossible to find. If a replacement clip/retainer was available this project would be pretty easy. I was only able to find one guy that was willing to look at them. He wanted a fortune and was a bit on the grumpy side.

I had one guy that thought removing the spring and ball and re-cutting the seat was the answer. I sent him one of my valves. It just sat on his desk for two months. On close inspection the seat was not pitted it appears to have surface rust that would likely clean up.

I think an ultrasonic cleaner would be a good start.

I found a pair of used valves that were not leaking.

Dave

hharney · #2 03-01-20, 08:47 PM

Has anyone used B & S in Wichita lately?

wslade2 · #3 03-02-20, 09:19 AM

I have been studying the valve drawings and come to the same conclusion myself about either corrosion (most likely) or some grit stuck in the ball/seat area. Also, been doing some research and B&S in Wichita is on my call list.

DrDave · #4 03-05-20, 08:34 PM

I have one of the old valves on the shelf. I'll take some pictures so you can plan your attack.

Dave

wslade2 · #5 03-05-20, 09:56 PM

sounds great. surely there must be a matching internal c clip somewhere (I've been shopping internal c clip assortments-a kit with various assorted sizes very affordable) or if part is serviceable, clean things up and reuse.

DrDave · #6 03-06-20, 12:18 AM

There is! It's this little self-destructing thing that springs itself out of position once removed.

Dave

DrDave · #7 03-07-20, 12:03 AM

I dug out the old fuel selector valve. I have no recollection of how to attach a picture so I'm attaching several pictures. My computer has a .020" diameter thumbnail of the picture which is useless. Unfortunately I don't know how to add any descriptions to the pictures.