OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Engines Repairing a Villiers Fuel Tap

Hi Guys,

I have a Villiers barrel Fuel tank which has the Brass push / pull fuel tap directly at the outlet of the tank. Firstly it was totally stuck and I freed it up and found that the seal material that is fitted around the main shaft has deteriorated to the point where there now is plenty of play and thus won't shut off the fuel and lets it leak out. Is there a special replacement piece to replace the shickered bit and if so where is it obtainable from ?

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB,

The seal material that has deteriorated is most likely cork.
Check out the Villiers fuel tap spare parts HERE or you might like to check with one of our ODK members (Voljon) HERE

Hi Deejay,

Have had a look on John's site and it seems the cork only is not available, just the complete plunger in chrome finish which I'd prefer not to go with. Starting to wonder if a one can make one from a plonk bottle cork on a lathe. I've never tried turning cork but I'm sure it could be done with a course rasp file and emery strip on the lathe, then finally centre drill it from the tail stock. Yes I know it sounds complicated but I have a lathe at my disposal so there's not much to lose. BTW we have plenty of corks laying around and no we are not alcoholics around here either. Just thought I'd get that in prior to all the jokes starting to fly.

Cheers,
BB

I think you'll have to experiment a bit BB. AFAIK cork is normally machined with a sharp knife-blade, not a metal or wood-cutting tool. You might try mounting something like a Stanley knife on the tool post, angled so the cutting edge is pretty much parallel to the surface to be cut. I think it is a peeling process, like peeling an apple.

ive purchased corks before on ebay so keep looking


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VICTA-FU...mowerAccessories&hash=item27c8c4deec

Agreed Gizmo, Ive bought them before...
Also ive used rubber stoppers they use for radiator/heater test plugs.

There are also tap alteration kits that can be installed by drilling out the old cork holder and put a different rubber section in.

I have the same tap and went an oring shop and got 4 fat orings, cut the cork off installed the orings jammed it back together and it's been 8 weeks no leaks.

I don't expect to last forever, but it's a cheep quick fix. The cork I can't imagine will last very long and would be a pain to install

Mick

Managed to score a couple at Trinity Mowers here in Adelaide for $3.50 each. Some of the other shops I rang that actually had any in stock wanted $8.00 each which is an absolute joke. One of the eBay sellers in Queensland sells them in pairs for around $9.00 plus postage, but for a total of $7.00 for 2 locally I thought that was the best option. If there's one thing I've learnt over time and that is most mower shops are trying to sell scrap steel at Gold Bullion prices and how some sleep at night is somewhat concerning. No wonder most people now are having a crack themselves and cutting them out of the loop. This country is slowly going to the dogs due to pure greed.

Don't get me going any longer as I may not stop and eventually explode !

Cheers,
BB

Great score mate! Your perseverance has paid off and you didnt need to compromise your principles. There is a big difference between being a tight ass and being smart,and not feeding the vultures by pandering to their greed. There are a few who still believe in good service and have morals and arent out to rip off the collector,as ive got a couple near me who bend over backwards and take a keen interest in what I do. Now you have 10 bucks extra to spend on something else! Or donate it to me? lols. Either way your a winner!

As I've always said, I never begrudge a fair days pay for a fair days work but there are some out there that just think everyone that walks thru their door is a born sucker.

BTW I love your taste in the 4 wheeler department.

Cheers,
BB.