Oil & Fuel Gas tank on 422 clogged

[BobRip]

I was driving my PT out to the mail box and the machine stalled just as I got the front onto the road. Using the choke, I was able to start it long enough to just get it off the road. Since the choke helped, I figure it was a fuel problem. I looked in the tank and there was about 2 inches of fuel left. The fuel filter was not full. I got my compressed air tank and blew air into the fuel line and back into the tank. After letting it sit and the fuel filter fill up I was able to start it. I noticed some stuff in the tank. Today I pulled the tank and dumped the fuel through a filter with a screen. The screen filled up with what looked and felt like clear silicon caulking compound. (see attached picture). I have had this problem before and thought I had removed it before. I wonder if it is continuing to flake off of the interface between the cap and the tank. This tank needs an internal screen to capture this stuff. Any suggestion on how we could fix this would be appreciated.

 

[J_J]

Bob.

I think you should first send PT a nasty gram about the use of a very poor example of silicon.

The best you can do is to filter. There are filters that go up in the tanks. It looks like a post with a screen filter on it. This will allow you to use fuel and not crud and water. that is on the bottom. It sort of reminds me of those motorcycle fuel setups that have an emergency lever.

 

[BobRip]

J_J, is silicon not a good choice in this application? Does it breakdown in gasoline?

I guess I should call PT, but it does not seem like they listen.

 

[J_J]

Bob,

I suspect that over time, that silicon is breaking down. The question is, should it. I know they use silicon to seal some of the fuel filler applications, and on other area on automotive applications. The below name is what is supposed to be used around fuel.



Silastic® high consistency silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber, both have a long proven performance record in a number of applications such as:

Intake manifold gaskets
Transmission access cover seal
Fuel filler seal and quick connector seal
Camshaft rocker cover
Fuel tank (automotive, aircraft, and military vehicles)
Chemical process industry
Quick fit fluid connector fittings

 

[ponytug]

Two thoughts;

One- can you use the half dome type of stainless filters that go in sprayers?

Two: It might be worth removing whatever is held in with silicone and fastening it in with a better method.

I have used a plastic welder on water tanks to seal cracks. They can also be used to weld fittings on. They are dirt cheap at Harbor Freight and you can get some really good ones on ebay.

Needless to say, don't weld a gasoline tank that hasn't been purged and washed. While I have seen folks welding full tanks, I can't recommend it....

All the best,

Peter

 

[BobRip]

Bob,


Silasticｮ high consistency silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber, both have a long proven performance record in a number of applications such as:

I take Silastic is available at places like NAPA?
Thanks for the tip.

 

[J_J]

I take Silastic is available at places like NAPA?
Thanks for the tip.

Bob,

I have never used the product, so I can not verify it's capabilities. In the short term, it may work, but if it was tested fully submerged in gas, for a long time, then I would use it. In the past, there have been products that are advertised to work good and last a long time. Some failed.