[Zmagnette] leak at fuel line float bowl connection

[Steven Trovato]

Fletcher,

Yes, the washers seemed just like the OE red fibre at first 
glance.  I didn't try soaking them in oil.  I did assemble the 
fitting with no washers to insure that the bolt was able to clamp the 
fitting to the lid.  That convinced me that the bolt was able to go 
in deep enough with the washers in place.  Of course, I didn't try 
that until the second time around, so I don't really know if that was 
the problem on the initial attempt.   I did find a 2011 post on MG 
Experience that said "The cause was the harder red fibre washers 
(maybe a set that had been on the shelf too long and lost their 
squashiness??). I got a set of the softer brown fibre washers from a 
neighboring Healey owner, and the problem was solved."  I don't know 
what brown fibre washers this guy was talking about in 2011, but 
that's what got me thinking to ask if anyone had come up with 
something better.  I said more flexible, but perhaps the correct 
technical term is "squashiness"!

-Steve T.


At 06:42 PM 3/3/2014, Fletcher Millmore wrote:
>Steve-
>Assuming the washers are something akin to the OE red fibre, soak 
>them in warm oil for a few hours. That softens them a bit and 
>lubricates the bolt thrust surface, a source of significant 
>friction. Check that the bolt in fact screws in freely to well 
>beyond the required depth - it is common to have corrosion deposits 
>in the lid threads, which stops the bolt, especially if the washers 
>are too thin. The corrosion is hard as concrete! Use Lubriplate on 
>the bolt threads, to reduce torque and prevent corrosion  in the 
>threads for next time. There is a surprising amount of drag in the 
>threads and under bolt head if these parts are not lubed. All this 
>will make it less frightening to tighten the requisite amount - I've 
>seen guys break the bowl, but it is rare.
>
>"More flexible" would result in leaks as the washers compress under 
>vibration, heat, and time.
>
>FRM