If it weren't for bad luck, Under tank connection Options

[NARP74]

This is a continuation from a very long and frustrating fuel pump and fuel line project.
Everything is done BUT...
I have a small leak under the tank on the feed connection at the threaded nut. I did not anneal the copper washer, that seemed like a 50 50 issue and I took the lazy route to get it done. Now that I have several gallons of gas in the tank and have gone for short test drives, I have leakage at that connection.

I have good access to get a crow foot wrench on it and I have leaned into it quite a bit. I am seeing bad things happen if I really wrench on it. Don't want gallons of fuel pouring down on me again, don't ask!

Is there a torque spec for that nut other than the typical German phrase?

[Superhawk996]

For what it’s worth it’s supposed to be a fiber washer not a copper washer.

Hope you can get er’ done without pulling the tank.

[NARP74]

Well copper is what came with the new sock I ordered. Hmmm, more bad luck.

[NARP74]

Several online sources I checked send the screen with a copper washer. They may all come from the same place. Who sells the fiber washer?

[bajafreaks]

Several online sources I checked send the screen with a copper washer. They may all come from the same place. Who sells the fiber washer?

I just installed my new tank, I wasn't able to find fiber washers on any of the 914 parts supplier sites so I ended up finding some at our local Ace hardware. I had to cut them down a little but so far, no leaks...

[DennisV]

I just installed my new tank, I wasn't able to find fiber washers on any of the 914 parts supplier sites so I ended up finding some at our local Ace hardware. I had to cut them down a little but so far, no leaks...

Will any appropriately sized fiber washer do? Or do they need to be explicitly fuel-safe?

[Superhawk996]

The fiber washers in this kit work but need a slight tweak with a dremel tool sanding drum for a perfect fit. Just did one a week or so ago.

[bajafreaks]

I just installed my new tank, I wasn't able to find fiber washers on any of the 914 parts supplier sites so I ended up finding some at our local Ace hardware. I had to cut them down a little but so far, no leaks...

Will any appropriately sized fiber washer do? Or do they need to be explicitly fuel-safe?

Good question, I dont know for sure.

[Spoke]

When I redid the tank I made the feed hoses so long that I could pull the tank from the car w/o disconnecting hoses. Even welded up the round access hole I no longer needed.

Good luck with the leak.

[Garland]

I have reused original fiber washers before. If they appear brittle, leave them on the tube/nipple and soak them in water for a short time. They will swell a bit and easily slide off the tube, and be reusable….

This previous link covering where to source the felt washers, and the proper assembly procedure. And more from, my note from above.

LINK:

Gas Tank Line Seals, Seals for the two hardlines out of tank

[NARP74]

Looking at the PET for a 74, the parts description says gasket not washer. That seems to indicate it should be fiber based.

So why is it that no company offers the correct part? All of the ones I see sell a copper washer with a new tank sock. I understand you can buy kits and other gaskets that need modification. But why does no one sell the correct product that just works?

[914Sixer]

Check with aftermarket VW parts suppliers for fiber washer. Just one example

[Shivers]

When I redid the tank I made the feed hoses so long that I could pull the tank from the car w/o disconnecting hoses. Even welded up the round access hole I no longer needed.

Good luck with the leak.

Oh heck, you did. But where will the rodents live. Man I really like that. I’m going to make a metal cover. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)
I’m using the original fiber seal. Couldn’t find it new

[914Sixer]

Check the hole size and just get a guitar hole plug. Keep it simple.

[Superhawk996]

So why is it that no company offers the correct part? All of the ones I see sell a copper washer with a new tank sock. I understand you can buy kits and other gaskets that need modification. But why does no one sell the correct product that just works?

I’m going to speak in the broadest terms and not directing this at anyone in particular.

Because the supply base often don’t understand the original design principles behind why an OEM chose the fiber washer in the first place and think that substituting something like the copper washer is an “upgrade”.

They likely have the copper washers sitting around for other purposes (brake systems, etc.) and don’t want to source and stock another part. Especially a part that has limited application and only sells maybe tens to fifty . . . Maybe a hundred of them a year.

No one is going to tool up a perfect fit fiber washer at those volumes. The generic HF kit has washers that are so close that you’re only trimming off maybe 0.5- 1.0 mm off the ID. It is easily done with a dremel, a hand file or sand paper wrapped around a screw driver.

When you play with with 50 year old cars it’s not reasonable to assume you’ll always be able to find off the shelf parts that fit perfectly without a bit of modification.

[MikeK]

Try giving Painters Grinding in Denver a call. I would be surprised if they didn't have the correct washer.

[Superhawk996]

Check with aftermarket VW parts suppliers for fiber washer. Just one example

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Same for the strainer itself. Cheaper and better fit.

[NARP74]

Try giving Painters Grinding in Denver a call. I would be surprised if they didn't have the correct washer.

Good call, thx

[DennisV]

The generic HF kit has washers that are so close that you’re only trimming off maybe 0.5- 1.0 mm off the ID. It is easily done with a dremel, a hand file or sand paper wrapped around a screw driver.

Have you used these without issue? HF product description seems to indicate they are for water systems. Some very cursory poking around seems to suggest fiber washers meant for fuel get vulcanized. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

What is the proper ID and OD of these? I see photos in the parts vault but no dimensions. They seem to have a wide mating surface if those photos are of originals.

FWIW - BelMetric has several sizes of vulcanized fiber gaskets, if the VW vendors don't have the right sizes.

[Shivers]

Check the hole size and just get a guitar hole plug. Keep it simple.

An excellent idea. Thanks. There are rubber plugs all over this car. This is the one they forgot. A dab of silicone so it doesn’t drop out between uses.