Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[peter scott]

I spent quite a bit of time yesterday trying to fix a fuel leak at a banjo on one of my carbs. I had tried fitting new fibre washers, flatting the mating surfaces on an oil stone all to no avail! Finally I discovered I had another new fibre washer and fitted it without much confidence that it would solve the problem but it did.

I really can't understand what the difference is between good and bad washers even after close examination with a watch glass. I assume it must be to do with the hardness of the fibre. Can defective washers be rejuvenated by some process?? Heating perhaps??

Peter
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Ray White]

I have found the same with fibre washers. I think they harden with age; in much the same way that brass and copper washers do. I inherited a huge quantity of fibre washers from my father. They had sat in an open tin for thirty years or more and were practically useless.

I bought new ones and found them to be much more supple but of course they - like almost everything else - come from China, so are probably made from bamboo.

I don't know about heating... but perhaps soaking old fibre washers in water would soften them enough ...or just weaken them. ?

[peter scott]

I think mine were well soaked in petrol and that didn't help.
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[roverdriver]

Regarding fiber washers, A couple of years ago I bough a pack of assorted ones from Aldi- just in case they would come in handy. And handy they have been. I used some on carburettors, and large ones for sump plugs and several other uses. For one carby the i.d. was too small but the o.d was just right, so a careful use of a drill fixed that.

I think they cost about Au$6 or thereabouts. The large one for the sump would have cost $5 just on it own from motor suppliers.

One of my better buys!
_________________
Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Keith D]

Dane,

I also bought a grab-it pack of fibre washers from Aldi and you are right, I can't believe how often they get used. One of my better buys too!

Keith
_________________
1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

[bjacko]

I too bought a pack from Aldi but non of them fit my carby. I bought a new kit of the correct seals for the carby and fitted new washers but they still leaked. I put the old ones back and they leaked too, whereas before I disturbed them they never leaked. Don't know how old the kit was but suspect may be old or dried out in storage. Might have to use some light coat of Hylomar on them.

[MVPeters]

Try soaking them in RedeX or 3-in-1 oil overnight.
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

[peter scott]

[lowdrag]

I've just ordered a new set from Burlen for the E-type. Some of the old one have been in the spare wheel for over 25 years I believe!