The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fuel Line Petcock

Thanks for the heads-up that 53Moneypit posted for us new guys about searching the site before asking. Wow! Tons of info. I just bought a 51 3800, and found a brass petcock valve between the tank and the flex line.
The guys at Classicparts.com said they were dealer installed, but don't know of a source. Has anyone ever come across one, and do you know of a source for replacements? It's a neat addition that I'd like to keep.

Welcome to the 'bolt. Most hardware stores will have brass petcocks the size you need.

My 3800 has a brass fitting that has a shutoff for the flexhose feed. The bottom of the brass block has a drain plug and the drain plug is not affected by the shutoff valve. If this is what yours looks like, I would suggest that it was factory installed.

The factory petcock did have a drain at the bottom which makes it a specialty. I'm not sure the petcock was on all models. I have seen some with a drain only. But after 50 years, who knows what has been installed. Petcocks are ok, but if you have any debris in the tank, the petcock is where it gets stuck and you starve for fuel.

You have described exactly what I have. I think I can restore it, if I can't find a replacement, but the adapter to the tank broke off and I'm not sure I can get it out without damaging the valve.

here's a pic of the one that is on my '50 http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/1969000-1969999/1969206_138_full.jpg

That's a good picture of what they looked like when they were new.

Great picture! That's exactly what I have. Do you know where I can find a replacement?

I don't know of any repops. A used one would either be good or bad. They really weren't bad at breaking; just filling up with debris.

I'm not sure what the proper name for my type is but I put one on my 37 in case I had to change an underbody fuel filter. I got one at the local hardware that has a little "handle" and you simply turn it on or off....not have to spin it around. Worked real good the only time I've had to use it....and VERY nice to have.

What about a motorcycle part? They have gravity fed fuel tanks and on/off valves. I do not know how many times I forgot to turn the dang things on.
Cavebull

Gas farm tractors all had petcocks if you don't mind getting away from original looking.

wv_hillbilly you need to read this. For those interested parties my original post addresses this problem. You will find a petcock at your local hardware store. What you won't find is one with the built in 3" nipple but the hardware store sells those too. What's shown is similar to the one on my 38 except the on/off knob was on the bottom.

I rebuilt mine, and it works great. I'd be happy to share the experience with anyone that needs help. Thanks for all your support.

Denny, he posted pics directly into the thread. I posted the link so he could read that the practice is a no-no. Just trying to give him a heads-up before he got a nasty gram from a mod. He corrected it and all is good.