1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

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CC Rider
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1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#1

Post by CC Rider »

Last weekend I filled my tanks with gas via a carboy and went about my business of cutting grass and other chores. The next morning I go out into the garage and get a strong smell of gas. I'm looking all around until finally noticing under my '65 is a large puddle of gas. A quick look and I see gas dripping from the carb. My fuel shutoff rod was closed but apparently it is not holding back the fuel. So I take it I have to remove the rod and see what is going on. My concern is will I need the alignment tool to put it back in the tank?
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#2

Post by blewcrab »

while ur at it ......better check the float setting , and the needle /seat assembly
CC Rider
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#3

Post by CC Rider »

blewcrab wrote: Mon May 07, 2018 1:13 pm while ur at it ......better check the float setting , and the needle /seat assembly
I was thinking that too but the carb was rebuilt last summer.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#4

Post by Lowbikemike »

If you aligned the shut off rod in the past you probably won't need the tool. Also, if the rod screws in and out smoothly that would be a good indication of pretty good alignment. Hopefully you just need to clean up the seat and rod a bit, there are some folks that make the rod tips out of peek today.

You really can't expect the float valve to hold back a tank a fuel long term.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#5

Post by CC Rider »

Lowbikemike wrote: Mon May 07, 2018 4:17 pm If you aligned the shut off rod in the past you probably won't need the tool. Also, if the rod screws in and out smoothly that would be a good indication of pretty good alignment. Hopefully you just need to clean up the seat and rod a bit, there are some folks that make the rod tips out of peek today.

You really can't expect the float valve to hold back a tank a fuel long term.
I've only owned tis bike for almost 2 years and never had the shutoff rod out. It does mover pretty easy up and down so I'm hoping it will go back together ok. I will clean up the tip and see what happens.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#6

Post by PanPal »

If the rod seat is a aftermarket part, it may never seal long term. The seats from V twin that I've seen are two pieces. The seat can push down inside with use.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#7

Post by CC Rider »

I will find out what I have after draining the fuel and removing the rod assembly. I take it I should get some copper crush washers to seal under the tank before re-assembling?
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#8

Post by 59Panman »

Tom Cotton / Liberty Motorcycle Specialties sells the washers which he makes himself. I believe they are made from PEEK. I have them on mine and they work great with no leaks.


Liberty Motorcycles Specialties Inc
118 North Washington Street
Lacon, IL 61540 - View Map
Phone: (309) 246-3509
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#9

Post by CC Rider »

Thanks Mark!

I will call Tom about the washers.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#10

Post by thebeast »

Linkert drain plug washers work great to replace those used between the tank and the fuel line(s).
Cotten suggested using these.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#11

Post by kfelt »

thebeast, are you talking about the copper washer/seal on the bottom of the bowl where it mounts to the bracket?
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#12

Post by thebeast »

kfelt-That’s it. Part #27376-28. I usually put heat to the washers to make them a little malleable before installing them.
Good luck, James
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#13

Post by john HD »

Good tips on sealing the valve to tank interface, I have had good luck annealing the existing washers or using Linkert bowl washers.

When you take it apart and reassemble a bunch of times and discover you cannot get the valve to quit leaking internally and flooding your carb call Carl's Cycle supply and get one of their peek tipped fuel rods. No more problems and fire hazard in your garage.

They do not have it listed on their products page you need to email or call, if i remember correctly the peek tipped rod is around $125 it is worth every penny in my opinion.

john
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#14

Post by 59Panman »

Tom's gaskets don't leak, just install them with no sealers.
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Re: 1965 FLH Fuel Rod Leaking

#15

Post by awander »

Send me your rod and I'll put a PEEK tip on it for half of that....
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