MTFCA Forum

Hi all. My shut off valve, attached to the sediment bowl of the cowl tank leaks a lot when the engine stops and the valve is not shut off. Can I remove it and just use the sediment bowl shut off to stop gas flow to the carb? These extra shut off valves were not original from the factory, or were they? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. John

John, I believe it largely depends on YOU. Are you going for originality or SAFE and functional. Safe and functional demands NO leakage and where ever, what ever you choose. Put it where you can easily access it and operate it. It's YOUR T, build it, drive it, and fix it the best way YOU can.

Good Luck

Question is: Is the valve bypassing and carb is leaking or is gas dripping from the valve?
Which ever one, FIX IT.
I once bought a T that burned down a house, new Caddy and a Motorhome.
FIX IT ASAP.

You could fix that firewall style sediment bulb. Takes some work and new lead gasket to keep from weeps. Remember, gravity is pulling on that fuel always. So a good shut off is needed.



Or on this one, couldn't seem to get the bulb shut off to close best. So added this extra shut-off, works like a charm every time. I always close the shut offs when parking my Ts in the garage. As Dan Hatch posted, saves grief!

I didn’t think I should have one until the float in the carb leaked..

John, I rebuilt the firewall shut off on my '27 touring and it works fine. No need for another one at the carburetor. On my other cars I have a shut off by the carburetor because it's too hard to crawl under the car and shut it off at the tank every time I use the cars. That said, I do shut the gas off both at the tank and the carburetor when I store them for the winter.

I agree with Val. I have 2 26's with the tank in the cowl. If that valve on the sediment bowl works right, you don't need another one. you can either fix the existing valve or you can buy a new sediment bowl with valve from one of the parts suppliers. On the other car with the tank under the seat, I do have one by the carburetor. It is not necessary, but saves an "OLD MAN" from having to crawl under every time.
Norm

Nah, a little leak what could go wrong?

So there were no extra shut off valves except on the sediment bowl when it left the factory, correct? Thanks

correct.
Norm

I have this, from tank to carb so I can quickly reach under the frame and pull it towards me shut without having to open the hood in a situation of extreme urgency.

Not a new problem. They got there too late

On our 27 Fordor, I was able to fasten a metal rod onto the handle at the stock sediment bulb. It is sandwiched between the splash apron on the wood body sill, and bent at a 90 degree angle. It would not be noticeable if I painted it black. It makes it much easier to shut off the fuel when the car is inside the trailer. I open the driver's door and reach down.

The bottom line, and the direct answer to your subject line, "Do I really need a carb shutoff valve?", is "yes", you really need one. It's up to you what style or where to locate it. Never, ever trust the carb float valve to function properly, no matter how long it has worked flawlessly.