MTFCA Forum

Is it normal for a sediment bulb to seep or how do you repair it?
Appears Tobe coming from the main shut off valve and forms a gummy coating on the bulb and drips a drop or two a day. It is on a 23 coupe.

Dennis,

I know you do NOT want to hear this, but it's the truth. For a proper fix, the gasoline must be drained from the tank so the sediment bulb can be removed. Once removed, take photos, place match marks, then disassemble the leaking shut off valve. Once disassembled, luck may shine and a good cleaning may resolve the issue.

Most likely, luck will not shine. Lapping the valve to the bulb valve seat, will most likely be needed. TimeSaver is a good lapping compound to use on a sediment bulb valve. Lap until you get a good clean surface between the valve and the valve seat. Clean thoroughly and reassemble. Put some gas in the tank and check for leakage. I suggest a gallon or two to begin with. If there's no leakage, add a couple more gallons. Check for leaks.....add gas, check for leaks. This will minimize the gas needing to be drained IF there are leaks. Waiting a few days between adding gas and checking for leaks, may be necessary.

Option 2: Obtain a second bulb, hopefully good, and install it as a replacement. Lapping the valve in the leaking bulb can be addressed at a later date.

NOTE: Thread sealer is recommended on the bulb to tank connection threads. I HIGHLY recommend GASOILA. This is a thread sealing dope that is highly gasoline/oil resistant. I have found it to work very well in these situations.

Good Luck

Terry’s outline is the way to go ! Be sure to tune up the drain petcock at the bottom of the “spud” as well.
A fuel-resistant lubricant called “E-Z Turn” is a great product to use on the valve parts and thread connections. I highly recommend it !!

I had the same problem & bought a new one from Snyder's last week $85 but problem solved and it looked just like the one that I removed

The reproduction sediment bulbs are spot on good. This is a reproduction part that is well worth it if you need one. I bought one for my 24 Coupe after I tried to repair the old one which worked for while. No more worries about any gas tank area leaks.

If the repro sediment bulbs are so good, why don't they offer the part with the screen in it to us>

Do the repro “spuds” even have a screen over the outlet fitting ? Replacement lead washers are a problem too !

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 30, 2025 3:42 pm

If the repro sediment bulbs are so good, why don't they offer the part with the screen in it to us>

I would imagine the same reason RM brake springs are only sold in sets.

Rich P. Bingham wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 30, 2025 8:50 pm

Do the repro “spuds” even have a screen over the outlet fitting ? Replacement lead washers are a problem too !

Yes, and I don't know how they make any money on it.

Chaffin has the lead washers.