pressure tank button/knob question?

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
I have a nice "tall boy" pressure tank that I'm rebuilding. It has a silver primer button. It also has a valve next to the primer button that opens and closes the fuel. The knob/button is missing. It sits on a shaft that is split about a quarter inch on top with no tiny hole for a cotter pin to hold a knob on. It almost looks like a snap-on fit. Does anyone know where I might get one of those knobs or buttons, whatever it is or have a picture of one so that I might make my own? By the way, I used a little JBweld on one of the brass float rods where it screws into the carrying handle assembly. Is JBweld soluble in gas (will it give me any trouble)?.
Thanks,
JBJ
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

I would like to know the answer to the JB Weld question too. You certainly are giving it the supreme test. Let us know the results.

Can't help you on the knob. Some people call that the suitcase tank. Whatever.
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

Mess with gas, make the front page of the local news...figure out a proper way to do whatever your attempting to do..(and I know pressure tanks..by the way, Laingsoutbords has rebuild kits for those tanks)..
 

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

Scaaty,
The fuel gauge has a brass float assembly on it. two 1/4 thick brass rods about 12 inches long are screwed into the carrying handle thing underneath it. They guide the float up as it floats up due to fuel in the tank. It has a long screw going up between the rods that the float rotates as it rises. On top of the long screw is a piece of iron which turns and attracts the the magnetic needle on the gauge on top of the assembly. Someone broke off one ofthe brass rods right below where it threads into the top. I got the old threads out but don't know how to weld brass. I don't see any danger in putting the jbweld on there to hold the rod to the top to keep it straight. I was thinking maybe I should have soldered it on there but wasn't sure how. Do you think that is possible with regular solder or is there such a thing as brass solder? What do you think? Does that laingsoutboards place sell parts like a float assembly? To tell you the truth, if JB weld will hold it I think it would be more than o.k. since there's no way for it to get much of a bind. Are you worried it could snap loose and make a spark which would blow up the tank? I would love to hear some ideas if you understand my problem with the above description. I don't mind buying new parts if they can be gotten reasonably priced and, of course, don't want to see my "new place" up or downstairs just yet by an explosion. I guess I could just take out the whole float guage assembly 'cause I can tell how much is in there by picking it up. I would like to get it working right, though. I just need some "know-how" from someone like you who has fixed it right before.
Thanks for the warning, it made me think....
JBJ
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
794
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

I've always had good luck with JB Weld, it doesn't seem to be affected by gasoline. I've used it to patch gastanks, float bowls, and Holley carb castings. Never had one fail, but I make sure to get it very clean first. It also help[s to scuff th area to be bonded with sand paper, then clean with brake parts cleaner. That seems to be the key to geting any adhesive to work. If you cleaned it up good I think it should hold fine.
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

Weld brass? hmmm... it's so soft... I weld as a hobby and I use brass sticks to weld with! but not to actually weld! so maybe... but I'd use jb weld... it's pretty good stuff... I';e used it on engines with no apparent gas issues...
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: pressure tank button/knob question?

Ya don't weld brass, or cast iron..ya braze it...
 
Top