I've been chasing a leaky gascolator on my 56 182 with no success. It started out as a fuel smell and stained carpet on the inside of the firewall.... By this point I've replaced the old glass with a new Steves gascolator, all new AN Fittings and a new section of aluminum tube on the firewall side.

I thought I had it licked because the firewall fitting, which was drippy before, has been dry, except today, more fuel smell, blue stains on the gascolator, wet fitting at the firewall again.

This one is really frustrating me, could it be the recent swing from 20 degree weather to -8? Is this common in winter? I've also noticed the canister on the Steves gascolator is "loose" sort of wiggles, even when in the locked position, apparently this is normal and the seal is inside...

Any suggestions?

Hoeschen wrote:... I've also noticed the canister on the Steves gascolator is "loose" sort of wiggles, even when in the locked position, apparently this is normal and the seal is inside...

Any suggestions?

My Brian & Steves gascolator is not loose at all. In fact, I've often though it would be just fine without the cotter pin because of how snug it fits.

Maybe the O-ring is inserted wrong, or possibly even the wrong O-ring? Cold weather would make the O-ring shrink, though it's hard for me to believe that if it's inserted correctly there would be any fuel leakage.

Not sure this will even be relevant much less useful. Ancient 4x4 friend owned a rubber mfg. business and claimed that rubber (can) expands when cold. Not what I would have thought. Never researched it.

First brilliant flash as i read was maybe some fuel is seeping / dripping down from a Primer line?!?

Might be some hard to locate damage to a flared fitting mating surface.

Took some HIGH magnification to find "seepage" through some "no-seeum" holes in a brake line once.

Wannabe

Hammer wrote:

Hoeschen wrote:... I've also noticed the canister on the Steves gascolator is "loose" sort of wiggles, even when in the locked position, apparently this is normal and the seal is inside...

Any suggestions?

My Brian & Steves gascolator is not loose at all. In fact, I've often though it would be just fine without the cotter pin because of how snug it fits.

Maybe the O-ring is inserted wrong, or possibly even the wrong O-ring? Cold weather would make the O-ring shrink, though it's hard for me to believe that if it's inserted correctly there would be any fuel leakage.

The canister on my Steve's gascolator doesn't move at all. I'd be concerned if it did. It's been in weather ranging from over 100F to -10F, doesn't leak, and doesn't wiggle.

Cary