Fuel tank drain valve replacement

[DatsunTim]

The drain valve in my fuel tank leaks, big time.

Where can I get one please?

This is for a 71 J4600 Gladiator with what appears to be the stock fuel cup...I mean tank, if it makes any difference.

Thanks
tim

[Julep4000]

Tim,

Not sure if yours is the same, but my '72 was just a bolt. I bought a new bolt and used a viton o-ring. Does yours actually look like a petcock?

[DatsunTim]

Yes, it lookd like a petcock...

[joe]

You could probably find something to get you by in the SS or brass fittings section of a good hdw store. I ideally you want something fuel rated so if avail start at a small engine repair shop or outboard motor shop and look for a fuel shut off valve. Before you go running a bolt in the hole make sure if you're dealing with conventional thread or pipe thread. My guess would be it's pipe thread and a standard pipe plug will do. If it's pipe thread and you haven't already buggered up the threads you won't need a gasket or 0-ring with a pipe plug.

[DatsunTim]

Haven't tried to pull the petcock yet. The PO had painted over it and it is coated in what ever he used. I really wanted to wait to pull it until I had a replacement. I didn't think about just getting a plug.

Any one know what the stock threads are by any chance?

[DatsunTim]

bump on the thread question please......

[DatsunTim]

Anyone have a lose tank they can check the threads for me? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?

[Julep4000]

I can check...

Tim,

I can check the tank at my house, but I won't be there until Thursday evening or Friday morning. If you don't have an answer by then, I'll let ya know...

[DatsunTim]

Thanks...very much!

[joe]

I've never messed with the tank drain on a FSJ but "every" other car that had a drain plug was pipe thread. Never ever seen one with SAE threads. I think you're making this a lot more complicated and harder than needs be. I'd pull yours and go to the hdw store and match the threads. In threads that small there aren't a lot size variations of pipe thread so you won't be screwing in the wrong size pipe plug .The one that fits will be obvious. Prolly 1/8" or 1/4" pipe thread. Buy a couple plugs you think look close. They're only like 50 cents a pop. Use the one that fits and save the others in your future emergency "hope I'm lucky" coffee can file of misc nuts/bolts.

[DatsunTim]

I think you're making this a lot more complicated and harder than needs be.

Yea, that'd be me. But because of all the BS I've gone through with the stroker I am building for one of my Datsuns, I am so over cautious it hurts. Plus, since it is all learning process for me still, that just make me even more cautious.

Thanks Joe.

I refer to my signature for further explanation....

[Julep4000]

Finally measured mine...

Do not consider this gospel - my tank may be different than yours. It is 1/2" and is pipe thread...