Should heater tap have a washer?

[GeordieDave]

My heater tap (not the cable operated valve) was leaking so I took it apart, expecting it to have a washer like a sink tap. However, it doesn't and there doesn't seem to be anywhere to put one. Is it just metal on metal?

[taupe]

Yes metal on metal

[brucek]

Should be a gasket between the head and the tap - see this link http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewP ... exID=17071 - item 72 If you buy a head set you should get this gasket included

[GeordieDave]

I have a new gasket but I was expecting to see a washer where the arrows are - either on the plunger or in the body of the tap?[frame][/frame]

[Trickydicky]

Below the tap handle, the first hex nut, if you unscrew this there will (should be) a tapered rubber gland, when you tighten the hex nut it squeezes onto the shaft of the tap and stops the water from coming up the shaft.
At the base of the tap it is just a brass seating which stops the water flow through the heater.
If the tap is leaking through the shaft of the tap and the rubber gland has perished you can wrap a few good turns of PTFE around shaft to act as the tapered rubber gland.

I have had good success with mains water stop taps leaking through the shaft. If you go along to your local plumbers merchant you can get gas fitters ptfe which is thicker than normal ptfe its a simaler thickness to electricians tape.

[GeordieDave]

Thanks Richard, the washer was in poor condition. I've PTFE'd the shaft as suggested and will see if it works when I put the engine back in

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I believe there was originally a red fibre washer there, but many deteriorate through age and use. That paper gasket, of course, sits between the base of the tap and the cylinder head. Replacement taps aren't hard to find should it still leak.

[IslipMinor]

Ours leaked at the top, just under the knob. I took the knob off, undid the nut that screws down onto the gland sealer and wound some thin string around the spindle along with some lithium grease, and pushed it down into the thread. Tightened the nut slightly and refilled with water/antifreeze. That was about 5 years ago and still bone dry! Oh, and the tap works as well, but it is left fully open all the time to get a good water flow around the back of the engine.

[bmcecosse]

As above - it doesn't matter if it has a washer or not = because it should never be shut.......

[David W.]

As above - it doesn't matter if it has a washer or not = because it should never be shut.......

Where I live, I have to open mine for two or three weeks of the year.

[bmcecosse]

You should keep the water flowing round the rear of the engine. If you don't want the heater - then arrange a hose to take the flow from that valve and back to the return pipe - to keep it all moving!