Germa Fuel Tap

[Bob_Roller]

I just discovered I've got a Germa fuel tap that won't shut off, it still dribbles fuel in the off position .

Anyone attempt a rebuild on one ?

[Mike V]

Not recommended Bob, and finding a replacement kit for the germa may be difficult at best.  I replaced mine with a new Karcoma. About $40.

[Bob_Roller]

That's pretty much what I thought .

I'll take it apart anyway, to see if it can be salvaged .

[Mike V]

Find a vice or stable surface. The slotted nut is spring loaded. Especially challenging to reinstall. I didn't bother with mine - it was recommended to replace it with the upgraded Karkoma and improved interior screen. Here's what you'll find inside...
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Tank-Petcock%2005-09/05-17-09R65011.jpg

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Tank-Petcock%2005-09/05-17-09R65012.jpg

Bob, I may have an extra new Karkoma in the shop. Let me know if you want it. The part number is 16 12 2 307 113.

You're welcome to it if I have one.  I owe you.

[Bob_Roller]

I removed the fuel tap from the tank, got the plastic bezel off, there's a 24 mm nut holding things in, need to take it to work tomorrow put it in a vise and see what's wrong with the internal parts .

Mike thanks for the offer, let's just see what develops with it .

[suecanada]

I took mine apart and replaced one of the 2 detented discs. One was found in a broken-in-pieces state inside. I used a thin piece of metal sheeting that was formally an electrical plate that they stick on the back of appliances to tell ya all those electrical input/output demands and wattages and ohms and stuff like that. It is a good thickness to punch in the detentes. I used a flat/slot screwdriver to punch in the four position detente for Off/2 on/ reserve. I must have punched the newly cut disc slots while it sat on a soft surface, then flattened it back into some semblance of flat. I probably put the new one onto the other disc to help form it.   It works pretty good. Maybe just not quite as much of a definitive click into place as new.

Karcoma is a good replacement obviously if you aren't cheap or happen to like the original parts. It was a complete experiment that seems to have been successful. Remember I sometimes like to enter a Concours.  Cheap too!!!

[Bob_Roller]

I'm sure it's a fiber/phenolic disc that has most likely broken into more pieces than it's supposed to, I'll know for sure tomorrow after getting it apart, if the disc is still available, it shouldn't be too costly of a repair, looks like around $13US for the fiber disc and another $5US for an o-ring .

[Mike V]

Bob,
If you want to go the rebuild route I believe Hucky's has the replacement parts. It has to be either the fiber washer or rubber disc that is failing, don't remember an o-ring unless it totally disintegrated. I would recommend going to karkoma. Much better filtering system with the extended screen and ease of rebuild. I've had my problems with the GERMA petcocks.  Just my personal opinion. If any of you need replacement parts for the GERMA less the fiber washer and rubber disc let me know. Sue, that's an interesting fabrication, nice work. You're welcome to my old GERMA if you want it. I have no use for it nor plans to reuse it.

http://www.bmwhucky.com/010016.html

[suecanada]

I have a spare but that is such a kind offer Mike V!!!! Thank you!!
I just bet there is someone out there that may be very interested though.

[Red_Hen]

Mine was "toast" on my R65LS project that's needed almost everything replaced other than the frame, wheels and engine.

I found a nice used one on www.ibmwr.org     in their marketplace.  I took mine apart and like Mike says, everything popped everywhere and the little metal disc had disintegrated into little pieces.

I'm sure Bob will figure it out!

[Bob_Roller]

I disassembled the fuel tap, found the rubber washer with 6 holes in it, had grooves in the rubber between the holes .

That's what was allowing the fuel to dribble out of the tap .

Flipped the rubber washer over to the non-grooved side, works great .

So I'll order a new rubber gasket/washer should take care of that .

Got lucky I guess everything else was in good shape .

[Justin B.]

Man, Bob, I can hear Lincoln howling all the way over here!  And I thought Monte was a cheapskate!  [smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif]

[Bob_Roller]

If I can't repair it, I'll replace it, this time a cheap fix worked, at least for the time being .

More of a learning experience, know I know if I have a problem on the road with a fuel tap, all you need to do, is to remove the washer with holes in it, no more fuel problem, at least until you need to turn it off !!!!

I've never denied being cheap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif]

Those "Lincoln's", were pennies, not $5 bills .

[Justin B.]

I figgered as much!  

[montmil]

...I've never denied being cheap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif].Those "Lincoln's", were pennies, not $5 bills .

Another frugal n' happy rider outta the closet!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte