Neptune AA1 Fuel Strainer

[Buccaneer]

Regarding the 1956 AA1 Neptune I’m working on, does the fuel tank shut off valve pipe
unscrew from the tank? It almost looks like it’s pressed or stamped into the tank.
Tried to unscrew it, but didn’t want to break it. Metal tank with ancient gas inside,
so very rusty.
Did these have a screen inside the tank?
Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!

[lyks2tinkr]

I am not an expert on these motors but part 8 looks to be a filter screen.
I would be very surprised if it was pressed in as I’ve never heard of it.
If there is a lot of corrosion in the tank it’s probably just stuck with corrosion.
After you’ve cleaned anything flammable from the tank, heat and penatrating oil are your friend.

[Buccaneer]

Thanks for your reply. #8 is a steel 1/8″ pipe. Not likely there was
a screen inside the pipe, but perhaps in the tank.
The tank has been soaking overnight in phosphoric acid,
so hopefully It’s cleaning up.

lyks2tinkr wrote:

I am not an expert on these motors but part 8 looks to be a filter screen.

I would be very surprised if it was pressed in as I’ve never heard of it.

If there is a lot of corrosion in the tank it’s probably just stuck with corrosion.

After you’ve cleaned anything flammable from the tank, heat and penatrating oil are your friend.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Buccaneer]

After soaking the inside of the tank in phosphoric acid all night, I was able to unscrew
the shut off valve pipe from the tank. There was a tiny remnant of a screen in the end
of the pipe. Got a lot of the rust and crud out with the acid and shaking screws around,
but got tired of that and sandblasted the inside and out. Though a very heavy wall tank,
I still ended up with three little pin holes from the rust, so I have sealer in it now.
According to a Doug Penn article, the “gold” color tank on mine was from a later model,
than the AA1 (1956) that the flywheel plate indicates. Mine is suppose to have a maroon
tank and say “Neptune” instead of “Mighty Mite”.

Prepare to be boarded!

[joecb]

Bucc, something is fishy here… a steel pipe??? how does the fuel get from the bottom of the tank into the TOP of that pipe?

Joe B

[garry-in-michigan]

The steel (Galvanized iron) pipe threads into the bottom of the tank. If it rusts, brass may be used.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by garry-in-michigan.

[Buccaneer]

joecb wrote:

Bucc, something is fishy here… a steel pipe??? how does the fuel get from the bottom of the tank into the TOP of that pipe?

Joe B

Joe, not sure I understand your concern regarding the flow of fuel.
The pipe screws into a boss in the bottom of the tank that protrudes
about 1/4″ up inside the tank. The tank is steel, so I don’t think
Neptune was worried about a steel pipe either. Once I got
the pipe out and cleaned, it was actually in good shape.

Prepare to be boarded!

[joecb]

OK, I get it now.
With the discussion about screen filters, I had the idea that the pipe fit up into the tank, like a filter screen would. So there in no filter screen on the end of the pipe? If not, one could sure be added. That is something that I do for all of my motors regardless of whether they came that way or not.

Joe B

[Buccaneer]

Joe, The old screen inside of the tank was a faint memory….. totally eaten
away. New one made today. It’s all back together and ready to run.
Just waiting for the gas tank sealer to cure. The cowl bolt spacers on
the front bolts appear about 1/4″ too short. Will have to “think” about
that some more.
After I long winter’s nap, I set up my test barrel today. As they say,
“Just Add Water”.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Daniel Locke]

I know this is an older post, but I thought
I might comment. I have an older AA1 with
teardrop shaped tank. I managed to
remove the petcock pipe assembly which
appears to be made of brass and has a
brass screen which is soldered to the top
end of the pipe. While I haven’t verified this,
the threads appear to be 1/8 NPT. Mine
appears ok, but I will replace it if I can.

I need to think about sealing the tank as
there is fine rust. I wish they had used
brass instead of steel!! The original paint
was maroon. Does anyone have a paint #?

[Author]

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