Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Hi everyone. First time poster, looking for some tech advice.

I've got a 1984 Honda Aero 50 that I'm fixing up. Other than doing lots of cleaning of the frame and components, I've replaced the piston rings and honed the cylinder. Additionally, I'm needing a couple of gaskets that are rubber-like and can withstand constant contact with gasoline (between gas level sender unit and gas tank; between gas tank and gas petcock.

Anyone one know if typical tire tube rubber will work for this application (and not melt over time?).

Thanks!
Agostini

im guessing rubber will rot over time. might work for a while. I don't remember there being a gasket there

Google it dude!

awhile back somebody used laminate and took out the o-rings but i have not heard how it worked or if it with stood the gas. that dude just kinda faded away

I needed the same thing when i was getting my 85 Aero together and needing something quick I just went to the hardware store and starting looking at plumbing gaskets. I found a black rubber ring gasket that worked great for something like 50 cents. That was 2 years ago and everything seems fine, but I haven't checked on it either.
Edit: That was for the sending unit. For the petcock, I just put a bunch of teflon tape on the threads and that kept it from leaking.

The petcock is sealed by an o-ring. If you are looking for a non-Honda replacement the best type to get is Viton due to its excellent fuel and heat resistance. The same would apply to the sender unit seal but I don't think Viton sheet is all that easy to find for cutting your own. If using plumbing washers look for Neoprene, which has moderate resistance, rather than natural rubber. However, the washer from a Honda dealer is only about $4.

Personally, for something as important as the fuel tank, I wouldn't make do - I'd just spend the small amount on the best replacement.

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

I was REALLY tempted to make washers out of that tire tube material, but I did find that this type of rubber will probably not last if in contact with gasoline. There are several types of rubber that are safe for gasoline - like the previous poster, I found that neoprene is good to use with gasoline.

Where to get the stuff? I went to my local Ace Hardware store (I live in Colorado) - they have an extensive section of fasteners/washers/etc... they had neoprene washers (40 cents) and larger fender washers ($1.70). I should be able to make this work for my application, and cheaply too!

Have fun scoot'n around out there!!

Agostini