+2 Tank Banjo Fitting

[hastu]

Hi all
I have installed a new aluminium tank on my +2 S130. unfortunately the connection (banjo fitting) is leaking. I can't find a suitable connection either at SJ or at kelvedon. Does anyone have an idea where I can buy the part?
regards

[Donels]

The banjo should have fibre washers either side to prevent leakage. They are missing in your photo. You can get a complete pack from Car Builder Solutions for £5.

[mbell]

You normally just need to replace the washers with new ones. I think I used copper washers as had then on hand but can also use fiber washers I think.

The bolt is likely a bsp thread, so maybe be able to get a suitable sized washers from a plumbing store.

[alan.barker]

What's that bit of plastic tube for it's not original fixed to the end of the banjo bolt.
Alan

[hastu]

hi alan,
this isnot a plastic tube, its some kind of metal grid, may works as a fuel filter.
I think it was crushed when the bolt last time wss mounted

The banjo seems to be a lot to large for the bolt.

I will look for fibre washers anyway

[alan.barker]

Ok,
I see a sort of filter. I think fibre washers are a good idea they don't need to be very tight not to leak. Like on the carb banjos.
Alan

[seniorchristo]

I think the threads are 7/16-20 and originally had copper washers.

[mikealdren]

I think the threads are 7/16-20 and originally had copper washers.

Both of my cars have fibre washers and I've no reason to suspect that they weren't original (I've owned one car since it was 8 years old) however, being Lotus, they may have varied from time to time.

[smo17003]

The "problem" with fibre washers is that they don't like to be allowed to dry out. That's when they can crack and then fail. Back in the day when our cars were used daily, this would not be such a problem. Now, with their infrequent use, it makes it all the more important to check your banjo connections, even for the small cost, perhaps replace the washers each year.
Fibre washers have been used in plumbing for many years. A plumber will tell you that they fail at connections that are hardly ever used, so they dry out and crack, and the next time e.g. a tap is turned on or pipework is disturbed, you get a leak at the connection.

With the above said, has anyone used Dowty washers to seal their banjo connections? They are obviously used frequently in hydraulics and I have read that many classic bike owners like to replace fibre with Dowty.

Mike

[alan.barker]

On a +2 at the bottom of the Tank i don't think there is a risk they wil dry out lol.
Alan

[Clarki]

"With the above said, has anyone used Dowty washers to seal their banjo connections? They are obviously used frequently in hydraulics and I have read that many classic bike owners like to replace fibre with Dowty."

Dowty washers work well in many applications, we use them a lot on aircraft, but the bolt and banjo have to be exactly the right size, matching, and the faces fairly flat and clean.
I used copper washers on my fuel tank banjo, never leaked again.
Hope that helps a little.

Cheers
Iain

[cliveyboy]

The original picture above seems to show Dowty seals being used.
Dowtys are perfectly OK to use but are reliant on having good surfaces to seal against as you only have a very small sealing edge. Fibre washers have the advantage of a much larger sealing area. You also need to make sure the specific dowtys are OK with fuels (Viton rubber not Neoprene etc). They are usually used with Hydraulic fluids which tend not to destroy rubber like petrol does.

[alan.barker]

Yes,
Looks like in photo they are Dowty.
With fibre washers you don't need to tighten a lot. Also if surface is a little rough they will still seal.
Carb banjos use fibre washers so why not here on the Tank.
Alan

[alanr]

There are no Dowty washers used.
The fittings as shown in the photo are original.The banjo is larger than the bolt because of the two stepped (top hat type)washers that fit either side of the banjo. It should be fitted with fibre washers that fit on the stepped part of each washer.

Alan

[alan.barker]

I wonder have you got a photo of a stepped washer.
I've not seen a "stepped washer" before.
I know there's a step on the banjo bolt to centralise washer and banjo.
Alan