Capt John wrote:



Hi Chris, that white stuff is probably aluminum oxide, with some salt
thrown in for effect. If I were you, I would do the bare minimum amount
of work you can to get your self back to working order. On older stuff
like yours it's a ripple effect, touch one thing, break two, and on and
on until you end up replacing the tank, not much fun. By the way, that
valve's not defective, it hasn't been maintained. You have to open and
close them from time to time, keep water away from them, and a little
WD-40 sprayed on them now and then goes a long way. I have a bad
feeling you've worked yourself into a corner, and may have to replace
that fuel tank, which, like everything else, doesn't last forever.


Capt John;
I basically agree with you, but I'd like to add that what we probably
have is a dissimilar metals problem (reducer/valve) that had no anti
seize on the threads. An aluminum valve probably should have been
replaced the minute you realized it was aluminum.

WD40 is one of the most misused products around. WD40 is mostly a
solvent that would wash away most of any grease or oil and speed up
corrosion in the long run, it is very poor for preventing corrosion.

My WD gets used as starting fluid, metal polish, and is used as a
cleaner. I use spray oil for the other stuff.

"A little oil on them goes a long way."

Jim