Well, That Was a Waste of Time and Money! '70-'74
05-03-2018, 01:33 PM
#1
Just another Corvette guy
Thread Starter
Well, That Was a Waste of Time and Money! '70-'74
Just a warning for any of my Corvette brothers who need to replace that leaky fuel separator valve. Don't waste your time with the valve Corvette America offers. Ordered a new fuel separator valve made by Corvette America, stamped "Rochester Made in USA". Not cheap either, $57 for this little gem! Listing states "This item is a quality part made by Corvette America".
Received it on the 20th of April, installed on the 21st. It lasted 9 days before it ruptured.
The body is warped and the sealed/glued seam has separated. I am convinced this part is NOT compatible at all with gasoline fumes and is probably a Chinese knock off. Submitted for a full refund.
I have a call in to my friend at the local Chevrolet dealership to see what he can source. I will let you know what transpires.
Mean time, valve is out so car is down. Pissed? You bet.
Received it on the 20th of April, installed on the 21st. It lasted 9 days before it ruptured.
The body is warped and the sealed/glued seam has separated. I am convinced this part is NOT compatible at all with gasoline fumes and is probably a Chinese knock off. Submitted for a full refund.
I have a call in to my friend at the local Chevrolet dealership to see what he can source. I will let you know what transpires.
Mean time, valve is out so car is down. Pissed? You bet.
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doorgunner (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 02:12 PM
#2
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Hi Greg,
Well that's disappointing!!!!
I can understand why he's burning up!
Regards,
Alan
Well that's disappointing!!!!
I can understand why he's burning up!
Regards,
Alan
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Greg (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 03:37 PM
#3
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05-03-2018, 03:41 PM
#4
Just another Corvette guy
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Still waiting to hear, but I'm sure they will.
05-03-2018, 09:15 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
Hey Greg,
Sorry to hear about your misfortune! I guess I might be one of the lucky ones. I purchased mine from CC about two years ago and everything is fine so far. Knock on wood! I probably just jinxed myself. I understand your frustration, replacing that valve is a terrible job to perform once, let alone twice. I had to replace the valve on my car because fuel was seeping from the bottom seam. See pic attached. Some guys suggested using an epoxy to seal it up, but I was afraid to try because I thought fuel would break down the epoxy, and I didn't want to remove it again. Apparently that's what is happening to these anyway!
Let me know how things progress!
Tooch
Sorry to hear about your misfortune! I guess I might be one of the lucky ones. I purchased mine from CC about two years ago and everything is fine so far. Knock on wood! I probably just jinxed myself. I understand your frustration, replacing that valve is a terrible job to perform once, let alone twice. I had to replace the valve on my car because fuel was seeping from the bottom seam. See pic attached. Some guys suggested using an epoxy to seal it up, but I was afraid to try because I thought fuel would break down the epoxy, and I didn't want to remove it again. Apparently that's what is happening to these anyway!
Let me know how things progress!
Tooch
Last edited by Tooch1; 05-05-2018 at 08:07 AM.
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Greg (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 10:11 PM
#6
Just another Corvette guy
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Greg (05-04-2018)
05-04-2018, 11:43 AM
#9
Race Director
I used JB Weld on my original one maybe 10-12yrs ago on my '74. Still holding up great, so far.
Last edited by Paul Borowski; 05-04-2018 at 11:43 AM.
05-04-2018, 01:21 PM
#10
Just another Corvette guy
Thread Starter
The problem with the one I purchased is that the plastic does not seem fuel compatible as it warped/distorted pretty badly.
I'm beginning to think the ethanol fuel here in California might be the culprit.
I'm beginning to think the ethanol fuel here in California might be the culprit.
Last edited by Greg; 05-04-2018 at 02:02 PM.
05-04-2018, 04:32 PM
#11
Team Owner
Are you sure your EEC system is working correctly and not clogged? That is the only thing that is venting your tank (varies by year model though). If your tank doesn't vent then it could distort your separator valve as you show.
05-04-2018, 08:52 PM
#13
Race Director
You have me a little confused. I just looked at Corvette America's website and catalog, and both show the tank valve (part number 45017, 70-74 Gas Tank Valve) as being $46.99, not $57? Also, I don't see any mention of it being a part that they make.
Another company has been making those valves for about 10 years. They're not that good a seller, and I can't imagine it would be worth it for Corvette America to start making them too. I have a wholesale account with Corvette America and access to their dealer only website. Normally, parts they make are marked on their wholesale site with a red "SB" (stock builder), and those valves aren't.
I'm curious because I don't like returns, and usually try not stock or deal with repro parts with known quality issues. Also, I don't want to see a company get blamed for a faulty part, if they're not making it.
Another company has been making those valves for about 10 years. They're not that good a seller, and I can't imagine it would be worth it for Corvette America to start making them too. I have a wholesale account with Corvette America and access to their dealer only website. Normally, parts they make are marked on their wholesale site with a red "SB" (stock builder), and those valves aren't.
I'm curious because I don't like returns, and usually try not stock or deal with repro parts with known quality issues. Also, I don't want to see a company get blamed for a faulty part, if they're not making it.
05-04-2018, 10:19 PM
#14
Team Owner
Not much of a warranty when you have a failure and the 'guarantee' is to send you another one just like it. 
I've not bought much from C.A. And based on the quality of what I have purchased and their LACK of response to resolve any "issues", I won't be buying from them again.
I've not bought much from C.A. And based on the quality of what I have purchased and their LACK of response to resolve any "issues", I won't be buying from them again.
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Greg (05-05-2018)
05-05-2018, 08:12 AM
#15
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I have bought a lot of parts from Corvette America, and have had great customer service if and when I needed it. Most of the parts they sell are the same parts anyone else sells. I hope people realize that most of these parts for our cars are made by the same manufacturer, and distributed by many vendors. Unless a part is specifically stated as made by Corvette America, which they do make some parts, its the same parts as ZIP, CC, Ecklers, Paragon, etc all sell.