Carburator drain plug question

[sonia]

Today when I tried to start my Atomic 4, the engine would start with full choke and then die immediately when I started to close the choke.
I removed the carburetor drain plug and drained the sediment bowl into a small jar.
The gas in the jar was loaded with small red threads and specks of what appears to be some type of thread sealant. My guess is that one of these specks may be clogging a gas jet.
My question is: Should I put the drain plug in the carburetor with some kind of washer, thread sealant, Teflon tape, or just put it in plain and dry?
Thanks for the help...

[Dave Neptune]

The plug should have a fiber washer. Until you are delivering clean fuel you will have troubles.

Dave Neptune

[roadnsky]

The plug should have a fiber washer...

The washer should look like this.
Don't over tighten it. It should just be "snug".

[Dave Neptune]

Jerry, yer luky thar tis no law ginst motor porn.

You do a fabulous job dude!!

Dave Neptune

[CalebD]

I'd be thinking about replacing my fuel lines if I was seeing crap like that in my fuel as you describe. You better hope it is the hoses and not in the tank.

And yes, Jerry is a master engine close up shot baiter.

[sonia]

Really appreciate the help.
Also appreciate taking the time to post the pictures.
I'm taking the pics with me to West Marine and see if they have the fiber washer.
Thanks for all the assistance!!! This is an excellent community.
Thanks for everyone for taking the time to help and also post pictures.

Sonia

[Dave Neptune]

Sonia, you will have better luck at a Aoto parts or Hardware store looking for the fibre washer.

Dave Neptune

[edwardc]

If you go to an auto parts store, look for the "Help" section of bubble-pack hard-to-find parts. They used to carry an assortment of thin fiber carb washers. You might get lucky and have one of those fit.

McMaster-Carr also carries a wide selection of fiber washers:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#fiber-washers/=dmpj5x

[Al Schober]

NAPA used to sell the stuff in sheets - just cut to size. I've made gaskets from paper bags, backer cardboard from yellow pads, you name it... If you need a particular thickness, that makes things trickier. A hole punch is a handy tool - even if not the right size, a smaller one can nibble out a bigger hole.
I remember one Navy job - needed some .030 or so shim to get a submarine to sea over Easter weekend. Supply crib was locked up tight, so we ended up using an aluminum 'No Smoking' sign off the chain link wall in the machine shop on the tender. A bit of band saw and drill press and we had the two shims we needed. Sold the job to the ship's engineer, capt'n said 'fine' (he just wanted to get to sea), done deal.
Personally, I avoid Teflon tape - tends to end up where you don't want it.

[sonia]

Thank you so much for the tips. This will save me lots of time.

Sonia