Gas Leak

Have small 3 1/2 HP gas outbd. The plastic shutoff valve leaks
and was wondering if by-passing valve would hurt anything.

By passing the shut off valve won't hurt unless your needle and seat in the carb aren't very good , then you would loose all of the gas through the carb and into the engine it self and if laid in the wrong position could hydro lock the motor , meaning the motor won't turn over because the gas has filled the combustion chamber. I would look for a shut off valve to replace the one you already have. What type of motor is it? and can't it be replaced through the manufactors parts?

It's a Tahasu. It sat upright on my boat for two years with valve open and started
right up when I put gas in tank. The valve is plastic, and the dealer here went out of
business. I see no way of repairing the small plastic shut off valve as it appears to be
one piece. The motor has about 24 hrs on it. I bought it new in 07.

find another dealer before changing the valve try a internet search never know what you'll find???? good-luck

Thanks for all info, there may just be sombody with a valve that will fit, short of going
direct from tank to carb.

Go to I Boats .net and look up to see if there are parts avalible for your motor, should be able to find you motor and order parts direct from them.

Tom, I have I boats in my favorites, will check them out. Thanks
Robert