Technical Teflon tape/thread sealer use

Does anyone have a definitive answer about when to use some kind of thread sealer? I always thought : Br***/Br*** = No, Steel/Steel = Yes. I need to put some br*** plugs in a set of Edmunds heads, so it's Br***/Aluminum. I would use sealer. Anyone disagree?

 

I've worked on a lot of cars. Race cars, race boats, hot rods, street racers.
In my years of helping others, one thing I've learned NOT to do on my own vehicles...use Teflon Tape.
Even years ago, a plummer showed my exactly why NOT to use tape. It just doesn't stay where it's supposed to...period. Yea, there may be "experts" at applying and using the tape...I still don't agree...but that's for my engines to be 100% Teflon Tape free.

Most times I just use oil. I have used Teflon "paste" with good results. NEVER use sealant on AN fittings.
NPT threads, use oil or commercial (NON-hardening) "pastes" will work, but use sparingly, don't squeeze a bunch on the threads, a little-el-do.
The minor diameter or deep inside the treads is where it does the most good. Leave the first thread or so dry so what ever you do use doesn't get where it's not supposed to be.

Again...once you've found "tape" inside of fuel pumps, fuel filters, oil pumps, oil filters, floating in radiator tanks...in people engines that "should" know better..!

Mike

 

It's pretty easy to apply Teflon tape properly, but you have to pay a slight bit of attention to how the fitting works, and to what you're doing. As long as you don't put the tape past the end of the threads, it won't get inside. Apparently, that is difficult for some guys to understand, or to do.

Of course, not using it at all is a sure way to not have problems with it.

I use paste thread sealer on br*** fittings in aluminum, usually.

 

I use Teflon tape at times. Jim knows whereof he speaks. One of the things i like about it is that it acts as an antiseize. Which is something I would consider a must with your heads.

 

Pipe threads = sealer of choice but minimal. Not pipe threads= no sealer.
As Jim said, too many guys use way too much sealer on threaded fittings Or on engines in general.

 

Plumbers are the worst at using Teflon tape. It doesn't take an expert to apply it, just a little common sense. Always leave 2 threads exposed. Pipe fittings are tapered so the first two threads stick through the hole in some applications. Teflon tape can come off and go into the system. The Teflon paste works well in some applications but not in others.

Br*** DOT air line fittings come with a sealer applied to the area that seals. I think it's a silicone product but it's dried on. Note how the first 2 threads aren't coated.

 

Teflon tape is a lubricant not a sealer.
Avoid it.

 

Google -" Thread seal tape (also known as PTFE tape or plumber's tape) is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film for use in sealing pipe threads. "That said, Teflon tape, as all things is to be used in moderation and with the application of common sense. Half of the people who hate it tried to wind the tape onto the fitting the wrong way. So on installing the fitting it unwound the tape instead of drawing it in. So they said "This tape ****s'" Or they went with the "if some is good, more is better. And to much is just right." On fittings that are stainless steel, which is prone to galling, I like the tape. Cheap aluminun so called AN fittings also are prone to galling and the tape resists that. You asked a yes or no question and got 4 or 5 answers. Helpful?

 

I like to use the teflon paste, it helps it not to gall, and might even help the seal. . I even put it on the threads (sparingly) of compression fittings...not the sealing surface.
In a pinch I will use Loc***e 242 in its place. Good Luck

 

That's it right there, all of it.
Use it wrong and it can't work right.

Teflon tape comes in a few grades and thicknesses too. I prefer the thinner stuff as it conforms to the treads better.

Common sense ain't so common now-a-days

 

I prefer Teflon tape over the paste as there's no volatiles to dry up or harden. Stick to pipe threads and it works fine. Definitely would be my first choice threading into aluminum...

 

I've always used the tape and never had a problem...
Just gotta know how to apply it on the fittings...
Piece of cake!

 

Ever end up with tape particles plugging up your nitrous solenoids ? things get ugly real quick. Ask my dumb *** nephew.

 

Cracks me up when I see people use Teflon tape on flair fittings.

Those are the people that do not understand what the seal surface is.... The flair... Not the threads!!!

P.S. ..... I use tape when it is needed on pipe threads and only pipe threads.

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Good grief Charlie Brown! Anyone using tape or a sealant on flare fittings should not be working on flare fittings or probably any fittings at all. Teflon tape, properly applied in moderation will never cause a problem.

 

I probably should have mentioned I was asking about NPT only. It never crossed my mind that someone would try them on flare fittings or anything else. Thanks for the input.

 

..and there are parameters on how many turns of tape to apply to the threads, depending on the pipe size.

 

If you have to remove a taped fitting make sure you thoroughly clean the port before reinstalling it. There will be small pieces of torn tape in the threads.

 

I am not at the expertise level of many of you guys, but in that situation I would use the Permatex Thread sealer it comes in a white tube. I usually use something, either a sealer or anti-seize on any dissimilar metals.

 

Russco; with you (agree), on dissimilar metals. SS & AL weld together after time & moisture go to work.

 

Hydraulics guy here and was taught to never use teflon tape on fittings only liquid sealant
Reason being as has been stated some people get over zealous applying it and it gets into the system causing issues

Should only be used on pipe thread and interference fittings or on dissimilar metals or soft metals
The reason for teflon tape is it lubricates the threads and you get a tighter seal

Never to be used on flair, jic, o ring or flange fittings -- the sealing face is all that's required

I prefer the liquid teflon or lock ***e sealant


Teflon tape is fine if applied sparingly and wrapped the right way
You wrap it backwards from how the fitting screws in it will just unravel and

 

Loc***e 221 lubricates and seals.


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I was a Stationary Engineer by trade for over 30 plus years . Teflon Tape is the answer to seal tapered threads . Mind you that there are differences in the tapes you use . HF tape is the same as there tools = China Copies . Get yourself some John Crane sealing tape and never look back . Yes it is a lube and sealer in one . It lubes the threads allowing them to be drawn tighter to seal . So how do you define lube or seal ? When you are dealing with 1200 psi working steam pressure , I suspect that is a much higher pressure and temp than you will ever reach in any mechanical process in your auto it works fine if properly used and quality tape is used . Straight threads can be sealed with lock***e with good results , just clean the surfaces with before use . Flare fittings require NO sealer of any kind , the flare is what seals the fitting not the threads of the fitting or fitting nut . I have seem it many times over, “ Master Mechanics “ using tape on flare fitting on fuel line and wandering why it still leaks and the carb is spewing fuel like a fountain . Maybe it’s because of misuse of tape on a flare fitting that has torn off and under the carb seats . Use tape properly and enjoy your hot rod and not working on it , that game is for my old Pan that there are not enough thread sealers made to stop the leaks !

 

I never use teflon tape on any car related project. Two products I use are Loc***e 569 Thread Sealant and Loc***e 545 Pneumatic/Hydraulic Seal.

 

ARP thread sealer. Works great as a sealer, lubricant and an antiseize. Who could possibly know more about threads than ARP.

 

The best for all br***, stainless, aluminum and a mixture of.
42 years as a plumber/pipefitter and never found anything better.

 

That's in my tool box.
But reserved for bolts that go into water or oil flow. $11.00 for 1.69 ounces! Yes it will seal tapered threads but there's tape for that and tape isn't worth much on the bolts

 

^^ Ouch!! Actually, one of the reasons I asked is because a friend who is a pipe-fitter for an industrial sprinkler company gave me 6 new rolls of teflon tape. So I am pretty cheap.

 

I've used teflon tape for years on steel pipe fittings, but not on fuel systems, only coolant. On aluminum threads like an intake, I use pipe dope in a tube. It's certified for pressurized gas lines like natural or propane, also for dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion in the joints. I cracked a plastic air line fitting one time using tape, so now I only use the tube dope on plastic fittings, too.

 

I always use tape on hydraulic fittings because it's almost impossible to get them dry to use a paste type sealant.