Technical Fuel fitting tape

As far as the teflon tape is concerned:

If one can find some of the carburetor rebuilder's catalogs from the 60's, 70's, 80's, etc. one will find that most have a sentence somewhere in the catalog that the use of teflon tape will VOID the warranty. Unless one is independantly wealthy, this statement should be considered.

As far as the liquid sealers, pastes, etc. are concerned; it has been mentioned several times in this thread that these are a LUBRICANT!!!

When I was still rebuilding carbs, I trashcanned several Rochester 2-G tops (including several factory tripower ) that were cracked because of the use of paste or liquid sealer and tightening the fitting until it got "tight" (or cracked the casting).

Use these carefully.

With O.E. type fittings, I always just replaced the fitting with new and did not use a sealer. Had to machine several fittings (inverted flare fittings are fun to make) over the years, but had no leaks, and the lines would come apart.

Jon

 

Loctite 545 does not remain a liquid.

It hardens anaerobically within a few minutes of application.

 

Anaerobic is the key term

 

If it hardened aerobically, they would not be able to sell it.

 

I think we are talking above the class at this point

 

Dang, now I gotta go Google some words…

 

So back in the 80’s I had a job that required us to use Teflon tape on all NPT fittings, mostly SS 1/8th to 1/2 in.
My dad was a plumber for 4/5 years, the installed well pumps for another 4/5 years dating back to the mid 50’s. All the fittings he connected were done with pipe dope.
So leap back to the 80’s, I was helping him run a water line and he was going to head to town to get the pipe joint stuff. I told him I had a few rolls of Teflon tape in my work box, let’s use it.
He didn’t think it would work, we adapted a water hose from 1/2 NPT to 3/4 NPT, coupling to another 3/4 NPT pipe, filled the pipe and capped the end, wide open with the water valve, no leaks no drips. He never use joint compound again.

 

think what you like, - the rest of us know that you’re not……..

 

WOW ! Really ?

 

agreed, pretty arrogant statement. Some of us other people may actually know a thing or two

 

My fuel tank accepts a 3/8" npt threaded fitting of my choice.
I will want to use a quality tape on it. Done properly it looks cleaner.

In reality, I will probably use pipe dope on it, because is what I have on the shelf.
Then spend 20 minutes wiping off the excess to make it look nice

Years ago as a remodel carpenter, I've done a lot of plumbing or worked with plumbers on the job.
Pipe dope works the best on npt threads, but it is messy. Under the house, in the walls it is fine.

If you trim out a bathroom installing chrome faucets, toilette etc ... you use tape.
A can of pipe dope will have the drips of the product on the outside of the can.
You pick up the can you get it on your fingers.
You tighten a connection and you will always get some on your hands .... The stuff will jump 2' from the joint & land on your hands. .... Then you touch the chrome faucet & you leave fingerprints on everything you touch.
A one hour install turns into 2 hours with all the extra cleanup you need to do.

IMHO, dope & tape both work fine done properly. I prefer dope .... tape has it's place.
PTFE tape applied like the right is correct .... left is just wrong.

I grabbed photo from the internet, imho, the right needs 2 maybe 3 more wraps. They just did one wrap for example.

 

The plant I used to work at as a Millwright banned the use of Teflon tape on all fittings except chlorine; and that had to be inspected by someone else before assembly. So 40 years ago I got in the habit of using a liquid or paste Teflon compound for everything but Nat. Gas service. That gets pipe dope.

 

Earl's must feel they are of some value...

 

Tape only has to be 1/4" wide up to about 1"npt. I usually fold it over and do a turn and a half and still some to clean off, just not as much..

 

It I use Teflon tape on any fitting I cut it in half. At one time I had a 1/4” wide roll at work, I’ve not looked much but would buy another right after I use up the 5 partial rolls I have now.

 

If I'm going to use any sealer on any type of threaded connection, here is what I use. I get it at ORiellys for about $6. It is a thin gel almost clear. I usually give it overnight (just my choice) to set up. You can break it loose easily if you ever need to open the fitting. It settles into the thread of the fitting and as you tighten, it stays in place in low areas. Wipe the excess off after tightening. Its oil and fuel resistant...and its easy to apply.