Hey everyone,

I have an aftermarket metering valve (Baer) plumbed into the rear brake line on the Lemans. I've got persistent leaking/seeping from the pipe-thread-to-flare-seat adapters. Anyone have a good solution to get rid of the leaks? It looks like these fittings were factory coated with some kind of thread locker, but obviously that's not working! TIA

brake fittings shouldnt be pipe thread, they should be straight thread with seats for sealing. If you have a pipe thread adapter (bushing) you want to replace it with the correct brake line fitting with the built in seat. Threads shouldnt be sealing anything on a brake fitting.

Exactly my point! This is a Wilwood style metering valve that is PIPE threaded. I totally agree with you that pipe threads have no place on a 1000-plus-psi system. I have no clue why the body of the valve isn't machined for a 45 or 37 degree flare. But it's definitely a tapered pipe thread, so I have to work with what I've got even if it is a crappy design.

Do you think Red Loctite would work, provided both surfaces were squeaky clean?

Dave,

Here is the valve I've got. http://www.wilwood.com/products/valves/valves.asp

Thanks,
Tony

Wow I cant believe they make it that way! Myself I would call the company and see what they recommend. Whatever thread sealer you use will have to be impervious to brake fluid of course, and brake fluid is pretty caustic. Are those special fittings shown in the picture with the first valve?

Yeah, those fittings are the ones giving me leak problems. I guess I'll give Wilwood a call on Monday...I can't tell what kind of thread sealant is applied to the fittings so I don't want to experiment. It did look like the sealant was pretty well broken down from exposure to the brake fluid, though.

What do you guys think about using Teflon pipe thread sealant? The stuff I have claims to work with liquids pressurised up to 10,000 psi. Any thoughts?

teflon isnt resistant to pertroleum, it will dissolve. If you want to take a chance, you can try some blue sealant that is used on black pipe for oil tank fill lines. Comes in a can with a brush and home depot has it in the plumbing department. It wont dissolve like the teflon tape will.

Cool, looks like Teflon is compatible with brake fluid...check it out!

http://www.efunda.com/designstandards/oring/oring_chemical.cfm?SC=none&SM=Teflon%2C%20Virgin#chem

Hope this helps others in similar situations!

Tony

Tony,

I can't say for sure on brake fluid, but on the hydraulic systems that I used to work on, the teflon tape would eventually leak. If we used permatex pipe sealant it would always work well.

I have the same valve that you do. I hope I can't get mind in without the leak. ;)

RJ,

Thanks for replying! I used a Teflon-rich pipe sealing paste. It looks like the equivalent of the white Permatex stuff. Hopefully this will last.