Should you use teflon tape on fuel lines? I have new Holley 3310 that leaks where the chrome line goes into it, should I try tape or just return the line for a new one?
Thanks.
Ron

------------------
70 Chevelle SS396 (427)M21 Before (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70before.jpg) / After (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70later.jpg)
66 Nova SS 327 M20 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/toocool66.jpg)
95 Z28 Convertible T56
Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

Gas will eat teflon tape, so I never use it on fuel fittings. It can fix a leak and then when it goes away you get a suprise, and maybe when driving. The flare on the line and seat on the carb should be making the seal, the threads shouldnt be coming into play. If you have a damaged seat or line and have no choice you can use a blue goop that is gas and oil proof, it is sold in Home Depot among other places. It is a paste like mix and gets applied with a brush. Again I normally wouldnt use anything on fuel lines but if you have to use something at least that stuff is safe.

------------------
Dave
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
68/72 chevelles
55/57/61 chevies
TC member #493
Never forget Earnhardt!

I agree with Dave. You shouldn't have to use teflon tape on the fuel line fittings because the seal is made at the flare and seat. However, I broke my old chrome dual feed line a few months ago by over tightening it and I went to my local speed shop for a new one. It leaked like crazy no matter how tight I made it. So I took it back and the guy said to use teflon tape on the threads. I really thought he was full of baloney because it didn't make any sense to me. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt and tried it, basically because I've dealt with this guy for years. It has worked so far but it is a pain in the butt every time I take it apart to change jets or whatever, and eventually it is going to leak or break again because I still have to crank on it to seal. I guess I need to buy one made in the good old U.S.A..

The fitting is inverted flare. The threads are there just to tighten the two seats together if it leaks the line is bad. Putting tape on the threads is just a bandage for a bad piece of equipment. If it won't seal without the tape take it back it's junk.

Ron,
For a temporary fix, try the old black Permatex. But repair the line ASAP.

------------------
Tino #28 Gold
72 Malibu 350-300,700R4, 12 bolt 4.10.
83 Grand Prix LJ 305

Gas will eat normal teflon. But Type G (Yellow) teflon used on gas fittings should be fine.

But like everyone said, the flare should mate with the seat. If it doesn't take back the fitting.

Later
Steve

I hate to be the not-so-prodigal son, but...

My 3310 came with a crappy fuel log. Had to "un-bend" the end for it to even begin to thread. I used white teflon tape and it sealed it right up. That was 6k miles and just over a year ago. One of the reasons I don't change my front jets is because of that tape. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
71' 3880# with me. Big Block 402, Merlin oval heads, 10.2:1CR, TH400, 3.73 posi,
1/8th: 8.0 @ 88mph
1/4: 12.5 @109mph w/ 1.89 sixty foot (street tires)
Picture of me roasting the tires and other guy stuff (http://www.auburnextremeracing.com/drivers/mike/)
My other site, picture oriented (http://www.chevelle-ss.com/Member's_Pages/Mike_S.htm)

-Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club www.chevelle-ss.com (http://www.chevelle-ss.com)

I have had the teflon tape bits get in to the needle/seat assembly and cause me grief in the past and I now use the liquid teflon goo sold by LOCTITE and others that is specified by them for this application! Works great,looks better also. Good luck.

In your case I'd replace the fuel line but in case you don't want to, here's a fix I saw here on TC. Put some liquid Teflon thread sealer (Loctite makes some and the $9 stuff is much better than the $4 stuff) on the BACKSIDE of the flare (just a thin coating) and a little on the first few threads of the nut. That sealed up the leak on my line to carb fitting on a repro L78 fuel line 2 years ago. I've had it off numerous times since. The line kit is $50 plus S&H so I sure as hell didn't want to shell out another $60 to fix one little leak.

------------------
von '69 300 Dlx SS TC #15 ACES #1575 HSCA #5
My '69 SS (http://mywebpage.netscape.com/jerryacheson/vons69.html)

Make sure you lube the threads and the back of the flare if you aren't already.

It will allow you to tighten the fitting better and keep from damaging the tubing by twisting it with the nut.

might also inspect the flare seat and maybe use some steel wool to remove imperfections.

------------------
Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

It was a new line, I sent it back to Jegs this morning. Hopefully they will send me another one in a few days.
Thanks for the advice.
Ron