teflon tape ? i thought that was only for plumbers . i only used thread sealer. should i also of used teflon tape??

 

i have no idea.. i new to this stuff

, i should of used thread sleaer then

 

I use Permatex Form-a Gasket on them

Dean Call, Master Plumber

 

is that anykind of Permatex, or is there a special one for threads.

 

It's called Form-a gasket, by Permatex

Works great on Brass pipe threads

 

the biggest problem with using tape is that if the excess tape gets into the certain areas it can plug things up. I would also be concerned about the ability of the tape to hold up at high temperatures.

 

since the fitting is Brass ( autometer temp sensor) i put it on tight but not to tight cuz i was afriad of striping it.. so do you think i shoudl jsut crank on it a few more times??? it basically is jsut driping while the car is running.

 

In most applications unless it says specifically not to where teflon tape is required, I use the liquid stuff, it seems to work much better.

I have done a lot of work repairing leaky sprinkler heads on golf course irrigation systems and have found the liquid to hold up much better.

 

ALSO, be aware that if you use Teflon tape on the temp sensor, electrical conductivity may be affected resulting in a non operative temperature light or guage. I have never used anything on the threads and have never had a leak.

 

Originally posted by MalibuJerry350:
ALSO, be aware that if you use Teflon tape on the temp sensor, electrical conductivity may be affected resulting in a non operative temperature light or guage. I have never used anything on the threads and have never had a leak.

Roger that. Threads should be tapered NPT anyway negating the need for thread sealers.

 

so i should jsut try tightening it more then??

 

I would try tightning it more if it was me or I were you or you were me or......whatever
Just don't "egg shape" the fitting.

Dale, Pipe threads do need pipe dope, especially brass pipe threads.
On any brass NPT that doesn't get too hot I use Teflon tape AND teflon paste.

 

I say tighten it... If its not as tight as you can make it, and it leaks, the cure seems obvious.

 

Ooooo Kaaaay. Now I'm primed.

Overtightening pipe thread is a great way to split castings. Yeah, that's the voice of experience. Pipe thread is tapered, so as you tighten, it wedges into the female threads. Tight enough, and you hear the telltale "TINK" of the casting as it cracks.

RTV Silicone=the most universally overused sealer. I find I use less and less of it. I've probably bought my last tube, at least for automotive use. It is really good for sealing the corners of the pan or intake gasket set, where the rubber end seals butt against the cork-or-paper-y gaskets. Some folks don't use rubber end seals, and perhaps RTV is a good replacement for them.

Hylomar=Neat stuff! I assemble parts with hylomar and can dis-assemble gasketed parts without tearing the gasket. Add a smear of fresh Hylomar and re-assemble. I saved a bunch on gaskets by being able to re-use them. Hylomar was invented by Rolls-Royce, (but licensed by various others) so expect to pay plenty for a medium sized tube.

Permatex form-a-gasket=the "poo" looking goo. One variety hardens, the other just gets perpetually thicker. Yeah, it glues gaskets pretty well, and it'll seal threads. If I owned some, I'd probably use it until I ran out, and then buy something else. Dammed miserable to clean off your hands. Once gaskets smeared with Permatex are put in service, you'll rip the gasket to shreads before the Permatex will let go. Once it sets up, it's dammed miserable to clean off of parts, too.

Teflon Tape=obsolete, and a pain in the tuckus to work with. Plenty of folks wrap it on the threads the wrong direction, and have no end of frustration (me, for instance) Or they don't wrap it tight enough and it just bunches up where the fitting screws into the female threads. Can tear and come loose internally, but I have to admit I've never actually seen it. Can electrically insulate an electric switch or sensor so it won't function. Heat probably is NOT a factor, teflon works on frypans, right?

"normal" Teflon paste=obsolete for sealing pipe thread EXCEPT if you would be sealing a drinking water system. To tell the truth, I'll thin it with alcohol and use it for gasket sealing, I've rejuvenated used intake gaskets and even applied it to stamped steel head gaskets. I had to double gasket my big-block valve covers, and that's what glued the two VC gaskets together. I won't use it for pipe thread sealing on automotive stuff.

Anti-sieze compound=Has some sealing ability, and allows you to remove otherwise "problem" fittings, like iron plugs from aluminum intake manifolds.

Loctite PST (Pipe Sealer with Teflon)= FANTASTIC STUFF! This contains the active ingredient in other thread locking compounds, so the thread sealer doesn't just "dry", it HARDENS. Does a SUPER job of sealing pipe thread, and at the same time, prevents corrosion of the threads so you can take the parts apart later if you want to. THIS IS THE STUFF YOU WANT for automotive use!

 

i still say id you dont have it tight, just tighten it up a little more. OBVIOUSLY you don't want to tighten it til it cracks, just like you wouldn't want to tighten a bolt til it breaks off, but you STILL need to have it tight to seal... this goes for any type of fitting, gas,oil, or water.

 

I use Loctite's PST at work and at home. Never had a problem.

 

Originally posted by Keith Tedford:
I use Loctite's PST at work and at home. Never had a problem.

Me too.


Leo Paugh, Master Mechanic.

 

wow thanks for all the replys.. Imm going to try and retighten the sensor.. becuase its in the adaport to make it larger and i might be leacking from that and if not.. out shes comes.. this time im going to try and save all that new coolant i jsut put in..


Thanks again

Dan

 

I've used teflon tape on my intake fittings (heater hose, water pump, brake booster)and gas lines before. Never had a problem, or a leak. Just be neat about it.

Sounds like I should check into this Loctite PST though.

I didn't know about the temp sensor either... hmmm.. learn something new everyday!

 

I've used teflong forever and had no leaks and no problems.
My temp sensor is actually a tube filled with some sort of alcohol or something wrapped with a spring. The whole thing is flexable back to the gauge. No electricity involved.
Now, the electrical sending unit type need to be grounded throught the fitting.

 

I've never needed to use sealer on sending units before.

 

ya so i tightened it down more.. still leaks but took alot longer to start (damn headers,, make all jobs 3 times longer ) so remove headers.. empty coolant, remove sensor, add some stuff to the treads and then hopfully third times a charm

thanks, im surprised how many replys ive gotten from this subject, but keep it up more tips the better


Dan

 

I have used teflon tape for years, and never had a problem (no leaks, no errant pieces clogging anything up, no problems with electrical sending units)... And I usually use the cheap stuff I find at Home Depot/Lowe's/etc...

I do love the Locktite PST, and I usually use that now days, unless I am out, in which case its the Teflon Tape to the rescue...

 

I use sealant because I don't want to have to tighten the fittings too much. I figure I'm gonna want to remove them someday.

No worries with brass, but when you screw steel, or even stainless fittings into aluminum intakes, you should use some "nevr-seiz" (or something like it) to keep the unlike metals from corroding and fusing together.

 

I went to about 5 or 6 places before I found Loctite PST after reading good reviews on this site. The stuff works.

The words of Bubba, "Hey Vern, you gotta put some Rudy Tudy in that mf! Ain't that whatcha call it?"