Teflon tape on diesel line fittings?
Giles Morris
brass fittings for the connections between the copper lines, fuel filter,
flexible lines and secondary filter. I'm wondering about using Teflon tape
on the threads of the fittings: Is it likely to do any harm (e.g. soluble in
diesel fuel)? Is it likely to do any good?
Informed opinion would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Giles Morris
Montgomery 15 "Umiaq"
Vancouver 25 "Dolphin"
Larry A. Miles
such as hydraulic and fuel. The Teflon tape can get into the system and
cause damage if used carelessly. Since tape and liquids work equally well,
why take a chance?
Teflon will not degrade in diesel or oil. It is theoretically good to about
400 degrees F also, but in tape form it seems to turn into a powder about a
hundred degrees below that. (Still it will maintain a seal in a threaded
joint however).
I often see the mistake of using tape on flare and compression type
fittings. In those fittings the seal is created by the deformation of the
metal in the flare or compression collar. The threads do not seal and tape
or sealant there is useless.
On diesel fuel lines and components - to do a really great job - you might
consider capping off the system after completion and putting about 25 psi
air to it and then putting soapy water on all the connections. Tiny little
leaks can allow air to get into the system and make your diesel engines
start hard and you may not ever know what's really going on.
Giles Morris wrote in message ...
Ron White
your fuel system. This may not become a problem if they are upstream of the
filter/sep. , but if little pieces are introduced downstream of the filter
and go into the injection pump or its inlet screen then you could be left
sitting somewhere with expensive repairs to the injection system. I would
not take the chance with TFE tape. There are plenty other products in liquid
or paste form that are less likely to cause problems.
--
Ron White
Building a 30' Sportfisherman
http://www.concentric.net/~knotreel
Gary H. Lucas
assembly with 28 brass fittings from 1/2" to 1 1/2" in size using teflon
tape. I was a little upset when I had 56 leaks! Yes every fitting leaked
on both sides, and I am quite experienced at pipe fitting. I took the
fittings apart one by one trying to fix the leaks to no avail until I
noticed that the teflon seemed to roll up in little balls. I looked at all
the rolls and saw that they were made in Malaysia. I went to Home Depot and
looked at several different brands and found some marked Made in USA, Mil
Spec. No more leaks, and when I complained to the large plumbing supply
where the original stuff came from they refused to believe me. I mentioned
this to another of my customers, he responded with "Oh yeah, I never use
their tape that !@#E@# leaks!" Don't skimp buy good stuff.
Gary H. Lucas
CANOPYTREE
>your fuel system.
A few years ago I took a hydraulid sytem maintenacne class. The instructor
told us the the purpose of the Teflon tape or liquid was to lubricate the
threads to allow a smooth tightening of the fittings. The machining of the
threads will seal because they are a double taper, two wedges pushing against
each other.
Liquid and tape can both come off if too much of either is used. One and a
half wraps of (high quality, US made!) tape is what I was taught to use.
Liquids can clog diesel systems too.
Tom
Bryon Kass
filter. To use it after would invite the teflon to break off and
get into the injector pump. Teflon does not disolve in #2 but do not
use that liquid stuff.
Bryon Kass
webmaster and
Custom Design
150 Mechanic St.
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-543-9068 or fax 508-543-5127, Foot yard 508-384-2415
in THE ENGINE ROOM http://home.ici.net/~cusdn
Giles Morris
Giles Morris
Bud
1. Very important: No pipe fitting compound (tape or paste or whatever) on the
first two threads of the male fitting.
2. Kinda silly, but it has happened: The pipe fitting compound goes on the male
component, not the female.
Bud Stych
Traverse City, MI
tenmile...@gmail.com
!
tenmile...@gmail.com
> Unless you are EXTREMELY careful you may get some pieces of Teflon tape in
> filter/sep. , but if little pieces are introduced downstream of the filter
> and go into the injection pump or its inlet screen then you could be left
> sitting somewhere with expensive repairs to the injection system. I would
> not take the chance with TFE tape. There are plenty other products in liquid
> or paste form that are less likely to cause problems.
>
> --
> Ron White
> Building a 30' Sportfisherman
> http://www.concentric.net/~knotreel
tenmile...@gmail.com
goodsoldi...@invalid.junk
wrote:
talk to but you are talking to him?
The implication is, apparently, that in talking to someone who is too
stupid to talk to you are demonstrating that you are even more stupid
then he is. One can envision you standing on the corner ranting and
raving at a telephone post for getting in your way.
--
Cheers,
Schweik
