Thread Sealant for Compressor Fittings?

Steve Walker

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Sep 22, 2013, 3:55:37 PM9/22/13

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Hi -

Recommendations please for an air-tight seal when replacing the 4-way
valve/switch assembly on my ratty old WolfAir compressor? Three joints are
brass to alloy, and the main stem from the tank is steel to alloy.

Browsing the messageboards seems to suggest combining a liquid sealant
(Permatex or Loctite 577) with a few wraps of PTFE tape. The "bung it up
good and proper" approach appeals to me.

But the factory installation appears to have used a thick, gluey compound,
which set hard on the threads. Maybe an epoxy adhesive, it was certainly a
bugger to get the assembly apart.

Suggestions welcome. Except angle-grinders, obv... :-)

Rick Hughes

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Sep 22, 2013, 5:14:16 PM9/22/13

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Try LSX .... over a number of turns of PTFE tape ....
http://www.uk-plumbing.com/fernox-lsx-external-leak-sealer-50g-p-2297.html

Bob Minchin

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Sep 22, 2013, 5:21:44 PM9/22/13

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I would certainly endorse some sort of liquid sealing compound. I have a
similar compressor and trying to eliminate leaks by simply tightening
can lead to cracking of diecast parts.

Nick

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Sep 22, 2013, 6:38:56 PM9/22/13

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"Steve Walker" <spam...@beeb.net> wrote in message
news:l1nhvr$5qe$1...@dont-email.me...

If such things still exist, would plumbers mate or boss white do the job?
Just a guess.
Nick.

Jim K

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Sep 22, 2013, 6:52:26 PM9/22/13

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Liquid ptfe perchance?

Jim K

Andy Wade

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Sep 22, 2013, 9:18:43 PM9/22/13

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On 22/09/2013 23:52, Jim K wrote:
> Liquid ptfe perchance?

Hylomar Universal Blue

http://www.hylomar.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=70

--
Andy

harryagain

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Sep 23, 2013, 2:30:27 AM9/23/13

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"Steve Walker" <spam...@beeb.net> wrote in message
news:l1nhvr$5qe$1...@dont-email.me...

Theoretically not required. However when the joint is tightened, the metal
work hardens.
This means that the ring should be replaced, not easy, (or PTFE used) if
the joint is broken, it may leak when retightened.
Us what you like/have to hand. Niether here nor there really. Virtually
anything works

>
>
>

Dave Liquorice

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Sep 23, 2013, 3:51:41 AM9/23/13

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On Sun, 22 Sep 2013 22:14:16 +0100, Rick Hughes wrote:

> Try LSX ....

An acetic acid releasing silicone based sealer. I'd be a bit cautious
of using that near diecast alloy parts.

Gas (yellow spool) PTFE tape, rather than water (white spool) PTFE
tape would be my preference. Just a single turn of gas tape required.

--
Cheers
Dave.

The Other Mike

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Sep 23, 2013, 3:57:43 PM9/23/13

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I would have suggested Loctite 577 on its own, but for a one off its a silly
price. Second choice, Loctite 55 PTFE cord. Third choice a generic PTFE tape.

--

Nightjar

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Sep 24, 2013, 9:52:25 AM9/24/13

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On 22/09/2013 20:55, Steve Walker wrote:

I put air lines around two factories using just PTFE paste on parallel
threads and only had one leak on first test.

Colin Bignell

Muddymike

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Sep 24, 2013, 10:32:11 AM9/24/13

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I replaced one of the outlets on mine just using PTFE tape and its been no
bother.

Mike

Steve Walker

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Sep 24, 2013, 4:14:40 PM9/24/13

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"Steve Walker" <spam...@beeb.net> wrote in message
news:l1nhvr$5qe$1...@dont-email.me...

> Hi -
>
> Recommendations please for an air-tight seal when replacing the 4-way
> valve/switch assembly on my ratty old WolfAir compressor? Three joints
> are brass to alloy, and the main stem from the tank is steel to alloy.

Thanks for all the replies and advice - very helpful.