Teflon tape, paste, red loctite, what to use on fittings?
09-19-2010, 10:16 PM
#1
Teflon tape, paste, red loctite, what to use on fittings? Just a couple of quick questions. I'm trying to hookup this silly fuel pressure sendor on my schraeder valve (LT1). It has multiple fittings and some are aluminum and others are NPT. What is the preferred method for sealing NPT to NPT, NPT to aluminum? I know aluminum to aluminum is flared so you don't need any sealant.
NPT to NPT: I've been told teflon tape staring a few threads in and then wrap it 2 to 3 times. I assume the wrapping should go in the same direction your going to tighten the fitting? I have also been told red loctite or blue loctite with a drip that covers all the way around the fitting is the surest method of sealing.
NPT to Aluminum: This is the one that confuses me? Do I use the same methods as the NPT to NPT, or do I simply follow the rules of aluminum and tighten it until taught and then turn it another 1/8 to 1/4" turn?
Help
NPT to NPT: I've been told teflon tape staring a few threads in and then wrap it 2 to 3 times. I assume the wrapping should go in the same direction your going to tighten the fitting? I have also been told red loctite or blue loctite with a drip that covers all the way around the fitting is the surest method of sealing.
NPT to Aluminum: This is the one that confuses me? Do I use the same methods as the NPT to NPT, or do I simply follow the rules of aluminum and tighten it until taught and then turn it another 1/8 to 1/4" turn?
Help
09-20-2010, 12:52 AM
#5
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I wondered what professional pipefitters do when working with NPT. I asked several where I work. They all said they use both tape and paste as follows:
1. Apply small amount of paste to male threads.
2. Tape
3. Apply small amount of paste to taped male threads.
Interesting.
1. Apply small amount of paste to male threads.
2. Tape
3. Apply small amount of paste to taped male threads.
Interesting.
09-20-2010, 01:58 AM
#6
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when i ran my nitrous line off the schraeder valve, whati looked up in the nitrous section was that no sealant was required. thats what i did, and i never had a prolem with it leaking. but that was (i believe) steel AN fitting to an aluminum AN fitting
09-20-2010, 08:39 AM
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As with anything, whatever you use - you don't want to put any sealer on the first 3 threads. I would most likely put tape on my fittings b/c I'm used to it, but red loctite or paste will all work just as well. Your car isn't an aircraft so it doesn't make a huge difference (b/c an engineer hasn't had the time to make something more complicated than it should be!)
