The heater shutoff valve on the intake manifold leaks on my 54. Would thread sealant like I used on my head bolts be what I should use to stop the leak? That would be better than Teflon tape, right?



It also leaks a little bit at the top of the valve. Can that be fixed with a washer or packing like a water spigot? Or should I buy a new one? I'd like to be able to find an original looking one, not a repro like this one.

Thanks.

 

This is what I'm talking about. This is the original one on my 55.

 

See if you can crank down the packing nut that may seal it up.

 

That makes good sense for the leak at the top. Thanks.

About the leak at the threaded base? Take it out and apply Thread sealant?

 

Yup that is what I would do. In this spot I personally would use Lead Seal. As it's anti corrosion properties can't be beat and handles thermal changes better then most other thread sealants. What ever you use it will be better then nothing, do try to avoid Teflon tape.


Jet-Lube of Canada l No.60 - Lead Anti-Seize Compound

http://www.jetlubecanada.com/tds/No60.pdf

 

Why wouldn't teflon tape work well? I'm getting ready to do some plumbing on my flathead and I was going to use teflon tape but now you guys have me rethinking this.

 

Teflon tape is the tool of the pikey in these applications.I can't count how many cooling systems, hydraulic systems and other assorted stuff I have opened up to find chunks of Teflon tape embedded through out. Also it provides NO corrosion protection to the joint and should avoided in any connection where reactive metals or steel/iron are present.

If you are stuck and in a pinch that is one thing, but to use it when you have access to or can get proper thread sealants is considered a hack job.

Leave the Teflon tape in the tool box and use it for what it was intended for, domestic plumbing, air lines and plastic pipe.