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I have an aluminum elbow into a bung but it isn't as tight as I would like it to be. The problem is it is pointed the correct way. I worry if I try to crank it another 360 degrees, the elbow (or worse, the bung) will strip.
Both work just fine in diesels.
Every fitting in my aux fuel tank system has teflon tape on it.
I know the general attitude is "not" to use teflon.... but IMO as long as it is installed correctly and carefully that's a pretty fool-proof way to go. I'd have to look up Loc-tite to see if it's diesel rated, I thing they do have one that is, I want to say green, IIRC.
I know the general attitude is "not" to use teflon.... but IMO as long as it is installed correctly and carefully that's a pretty fool-proof way to go. I'd have to look up Loc-tite to see if it's diesel rated, I thing they do have one that is, I want to say green, IIRC.
There is some purple stuff that SPE packs with their DPK now, but not branded so don't know what it is, but it is 100% fuel proof. I think Loctite 243 is similar.
Retired steamfitter here.
Are both of your fittings aluminum?
Teflon tape, pipe dope, etc act as a lubricant, not a sealer.
Proper threads, male and female, should not need a "sealant".
If you want to upgrade the quality of your Teflon tape then get the grey tape used for stainless steel.
The big "no, no' that people quote about using Teflon tape is when too much is applied and it hangs over inside the bore of the pipe. The excess tape will go downstream and create issues with valves, strainers, etc.
When you wrap your fittings, do not wrap the lead thread. This keeps tape out of the inside of the pipe.
Wrap it properly and use a larger wrench to get the extra half turn.
On a tractor forum there is a hydraulic know-it-all who blasts anyone who uses teflon tape on their fittings. I confronted him on it and said, so, if you are so smart on this, why not call Kubota and tell their engineers they are doing it wrong and see what they tell you. Every hydraulic kit Kubota sells has teflon tape on the proper type fittings. As mentioned above, done right, it does exactly what it is meant to do.
BTW, he had no recourse on it and basically stopped posting about it after that.
Retired steamfitter here.
Are both of your fittings aluminum?
Teflon tape, pipe dope, etc act as a lubricant, not a sealer.
Proper threads, male and female, should not need a "sealant".
If you want to upgrade the quality of your Teflon tape then get the grey tape used for stainless steel.
The big "no, no' that people quote about using Teflon tape is when too much is applied and it hangs over inside the bore of the pipe. The excess tape will go downstream and create issues with valves, strainers, etc.
When you wrap your fittings, do not wrap the lead thread. This keeps tape out of the inside of the pipe.
Wrap it properly and use a larger wrench to get the extra half turn.
Yes, both the bung and the elbow are aluminum. I'll look for better tape but it may be a little while before I can try again because there's 35 gallons of diesel in the tank which isn't leaking. I used...
Well, when/if you take it back apart to add the tape to the threads, I suggest you upgrade the shutoff valve.
I put a larger ball valve on my install, it is larger diameter, flows more, and opens and closes easier with a nice big handle on it. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...02EB/205854515
Yes, both the bung and the elbow are aluminum. I'll look for better tape but it may be a little while before I can try again because there's 35 gallons of diesel in the tank which isn't leaking. I used...
I just don't like the way the elbow can turn when I turn the petcock off. I need to hold it in place while turning the valve with my thumb.
A Suggestion:
When you re-assemble the piping, point the stem of the valve straight up. In the position it is in now, the force's of opening and closing the valve are tightening and loosening the fitting.
