teflon tape question

[76bonanza]

My new fuel pressure guage say to use teflon tape. (I thought I could do with out and it leaks so they are smarter then me I guess)

Anyway I can never remember do you put it on to the right or left?

Also is there auto specific of can I use regular plumbers tape?

Thanks

[bretcopsey]

I always wrap clockwise, the same diretion the threads run. That way the loose end does not start unwrapping when you thread it together...

I know there is a special tape for natural gas, not sure if there is anything special for your application though.

[Psycho71]

Clockwise does keep it from unrolling as your threading. I always just use whatever's lying around. I wasn't aware that there's a special type for natural gas, learn something new every day.



Jay

[shifty]

and i use it on everything fuel and water related. don't discriminate.

[cdowns]

i much prefer the teflon paste

[76bonanza]

I have never used the paste any reason you prefer it? Seems to me it would be more messy?

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I am with cdowns as Teflon tape will shred and float down stream clogging up orfices. People have had really bad experiences with teflon tape in hydraulic systems as it will stop the valves from shifting.

Teflon paste or similar materials will stay in place when properly applied.

Jim

[cdowns]

same reasons as jim listed

[76bonanza]

I see, well I have tape here so I think I will try it, I have no experince with the paste.

[grayw0lf]

I like the teflon tape. Just apply it carefully & it isn't likely to end up clogging stuff up.

[neonlarry]

On any petro products you are supposed to the yellow tape.

[76bonanza]

The yellow tape is double thick and red or pink is triple thick. I know in some states yellow is required on natural gas lines. But never seen it prefered on anything else.

[Slammed70]

Ive never had luck with teflon on NPT fittings...maybe its just me and Im incompetent.

[76bonanza]

So what did you use slammed? Nothing.

[Slammed70]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

So what did you use slammed? Nothing.

Indeed, nothing...never had a problem either. 'Cept on the fuel inlet fittings on Rochester carbs....they always strip out on me.

[Shane]

Teflon tape should not be relied upon for sealing purposes. It's proper use is to act as a lubricant when tightening the connections for the threads to fully engage.

[76bonanza]

I never had a problem either untill this gauge. And then when I searched I found every site I looked at said all NPT fittings should be sealed with teflon. All major automotive companies say use teflon sealant of some kind on NPT fittings is a must. So then Im thinking hhmmm, anyway I am going to try it on this guage and see if it works. It is an aeroquip gauge and they say to use teflon tape with it.

[mbgmike]

I agree on the paste. In chemical plants you won't hardly see tape used on any service except for the Instrument fitters on air lines. Actually most Piping Specs insist on Paste of some sort wether teflon,copper etc and say do not use tape. I have used paste for years

[eedgell]

Guys, the only reason for the tape or the paste is lubrication period. Brass on brass or steel on brass, you need slick-um for the threads to tighten proper. So if it is a simple job and you have tape , perfect! If it is a liquid line than use paste because it stays in place. Either way just lube it!!!!

eedgell

[mbgmike]

Correct. It aids in assembly and helps prevent Galled Threads, corrosion and makes it easier to take apart. I can put paste on faster then tape is all.

Originally Posted by eedgell

Guys, the only reason for the tape or the paste is lubrication period. Brass on brass or steel on brass, you need slick-um for the threads to tighten proper. So if it is a simple job and you have tape , perfect! If it is a liquid line than use paste because it stays in place. Either way just lube it!!!!

eedgell

[byrd]

most call the paste plumbers dope, nasty stuff, but works so much better than tape.

[76bonanza]

Any who, leak stopped, tape worked, how ever it works.

Thanks

[Shane]

It worked because the tape lubricated the joint which allowed you to tightened the fitting further for a mechanical seal.

That's the entire purpose of a NPT type thread ... the further you turn, the tighter the connection. Thus the seal.

[O'l Buck]

Working with hydraulics as much as I have been in the last couple of years, I've learned to like the pipe dope, hate the tape now, however, tape does come off of the fingers easier. We don't use tape on hydraulic machines because sometimes, you can get flakes off of the tape inside the fitting and it ends up sticking a valve.