Carb connection leaking-Please HELP!

[shaps]

I thought i could do this, but evidently, i cannot.
I replaced my vacuum sec carb with a mech secondary carb,
tightened all the appropriate fittings (making sure the little metal washer is in place between carb and fitting) and both connections are leaking where the fitting meets the carb bowl. I have removed the new carb, put the old one back and now it leaks. Bought new Russel fittings and tried it with the same result (on BOTH CARBS!) UGH!
I am obviously doing something wrong... Can anyone clue me in?

Many Thanks!
Shaps

[Rick Parker]

I have never had very good luck with the real thin metal washers used between the carb body and the fittings, but they will seal, I prefer the plastic or nylon ones, as they do not require as much torque on the fittings to make them seal. There are also some fiber washers available. Regardless of which ones you use just don't overtighten or the threads in the float bowl will fail.

Rick

[shaps]

Thanks Rick!
Any idea where to get the nylon washers??
Also, is teflon tape a no-no?
Thanks again!
Shaps

[Ron61]

Shaps,

You should be able to get the washers at NAPA or any good parts store. I have used Teflon Tape in the past with no problems, but just didn't wrap it very far up the threads.

Ron

[Rick Parker]

Try a dealer for Holley (speed shop?) or local full line auto parts store, sometimes they have them in a container with several assorted sizes. Teflon tape is used on tapered pipe threads as a friction reducer allowing a mechanical seal to be reached. It is not generally used a SAE/non tapered, straight threaded connection.
Inverted flares created in tubing ends along with coresponding brass fittings are often used in fuel lines to achieve a leakproof mechanical seal.

Rick

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Shaps;

I always use teflon tape on my fuel line to carb connections,so far I have not had any leaks,just to be sure everything is lined up right,I make sure I can start the fitting into the carb by hand for a couple of rounds before putting a wrench on them,I have been know to strip threads,this keeps me from doing that,if I can not get the threads going by hand,then I know something is wrong.......

When using teflon tape,I go to the end of the threads,but make sure they go no further and do not go past the end of the threads where they can interfere with fuel flow........

David

[shaps]

Thanks gents!
Rick, my initial inclination was to not use teflon tape, however, I think i will try it, at least temporarily.
David,
Good point! Will make sure the tape does not go past the end of the threads...
How tight should these fittings be???
Here is a pic of the fittings i am using


Thanks again! And have a great holiday!
Shaps

[Roscoe]

Dave,
Try switching to teflon paste for your fittings. I recall once I had a problem with my carb. Took it apart and there was a piece of teflon tape stuck in the jet. Must of broke off from the end of the fitting. No more tape for me.

Shaps,
Try using a bit of oil or white grease on the AN fittings to prevent galling. I have the same setup on my carb.

Roscoe

[David Kirkham]

Dave,

Give me a ring if you have any more problems. I do see a potential problem with your set up...it will not fit under the turkey pan! We had to make a special fitting to work with the turkey pan.

We do not allow teflon tape in the shop for the very reason Roscoe states. We use loctite (low strength stuff on the plumbing) and ALL of our leaking problems went away. I even use it on the plumbing at home. NO LEAKS!

Let me know if there is anything we can do for you.

If you are messing with your carb anyway...there is a new carb out that is REALLY cool. Jorgen is using it and it really makes the car run nice. You will have to ask Thomas for the specifics, though as I can never remember the numbers.

David

[shaps]

Gentleman, thanks again for all the help and support! This is truly a great site!

Roscoe, thanks! Is teflon paste available at plumbing supply/home depot, etc?? If some paste got into the fuel, would it dissolve or does it have the same potential to clog jets?

David,
am still using your setup. took the turkey pan off in one of the iterations and started throwing things (figuratively) at the car.... Which loctite are you using?


Hopefully, i can cure this thing so i can drive it tomorrow.....

Thanks again!
Shaps

[Roscoe]

Any auto parts store will have the paste, probably plumbing supply too. The paste will dissolve without incident.

Thread Sealant 511 - Low Strength, Fast Fixture

Low strength, rapid fixture sealant for taper/straight fluid fittings. Controlled strength for ease of disassembly. Available Worldwide

Typical Applications
Used to seal close fitting metal threaded fittings.
Thread Sealant 511 - Low Strength, Fast Fixture

http://www.loctite.com

Roscoe

[David Kirkham]

Roscoe!

YOU THE MAN!!!

David

[Ron61]

Roscoe,

I looked on the site and couldn't find the low strength thread locker with a # 511. Found some medium strength ones. Just where do I have to look to find this?

Thanks,

Ron

[shaps]

Looks like it is in their industrial sector:
Loctite Thread Sealant 511

Will try to get some of this tomorrow!
Thanks!

[shaps]

Just for completeness....
The loctite Thread Sealant 511 has been discontinued and has been replaced by
561 PST® Thread Sealant Stick
Will let you know if this stuff works...