Oil Cooler line connections: Use Teflon tape?

[timsullivan]

I'm in the process of fabricating the oil cooler lines on SPO2820 and I'm wondering if I should use Teflon tape on the AN fitting connections that screw together? Also, the AN fittings that screw into the remote oil filter mount on the side of the engine already have "o" ring seals so I probably don't need to use the Teflon tape on those connections?

What is best practice? Thank you in advance for any thoughts on the topic.

[bobcowan]

Only use a thread sealant on a pipe thread. There's no need for it on AN fittings at all. I do recommend a little anti-seize on the threads, though. Some day you'll want to take them apart.

[patrickt]

I have teflon tape on the AN threads going in to both the adaptor on the side of the block and the remote oil adaptor as well.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I have teflon tape on the AN threads going in to both the adaptor on the side of the block and the remote oil adaptor as well.

Don't know why the boys assembled like that unless the two fittings had burrs or nicks on the seal surface. In that case, new fittings should have been used. (expensive and a PIA) The seal is made by the male/female ball and cone. When opened, those threads of teflon are tough to keep from getting into the oil system.

Racers and dyno operators never use tape or paste sealants due to the frequency of R & R of the parts. As Bob says, a little antiseize or even light oil is preferred.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Don't know why the boys assembled like that unless the two fittings had burrs or nicks on the seal surface.

Well, I don't rightly know. But, you have to admit, it looks purty.

[patrickt]

Chas. did you mean in the actual AN fittings themselves or just where the fittings then go in to the remote adaptors? There's no tape in between the AN stuff. Sorry for the confusion.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well, I don't rightly know. But, you have to admit, it looks purty.

Waaall, I guess red and blue fittings from the disco era appeal to some...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gunner

Waaall, I guess red and blue fittings from the disco era appeal to some...

I dont like that either. ENTDOC sent me a recipe for a concoction that removes the color and makes it a nice old fashioned aluminum color. I've put that on my "to do" list.

[Gunner]

I just use clear-anodized or black ano-tuff fittings. Looks great without the anachronism.

[patrickt]

I could be wrong on this, but it was something like "Easy Off Oven Cleaner" or something like that. As I recall, he reported that it worked quite well. I'll have to go back and check my archives, but I think that might be right. But please, don't try it at home until that's confirmed. I could be completely wrong.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Chas. did you mean in the actual AN fittings themselves or just where the fittings then go in to the remote adaptors? There's no tape in between the AN stuff. Sorry for the confusion.

Yeah, that's better and I feel better about Doug and the gang. That's the pipe side. NOT thinking it looks cool, I always trim the exposed tape off after installation-unless I can't reach in the installed place.

You may not like the oven cleaner bit as when finished it leaves a dullish, somewhat oxidized look. If you try to wire wheel to remove it, that will gall the fitting. Just replace with Aeroquip nickle if it bugs you.

[Rick Parker]

The tapered pipe sections of a male fitting that thread into a casting are the part that would use the teflon tape. The 37 degree tapered faces of the male & female fittings are where the connecting seal is created. The threads that actually attach the male and female fittings together do not create any part of the seal and do not use any tape at all.

[Excaliber]

I have often seen the teflon sealer used on fittings where it is completely worthless, downright stupid you might say. If it's not a pipe thread application and employees a flair or an O ring for the seal your wasting your time thinking sealing tape is going to do anything. If the flair/O ring leaks, the fitting will leak, period. Fuel line into a carb is a classic example, stupid because it might allow a bit of the sealer to enter the carb and dang sure won't stop a fuel leak if the fitting is loose, thats a flair type seal (in most cases).

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I have teflon tape on the AN threads going in to both the adaptor on the side of the block and the remote oil adaptor as well.

You should have some kind of sealant there, those are pipe threads.

[patrickt]

Just so everybody knows, the Easy-Off was not an April Fool's joke. I went back and found the reference. ENTDOC usually gave pretty good advice, so I'm inclined to believe him.

[Jerry Clayton]

red and blue fittings from disco era?????

How about red and blue fittings from the Cobra era?????

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

red and blue fittings from disco era?????

How about red and blue fittings from the Cobra era?????

I like my silver ones better.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I like my silver ones better.

x2. I am have a few red and blue anodized connections in my engine bay and am working to replace all of them with silver fittings, or brass in a few cases where that was the original look.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

x2. I am have a few red and blue anodized connections in my engine bay and am working to replace all of them with silver fittings, or brass in a few cases where that was the original look.

Brass? Hmmm. I'm at the point now where if I don't like the original look, I say "screw it" -- I think I hit that three seconds after the second roll bar holes got drilled. Got any shots of what the brass fittings look like?

[Excaliber]

As it concerns original look, the basics will ALWAYS apply. Get a reasonably accurated body shape, get reasonably accurate wheels, don't go wild on the interior with crushed velvet or some wierd application. Heck, your almost there if you just follow the "basics".