Leaking Russell fittings

[zachman]

The Russell fittings that attach to the remote oil filter adapter on the block are leaking. They appear to have had teflon tape used when assembled. Should I replace with teflon or use another form of thread sealer?

[MDN]

Hi Zachman,
AN fittings don't require or want any type of thread sealer.

[CWizard]

Z-man -
MDN is correct, no thread sealer should be used with AN fittings. Try this: Disconnect the fitting that's leaking (by the way, are you sure it's the hose end fittings that are leaking and not the adapter that screws into the block?), clean both the male and female sides and look carefully for damage on the sealing surface. That's the cone-shaped part. If no damage, put it back together and tighten it down. If there's damage on the sealing surface or cleaning/reinstall doesn't work, there is one more thing you can try before you start replacing hose ends. Get some soft aluminum conical seals of the correct size (AN-10, correct?) and place one on the male connector on the oil adapter, then reconnect the hose. This basically creates a sandwich between the two sealing surfaces and often is an effective fix for a small scratch/gouge. Earls (and others) makes these conical seals, but I had good luck by calling up a local aircraft maintenace outfit. Not only did they have what I needed, they gave them to me!
Good luck.

[zachman]

I'm concerned now. All the fittings to the remote oil filter have teflon tape . I will remove and clean as you have instructed. Thanks. Dave Spf 2004

[pgermond]

The Teflon tape won't hurt anything.... it just doesn't prevent anything (i.e. leaks), so don't worry about tearing something apart that isn't leaking. Sounds like you have a car someone else built. If it were me, for piece of mind, I would replace the fittings that are leaking. Also, is your remote oil filter aluminum (is your leak at the block plate or the remote oil filter stand?) Be very careful screwing those AN fittings into the aluminum..... they x-thread very easily and that remote filter stand ain't cheap (this is the voice of experience speaking).

my $0.02

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by zachman

I'm concerned now. All the fittings to the remote oil filter have teflon tape . I will remove and clean as you have instructed. Thanks. Dave Spf 2004

Are you looking at the pipe fitting side or the actual AN side of the fitting, or both? On the pipe fitting side teflon tape or thread sealant is required, on the tapered AN side of the fitting nothing is required or suggested. If the tapered side is leaking, it is very possible that it was overtightened as most poeple installing these fittings for the first time do not realize just when to stop tightening the fittings together, in which case you should replace that fitting with a new one.


Bill S.