Tape on hydraulic connections?

[acme97]

I just ordered a hydraulic top link and the hoses. My question is do I need to put tape on the male connector before attaching to cylinder? If so, what kind? Will standard teflon plumbing tape work?
Thanks

 

[J_J]

Some people use tape, and others use paste. There are some on here that say never use tape, but if you stay one or two threads you should be safe enough to use tape. It is your choice..

 

[Reg]

I just ordered a hydraulic top link and the hoses. My question is do I need to put tape on the male connector before attaching to cylinder? If so, what kind? Will standard teflon plumbing tape work?
Thanks

I don't know the particular fittings you will be using, but GENERALLY they are flared to match each other and the threads merely pull those surfaces together - i.e. the threads themselves are NOT where the seal is made.
About the only "purpose" it serves is to lubricate the threads, so you will get a little more clamping force for any given amount of tightening torque.
There may be SOME corrosion protection, though I doubt that it is meaningful.

I have used tape, I have never had it result in a problem, but I have given up using it.
You may be better and more careful than I am, but there is always a CHANCE that someone else will take it apart at some point and little bits of tape debris will get into the hydraulic system.

SUMMARY: You don't need it, it doesn't "seal", there COULD be problems with it later on.

 

[J_J]

If the fittings are NPT he will need something.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-5196&catname=hydraulic

 

[Chilly807]

Some people use tape, and others use paste. There are some on here that say never use tape, but if you stay one or two threads you should be safe enough to use tape. It is your choice..

+1

Leave a couple threads at the male end free of tape. Looking at the free end of the male fitting, wind the tape around it clockwise.

Sean

 

[kennyd]

Lots of threads on this, and equally lots of debate. If you search the term "PTFE" you can read for hours.

I am in the "no tape" camp, prefer a quality PTFE paste that's rated for hydraulic use. But-depending on what fittings you have you may need nothing, NPT threads are the only ones that need a sealant.

 

[acme97]

Thanks for all the advice. I just put the hoses on the cylinder. Decided to not use tape. Of course if it leaks then I might have to reconsider. Now only 20 more days until I pick up the new baby!

 

[beenthere]

I have mostly used tape (male npt), but lately have switched to only paste. Less possible problem, I guess, with paste and a neater look too.

 

[J_J]

Thanks for all the advice. I just put the hoses on the cylinder. Decided to not use tape. Of course if it leaks then I might have to reconsider. Now only 20 more days until I pick up the new baby!

You need to consider the fact that NPT is designed to compress the threads together, and relies on something to fill the small voids. You normally always use something on NPT threads. Also, NPT was not designed to install and remove over and over. One or two times compressing the threads is about the limit.

 

[Chilly807]

You need to consider the fact that NPT is designed to compress the threads together, and relies on something to fill the small voids. You normally always use something on NPT threads. Also, NPT was not designed to install and remove over and over. One or two times compressing the threads is about the limit.

Just by using a thread sealant you actually protect the tapered threads by providing both a lubricant and sealing agent in one. You may get twice the number of re-uses or more.

Sean