Pipe Tape vs Pipe Dope in High Pressure Hydraulics

[LD1]

Interesting... You'd think that a big outfit like Discount Hydraulics would know about all this!

I agree that if you don't do things correctly you can screw stuff up. Lots of folks provide disclaimers to cover their behinds.

Parker doesn't say to avoid tape (they even mention using it):

http://www.parker.com/literature/Tu...imes-Can-I-Reassemble-a-Hydraulic-Fitting.pdf

I would agree with using Loctite 545.

Parker also lists (in other documents), the precautions IF you use tape. IE: no more than two wraps, keep it off the last thread or two, wrap the correct direction, etc.

Elsewhere on their site, when reading about ORFS, ORB, JIC, etc etc. They list as one of the benefits or "pros" to using that type of fitting is no chance of contaminating the systems with tape or an incorrect type of sealer.

Again, tape should be regarded as a last ditch effort. Only use it if its an absolute must. There are better things out there.

 

[DieselBound]

"Last ditch" makes it sound like a prayer. I don't believe that it's necessarily that iffy. What is "iffy" is in whether one does it right or not: the Loctite seems best because, unlike dope, it's less likely to get gobbed up on the end and into the fluid stream. Again, if it was so disdained as seems suggested here I'd think that manufacturers would put it out there in big bold letters. I'd prefer to see manufacturers coming out with firmer "best practices" here.

 

[LD1]

"Last ditch" makes it sound like a prayer. I don't believe that it's necessarily that iffy. What is "iffy" is in whether one does it right or not: the Loctite seems best because, unlike dope, it's less likely to get gobbed up on the end and into the fluid stream. Again, if it was so disdained as seems suggested here I'd think that manufacturers would put it out there in big bold letters. I'd prefer to see manufacturers coming out with firmer "best practices" here.

By last ditch, I didnt mean that in that sense.

What was meant by that was......if you are all out of dope or 545, and tape is all you have, and its a sunday and stores are closed, and you just have to get the machine back up and running to get something done before 2" of rain overnight......or similar scenario.

For a non-time sensitive matter, run to the store and get something other than tape.

 

[DieselBound]

We're good!

I think that this guy puts it pretty well:

The Marine Installer's Rant: To tape or not to tape, that is the question. A goo vs tape analysis.

Maritime environment is a pretty tough environment. Which reminds me, I should ask a good friend of mine what he sees in the industry (he works on big ships).

 

[Wagtail]

Oh, come ON. Just how much tape are people using to cause a major hydraulic failure?

You don't cover the entire length of thread... just the end (not the beginning) 1/2 or 1/3 with a single wrap.

It's like those people who need to tie something with a rope... "if you don't know knots = tie lots". So learn the proper knot for the task!

 

[LD1]

Oh, come ON. Just how much tape are people using to cause a major hydraulic failure?

You don't cover the entire length of thread... just the end (not the beginning) 1/2 or 1/3 with a single wrap.

It's like those people who need to tie something with a rope... "if you don't know knots = tie lots". So learn the proper knot for the task!

Again......if done properly, it will be fine.

Lots of people don't understand how to do it properly, or even know there is a correct direction to wrap it.

545 or PTFE paste is just about idiot proof. And won't damage systems if it's applied sloppy.

Then there is the issue of taking apart and reassembling stuff where if tape is used, you have to pay attention not to get any in the system.

There is better products to use other than tape. So why not?

 

[MossRoad]

Oh, come ON. Just how much tape are people using to cause a major hydraulic failure?

You don't cover the entire length of thread... just the end (not the beginning) 1/2 or 1/3 with a single wrap.

It's like those people who need to tie something with a rope... "if you don't know knots = tie lots". So learn the proper knot for the task!

Is this wrong???

 

[Wagtail]

Is this wrong???

View attachment 486826

Wow...

Just, wow...

I am stunned into childlike wonderment.

 

[sdef]

I have tried proper pipe "dope" on my hydraulics a couple times and never had any long-term luck. I use the yellow gas tape from the big box stores in the plumbing section and never have an issue.
Concerning the statements of the tape could get into hydraulic places it should not be in- I guess that could be true of tape use in any manner on any fluid system if proper care is not taken.

 

[Ford850]

Wow...

Just, wow...

I am stunned into childlike wonderment.

Yeah, but, it didn't leak did it?
It seems like tape is sometimes overused like caulk, thinking "more is better and will fix everything".