What is correct way to use thread sealant?

[boomer1025]

I sometimes just use Permatex #2 gasket sealer. Never had a problem with it.

:thumbsup:

 

[SpringHollow]

I have used Teflon Tape for 40 years with no problems but then I am careful in how I use it, keeping it off the first 2 threads and removing any traces when disassembled. I also use the paste. Loctite 545 is my preferred method on new builds.

Ken

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks to everyone. The thread sealant I have will work for my use and I understand the torque feeling. One question I still have is tightening a plain brass pipe thread adapter into a plain brass pipe threaded hole. I'm thinking good and snug and then a little bit more. How does that sound?

 

[sixdogs]

I have used Teflon Tape for 40 years with no problems but then I am careful in how I use it, keeping it off the first 2 threads and removing any traces when disassembled. I also use the paste. Loctite 545 is my preferred method on new builds.

Ken

Agreed. I've only used tape for a long time and decided to switch to sealant.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Will a Teflon based sealant work for hydraulic fittings yes. BUT..... a hydraulic system does not like Teflon. When we would build up hydraulic systems it would almost always find its way to the control spool on a load sense pump. You really should use a sealant made for a hydraulic fittings. It is specs two threads past end, but it is really hard to do on small fittings.

Biggest issue we had on assembly was leaks. You can't put a torque wrench on everything. One mans tight is another mans loose. It is a learned feel..... and it quite frankly is a dying art.

For what you are doing on a one up you will be fine and on tapered pipe how you are tightening sounds ok. Good Luck.

 

[Deere Dude]

Get a bottle of loctite 545 and be done.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^What he say!

Great for hydraulics.

242 for almost anything else.

 

[sixdogs]

Will a Teflon based sealant work for hydraulic fittings yes. BUT..... a hydraulic system does not like Teflon. When we would build up hydraulic systems it would almost always find its way to the control spool on a load sense pump. You really should use a sealant made for a hydraulic fittings. It is specs two threads past end, but it is really hard to do on small fittings.

Biggest issue we had on assembly was leaks. You can't put a torque wrench on everything. One mans tight is another mans loose. It is a learned feel..... and it quite frankly is a dying art.

For what you are doing on a one up you will be fine and on tapered pipe how you are tightening sounds ok. Good Luck.

The thread sealant I'm using is here


and it says it's for, among other things, hydraulic systems. I called the parts counter and he said that's what they use for hydraulics. So, I'd say it's fine. I've done a lot of hoses over the years, just never anything beyond that and am trying not to screw it up.

 

[sixdogs]

As a follow up here to the excellent advice offered, here are some things I learned. I'm the OP.

When you tighten fittings, the join in compression ones (JIC) need to be tightened to about the same tightness as a spark plug. That's what I did and no leaks. Pipe thread brass to pipe thread brass is maybe half again tighter but err a little less and tighten if they weep. One of my brass thread to thread fittings had a small leak but I snugged it up and no follow up leaks. All is good and happiness is a leak free hydraulic connection. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[mcfarmall]

the join in compression ones (JIC)

With regard to hydraulics, JIC stands for Joint Industry Council. As in "37° JIC flare fitting" Another good reference source is the "Fluid Power Designers Lightning Reference Handbook"

JIC fitting - Wikipedia

Straight Thread O-ring Boss (STORB) fittings are the best as they can be oriented and locked down as needed by the application and require only some suitable lube on the o-ring. Pipe threads are highly prone to leakage and system contamination due to improper use of teflon tape or other sealants. Loctite PST pipe dope is excellent as well as the Loctite Hydraulic Sealant. When used properly neither product will contaminate a hydraulic system.

 

[CADplans]

The threads just hold the connection tight.
Thread lubricant (it is never a sealant when the threads are made up properly) is used to lubricate the joint so the proper torque can be applied without stripping or galling the threads.

AND,,, Teflon is a lubricant,, so, the threads can be tightened,, easier,,

BUT,,

that also means the threads can loosen easier,,, also.

Many connections do better with no lube,, the threads can stay tight better,,, possibly fewer leaks.

 

[fruitcakesa]

No doubt I will get flamed for this but it worked.
After 3 attempts using paste to seal a fitting on one of the rear remote hoses , I ended up getting it to seal with tape and a thin coat of paste.

 

[sixdogs]

No doubt I will get flamed for this but it worked.
After 3 attempts using paste to seal a fitting on one of the rear remote hoses , I ended up getting it to seal with tape and a thin coat of paste.

Wow and good to hear. I'm the OP that started this thread with the intent of using thread paste but it leaked so I wound up with tape the same as you. The tape sealed it but the paste alone did not. I figured I did something wrong but didn't want to say so.

I will say the Loctite paste mentioned is great but not on my large diameter brass to brass fitting.

 

[TractorGuy]

As a follow up here to the excellent advice offered, here are some things I learned. I'm the OP.

When you tighten fittings, the join in compression ones (JIC) need to be tightened to about the same tightness as a spark plug. That's what I did and no leaks. Pipe thread brass to pipe thread brass is maybe half again tighter but err a little less and tighten if they weep. One of my brass thread to thread fittings had a small leak but I snugged it up and no follow up leaks. All is good and happiness is a leak free hydraulic connection. Thanks for the great advice.

I am late to the thread but sounds like the OP figured it out.

I don't think many if any factory hydraulic systems will have pipe threads. As Gary Fowler pointed out, thread "sealant" is actually a lubricant for use on pipe threads. You should never use tape or dope on anything BUT pipe threads. Most factory systems will have some combination of oring or JIC connections.

Both of my tractors have oring boss to oring face seal adapters. (ORB to ORFS) I used a couple of ORB to pipe adapters on my diverter but only because I had a couple of hoses the right length with pipe thread ends. I put a few turns of tape on them.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I am late to the thread but sounds like the OP figured it out.

I don't think many if any factory hydraulic systems will have pipe threads. As Gary Fowler pointed out, thread "sealant" is actually a lubricant for use on pipe threads. You should never use tape or dope on anything BUT pipe threads. Most factory systems will have some combination of oring or JIC connections.

Both of my tractors have oring boss to oring face seal adapters. (ORB to ORFS) I used a couple of ORB to pipe adapters on my diverter but only because I had a couple of hoses the right length with pipe thread ends. I put a few turns of tape on them.

This is what my fittings are.

 

[/pine]

Wow and good to hear. I'm the OP that started this thread with the intent of using thread paste but it leaked so I wound up with tape the same as you. The tape sealed it but the paste alone did not. I figured I did something wrong but didn't want to say so.

I will say the Loctite paste mentioned is great but not on my large diameter brass to brass fitting.

Is there a cure time noted on the paste instructions?...most plumbers will tell you that NO sealant is needed on brass to brass connections...

 

[fruitcakesa]

Is there a cure time noted on the paste instructions?...most plumbers will tell you that NO sealant is needed on brass to brass connections...

There is no mention of cure time on the paste I used.. It says "Non-hardening remains flexible"
5,000 psi gases, 10,000 psi with liquids

 

[PILOON]

Don't laugh,
Lacking sealants and tape I looked around my shop and noticed an open tube of polyurethane house caulking.
I dabbed some onto the pipe thread fitting and VOILA, good seal no leaks!

Shucks in the old days thickened oil based house paint was used until all sorts of brand name products were hyped.

But, YES, the O ring (or crush washer) parallel fitting with lock nut is still the best.

 

[/pine]

It should be noted that threaded fittings (especially tapered threads) are not meant to be reused excessively...the mere mechanics of NTP threads slightly distorts the threads each time they are torqued tight...
...Even fittings like JIC flares can become distorted (not necessarily the threads) from repeated loosen/tighten cycles...

 

[sixdogs]

Is there a cure time noted on the paste instructions?...most plumbers will tell you that NO sealant is needed on brass to brass connections...

Mine leaked without the tape. The use is for a loader hose "quick attach" box. Great idea but Kubota uses brass to brass adaptors which is a little awkward but it works.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I alwats use BOTH tape and liquid on everything hydraulic and plumbing including high pressure misting pumps, never a leak. If I just use one of the two I often have leaks.