LD1
Epic Contributor
Most all other applications for sealing fluid or gas, where NPT threads are used, dont have near the same level of precision parts in the line. Like spool valves, check valves, pilot passages, etc.
Pipe Tape vs Pipe Dope in High Pressure Hydraulics
- Thread starter woodlandfarms
- Start date
- Views: 32519
Most all other applications for sealing fluid or gas, where NPT threads are used, dont have near the same level of precision parts in the line. Like spool valves, check valves, pilot passages, etc.
I agree. And may also agree with any statement that tape can be more prone to improper use. However, I think the issue is not with the product used, but with the application/applicator and this holds true for most things.
All of the hydraulic fittings on my tractor were delivered new with white Teflon tape and all were and still are leak free.
Since I was using a properly rated paste (do not recall exactly which I purchased) on my fitting modifications and had multiple joint leaks over time, I most likely was not applying the paste properly; kind of hard to believe but must have been true. But I do know how to use tape
.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I would guess more along the lines of either improper torque or damaged threads as opposed to improper application.
I have used 545 and PTFE for the last (entire) 16 years of so of my wrenching life. So we are talking hundreds....if not thousands of connections. Never a single leak that can be attributed to the 545 or PTFE.
Built a complete logsplitter 3 or so years ago. Every high pressure fitting got 545. Low pressure got PTFE. All fittings still dry as a bone some 40-50 cords later.
Earlier this summer I did a triple remote install as well as a diverter. With ag couplings that had NPT threads, and a valve that had NPT threads...thats alot of connections that got the 545. Not a single one of them leak.
Not to mention the countless times I use PTFE and 545 for my day job. Which easily exceed my personal needs by a factor of 10+.
I have used 545 and PTFE for the last (entire) 16 years of so of my wrenching life. So we are talking hundreds....if not thousands of connections. Never a single leak that can be attributed to the 545 or PTFE.
Built a complete logsplitter 3 or so years ago. Every high pressure fitting got 545. Low pressure got PTFE. All fittings still dry as a bone some 40-50 cords later.
Earlier this summer I did a triple remote install as well as a diverter. With ag couplings that had NPT threads, and a valve that had NPT threads...thats alot of connections that got the 545. Not a single one of them leak.
Not to mention the countless times I use PTFE and 545 for my day job. Which easily exceed my personal needs by a factor of 10+.
DieselBound
Elite Member
For myself I've decided, in order of preference:
1. Loctite 545 - better sealing properties and won't gob/pool up (very hard to get material into your fluid stream).
2. Teflon tape - if applied correctly it works perfectly fine.
3. Teflon paste - if applied correctly it works perfectly fine.
I choose tape over paste not because I have a lot of experience with both in hydraulics, but because I do in low pressure water systems. Paste is a pain in the arse, for me: brushes gunk up; I find it hard to apply uniformly (keep in mind various situations/environments). It's been noted that cleaning up threads that have had tape is a pain- I'd agree; however, a wire brush works just fine for me. Cleaning up paste, to/for me, seems/is more of a hassle.
Anyway, I'll now stop kicking the dead horse. I'd like to thank all here (as well as a good friend who works out in the industrial field) for steering me toward the Loctite 545: I'm sure I would have been fine with tape, but the Loctite sounds like a cleaner/better solution. Plumbing hydraulics will only ever be a very small activity for me (plumbing for water is magnitudes greater).
1. Loctite 545 - better sealing properties and won't gob/pool up (very hard to get material into your fluid stream).
2. Teflon tape - if applied correctly it works perfectly fine.
3. Teflon paste - if applied correctly it works perfectly fine.
I choose tape over paste not because I have a lot of experience with both in hydraulics, but because I do in low pressure water systems. Paste is a pain in the arse, for me: brushes gunk up; I find it hard to apply uniformly (keep in mind various situations/environments). It's been noted that cleaning up threads that have had tape is a pain- I'd agree; however, a wire brush works just fine for me. Cleaning up paste, to/for me, seems/is more of a hassle.
Anyway, I'll now stop kicking the dead horse. I'd like to thank all here (as well as a good friend who works out in the industrial field) for steering me toward the Loctite 545: I'm sure I would have been fine with tape, but the Loctite sounds like a cleaner/better solution. Plumbing hydraulics will only ever be a very small activity for me (plumbing for water is magnitudes greater).
Industrial Toys
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2008
- Messages
- 16,742
- Location
- Ontario Canada
- Tractor
- Kubota R510 Wheel Loader + Cab and backhoe, JD 6200 Open Station, Cushman 6150, 4x4, ten foot 56 hp Kubota diesel hydraulic wing mower, Steiner 430 Diesel Max, Kawasaki Diesel Mule, JD 4x2 Electric Gator
Oh man, do I have a good one.
I waited twenty something weeks last year for a hydraulic cartridge for my Cushman mower from Hydraforce. . When it finally came, I could not get the O ring face to seal into an aluminum (4WD) valve block. The O ring that came with it did not seal and other (90 Durometer) O rings would not seal it. I made numerous trips to a friend that has the most hydraulic stuff within a hundred miles. Finally I bought a whole kit from him, 99% of what I will never use. Still leaking!
I got so desperate, that I used plumbers dope and the fitting stopped leaking. Fixed another little leak, and I was pleased as punch, that the machine was finally leak free.
THEN, through the winter, I noticed that the machine was again sitting in a huge puddle of oil! Probably $50.00 worth of JD low visc oil.
I finally got to it the other day. It seems the oil disolved the plumbers dope! I can't believe it, but that is what happened. AND, I grabbed an O ring from that kit and for whatever reason, this time it sealed.
I waited twenty something weeks last year for a hydraulic cartridge for my Cushman mower from Hydraforce. . When it finally came, I could not get the O ring face to seal into an aluminum (4WD) valve block. The O ring that came with it did not seal and other (90 Durometer) O rings would not seal it. I made numerous trips to a friend that has the most hydraulic stuff within a hundred miles. Finally I bought a whole kit from him, 99% of what I will never use. Still leaking!
I got so desperate, that I used plumbers dope and the fitting stopped leaking. Fixed another little leak, and I was pleased as punch, that the machine was finally leak free.
THEN, through the winter, I noticed that the machine was again sitting in a huge puddle of oil! Probably $50.00 worth of JD low visc oil.
I finally got to it the other day. It seems the oil disolved the plumbers dope! I can't believe it, but that is what happened. AND, I grabbed an O ring from that kit and for whatever reason, this time it sealed.
If it fails again, this is what I use exclusively on hydraulic fittings:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-0-6-in-x-21-ft-Plumber-s-Tape/4751309
Industrial Toys
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2008
- Messages
- 16,742
- Location
- Ontario Canada
- Tractor
- Kubota R510 Wheel Loader + Cab and backhoe, JD 6200 Open Station, Cushman 6150, 4x4, ten foot 56 hp Kubota diesel hydraulic wing mower, Steiner 430 Diesel Max, Kawasaki Diesel Mule, JD 4x2 Electric Gator
Thanks. The issue is, is that the threads are not very tight fitting or tapered. That is not where this ORB fitting makes it's seal.
