Teflon and hydraulics

[Green_in_MI]

I have read here that teflon tape is bad for your hydraulics. I suppose if it gets shredded when you put in on the threads and goes into the fluid that would not be a good thing. When getting hoses(hosed really) I have asked if I should use pipe dope on the ends. The counter guys at Deere recommend using teflon but they say be careful not to wrap the stuff near the end of the fitting. If you are careful when applying the tape it should not get into the fluid. Any opinions on this, thanks?

 

[cpicton1]

My log splitter owners manual says to never use teflon tape when pluming the hydraulic fittings. It says to only use pipe dope. I usually try to follow the manufactures suggestions. I figure they have more knowledge about such things than I do. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Many pump manufacturers will not honor the warranty if they find teflon tape in the system. The best thing to use is pipe dope or you can use the brush on teflon, it comes in a can just like the pipe dope. I just picked some up at the Home Depot for a loader I am installing. If you are careful, you can still use the tape, it's just a risky proposition and you have to make sure the tape is only on the threads and not around the orifice and such.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

For the 9,999,997th time, teflon tape is NOT a sealant. It is a lubricant, that enables you to pull the threaded connection up tighter without galling he!! out of the threads.
More breakdowns and repairs of fluid systems are caused by teflon tape than are cured by it. Teflon tape is a make work product.
Teflon tape = Warranty VOID

 

[ronjhall]

Green_in_MI

<font color=blue> I have read here that Teflon tape is bad for your hydraulics.</font color=blue>

Here is a thread on sealing hydraulic tapered pipefittings.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=parts&Number=187333&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1> Click Here </A>
The link to Loctite does not give the same screen that was there when the post was made. Click on catalog icon to see different sealants.

Here is another thread with similar explanations.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=owning&Number=57061&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1> Click Here </A>

 

[Boomerboy]

I agree with Franz - Teflon Tape will get you! I have 22 years experience with hydraulics and can tell you that it is not usually the initial application of the teflon tape that causes the trouble. It is subsequent assemblies of the fitting where a microscopic piece of teflon is dislodged from the threads and enters the system. Remember that we are filtering the hydraulics to micron levels. A 20 micron piece of teflon, invisible to the eye, can cause valve problems. We are depending on the lands of the valve stems that have very small tolerances for smooth operations for proper operation. A small piece of teflon will cause a day of grief!

 

[mrcaptainbob]

What an education. Thanks for all this help. I've been having a terrible time getting some fittings on the BH to seal. I started off, however, using the recommended teflon dope. There were a a 'few' leaks. Took it all apart and replaced with the yellow teflon. Fixed some, started others. Took it all apart again and cleaned all threads on wire wheel. Used different brand teflon dope. Fixed most, but still have a 'few' leaks. Just moved the dirt digger in the shop yesterday for another run at resolving these leaks. Any suggestions? I plan to replace all existing NPT fittings as I don't trust the threaded areas any more. I believe they've seen enough of being tightened/removed/retightened......

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I think you're half way to the answer with replacing fittings, especially if the male is going more than half way into the fmeale.
Permatex offers several sealers that should do the job on reassembly, preferably the hardening variety.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Thanks for the tip on Permatex. Never occured to me to use that. I presume that I should apply it only to the male thread?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

works out best that way.

 

[Hoeman00]

Before using make sure all fittings
are clean and OIL FREE.
Use carb cleaner or some other
solvent based cleaner on them.

 

[Thomas]

I like to start wraping the teflon couple of threads from the end,for I don't want to take a chance of a piece finding its way into the controls.

 

[Hoeman00]

I wouldn't use tape period.
Like Boomerboy said above,
It's disassembly and reassembly when
the tape pcs. get into system.
The liquid sealers are so fast and pretty
much leak free unless something mechanical
is wrong.

 

[stnickstoys]

Please post brands of liquid sealer. I too have changed or washed trans/hyd fluid filters to find teflon tape on the screen. Would like to know the brands of products in liquid form for sealing hyd. fittings.
Thanks
Nick

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Thanks, hoeman. I now have the joints that were leaking apart. Not to mention the ones that weren't! leaking on they way there! I have the new replacement pieces and a gallon of mineral spirits. Also have the wire inside brush for cleaning the id threads. I also will be trying the Permatex #1 (hardening) as suggested by Franz. The teflon tape (both white and yellow) is cleared out now. One of the teflon pastes I used was purchased from the local hydraulics shop called 'Give-Me-the-White-Stuff'. Pricey stuff and recommended by them. I guess it works for the pro's better than for ham-hands like me. I'm anxious to get this machine back together and out of my shop. (Actually to get more seat time)!/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Hydraman]

This is to Franz and Boomerboy.
Question, I rebuilt a front end loader long before I had this here computer. So, needless to say, I didn't have acess to this valuable source of information. On all the hyd. connections, I did use tape. Now the question--Should I try to get it( the tape) out, or should I leave it there, and if a leak develops, then change it??? Have been using loader for several years, and no problems, so far. Thanks in advance.

 

[Hoeman00]

If no problems or leaks I would leave alone.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

That's almost a NO BRAINER. If it works, DON'T FIX IT!
Teflon will work just fine, as long as it is perfectly applied, and fittings are drawn up tight and left alone. Most people get into trouble with teflon tape by attempting to use it as a substitute for good fittings and proper workmanship.

 

[Hydraman]

Now ya told me exactly what I wanted to hear on this matter!!! Again, thanks.