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.