Teflon Tape or Teflon Paste

[MtnViewRanch]

So it has been mentioned that tape is bad if it gets in the system and is hard to get cleaned up.

Is it ok to get the paste in the system? No one ever talks about that. :confused3:

Seems to me that it is easier to get paste in the system than it is to get tape in there.

What about cleaning out a fitting that has had paste in it? I would prefer to clean out tape than paste. But that could just be me.

What exactly is the problem with getting this stuff in the system anyway? It's not like it ever goes through the pump, it should get filtered out before it ever would go through the pump. I suppose that it could get cought on a poppet type valve, but is it really a problem with a spool valve?

Just some questions that I don't remember being asked or answered.

 

[J_J]

No fillers or particles.

Loctiteｮ
Solution description Part number Package Size
Loctiteｮ
545


[ Thread Sealant Contains no fillers or particles that could contaminate system fluids, foul valves, or clog fine filters and screens. ]


32429
54531
54541
10 ml bottle
50 ml bottle
250 ml bottle
Loctiteｮ
Fast Cure 5452
Thread Sealant Similar features of Loctiteｮ
545
but with a faster cure.
Gel-like formula.
1265769
1265770
50 ml tube
250 ml tube

 

[LD1]

Since using the red Loctite I have not had a problem. I use the liquid type and make sure I let it cure before using.

By red, do you mean 262, the permanent threadlocker stuff? cause that isnt designed for hydraulic use.

Also, as with the paste, it is "claimed" that it is non-hardening, and therefore liquid by nature and wont harm the hydraulics if a little does get in there. Whereas the tape can make poppets or reliefs hang-up as mentioned.

The loctite I mentioned in an earlier post, it is the 545 stuff that I have used. I cant really say if it is better than paste, cause I have never had problems or a leak with either, It is just a matter of what I happen to grab that gets used.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I ditched the tape for the most part because I could not compute the direction to wrap it.

 

[JoeBuyer]

By red, do you mean 262, the permanent threadlocker stuff? cause that isnt designed for hydraulic use.

Also, as with the paste, it is "claimed" that it is non-hardening, and therefore liquid by nature and wont harm the hydraulics if a little does get in there. Whereas the tape can make poppets or reliefs hang-up as mentioned.

The loctite I mentioned in an earlier post, it is the 545 stuff that I have used. I cant really say if it is better than paste, cause I have never had problems or a leak with either, It is just a matter of what I happen to grab that gets used.

545 same as I posted on the previous page and same as you. I think it works great.

http://www.henkelna.com/us/content_data/141299_LT5557_5452SSF448695.pdf

As a point of note, I have seen factory assemblies with teflon tape, but I certainly would not use it for the reasons you and others have mentioned.

 

[MHarryE]

We had a rash of HMU (Hand Metering Unit - the power steering controller) leaks on machines built at one plant. HMUs were supplied from the same source for three plants, but only one plant had leakers. We sent several of the leaking HMUs to the supplier for failure analysis. In each one they found small bits of material in the shaft seal. We had the particles analyzed with a mass spectrometer. The material was Teflon. We checked the assembly line at the problem plant and discovered someone had changed installation of the only pipe thread fitting used on the machine from Loctite Hydraulic Sealant to Teflon tape. If I have had to use a pipe fitting, I've always used the Loctite product current at the time and location (Loctite has different part numbers for products sold in different countries).

 

[Soundguy]

And yes, I will use it if it is all I have at the moment.

Main problem is cleaning out all the old tape from the threads, and the fact that NPT fittings should not be used and re-tighten many times.

I generally don't prefer it either.. but do keep a roll of the white and yellow on the shelf just because, and HAVE used it as needed. My preference on non potable water lines and any oil/fuel is gasoila paste.. for potble water lines.. the harveys white paste..

ditto ont he re-use. amazes me to see pipe plugs with rounded over threads and chewed up heads that people stick back in.. no selaer.. then torque the bajeezus out of to get a drip leak.... instead of simply repalcing the 50 cent plug with a new one with good head. I see it on my antique tractors. buy one and every plug on it will be near ruin and leaking...

 

[Soundguy]

Seems to me that it is easier to get paste in the system than it is to get tape in there.

if you do it right.. neither get into t he system by staying away from the first full thread.

What about cleaning out a fitting that has had paste in it? I would prefer to clean out tape than paste. But that could just be me.

both require proper cleaning. as above.. if donce correctly.. you should be ok.

What exactly is the problem with getting this stuff in the system anyway? It's not like it ever goes through the pump, it should get filtered out before it ever would go through the pump. I suppose that it could get cought on a poppet type valve, but is it really a problem with a spool valve?

so lets say you are replacing the suction hose on the pump... tell me how that connection at the pump gets filtered before it gets to the pump? eh?

as for what if can do in the system?


have you ever had to take an orbital valve apart and use fine wire and a dental or oring pick and pick shreds of junk out of a steering valve? it's an all day job... I've done it.... what a waste of time ...

 

[mjonesnh]

Update:

Hoses came in this week and have been installed. Went to Advance Auto and purchased a container of Permatex PTFE paste. Did not apply to last 2 threads on male pipe threads. Some asked me what type of fittings they were. The male fitting was either 1/4 NPT or NPTF, not sure which, The female was 1/4 to 3/8 JIC 37° flare.

 

[LD1]

Yep, the NPT and NPTF would need the sealer.

You didnt put any on the JIC fitting did you? Cause if you did, it was not needed.