Oil Pressure threads (do you use a sealer?)

67topless · Sep 7, 2006

I am replacing my oil pressure gauge and wanted to know what I should use to seal the threads to the extension and for the extension to the block? Can I use teflon tape (I assume it would be too hot for this) or Loctite or something else?

Scott

brin0357 · Sep 7, 2006

Teflon tape is a big nono for pretty much anything on a car. I would go with some thread sealant from loc tite or something.

Jester67 · Sep 7, 2006

I used loctite PST 567 it has a heat range and oil resistance that workes for this application

Jester67 · Sep 7, 2006

This is a thread sealant not a thread locker.

67topless · Sep 7, 2006

Jester67 said:
This is a thread sealant not a thread locker.

Cool, that is exactly what I was wanting.

Scott

runawayabc123 · Aug 9, 2007

I really hate to dig this thread up, but I was searching about Oil pressure problems for my Mustang and I found this thread. (Didn't find what I was looking for on the Mustang yet.)

To the point, I recently replaced the Oil Sending Unit on my late model Thunderbird and I used teflon tape on the threads.

It was posted here not to use that.

How much trouble am I in? (I did it on Sunday, 4 days ago and everything has been ok so far.)

Thanks.

(It was white teflon tape.)

mustangdave · Aug 9, 2007

No big deal: sometimes the tape will interfere with the reading and it could melt losing the seal. Simpy remove and use a thread sealant if you're worried.

mikethebike · Aug 9, 2007

brin0357 said:
Teflon tape is a big nono for pretty much anything on a car. I would go with some thread sealant from loc tite or something.

I've been using it for 30 years with no problems so I'd REALLY like for you to elaborate on that statement.

mikethebike · Aug 9, 2007

runawayabc123 said:
I really hate to dig this thread up, but I was searching about Oil pressure problems for my Mustang and I found this thread. (Didn't find what I was looking for on the Mustang yet.)

To the point, I recently replaced the Oil Sending Unit on my late model Thunderbird and I used teflon tape on the threads.

It was posted here not to use that.

How much trouble am I in? (I did it on Sunday, 4 days ago and everything has been ok so far.)

Thanks.

(It was white teflon tape.)

My mechanical S-W oil pressure guage has been innstalled for 21 years with no trouble. I use teflon-tape on a cast-iron 1977 XLCH that has oil temp of 275-300 degrees and every possible location where oil could find its way out has been sealed with teflon tape and the only place on the bike that has EVER dripped oil is the engine breather tube and then only after the original vacum valve died and H-D will not support a 30 years old bike.
If you follow the directions and start 2 threads from the end and use only 2 layers you will be fine.

65ShelbyClone · Aug 9, 2007

Teflon works fine if the sender threads can make metal-to-metal contact at least somewhere. The sender has to be grounded to the engine in order to work right.

Non-hardening sealer works well too. Whatever floats your boat.

mrmustangman357 · Aug 9, 2007

some say the tape may fray off and clog ports. A company which I will not name in Illinois had a contractor do some hydraulic work. Total bill was somewhere north of $300,000 for the work. The company used teflon tape on all the lines and 3-4 months after install, the hydraulic valves stuck, the manifolds weren't routing fluid properly, and a whole slew of headaches. The teflon tape eventually frayed and clogged the pressure side on many components and needless to say alot of work was needed to fix it

In short, straight from Automotive tech class and being an engineer I have to say it is my opinion the tube sealant works just as well. Also, if you read any nitrous instructions, it always says to never use tape because of this problem. The only real good use for the tape is to fill excess space as in threaded PVC or cast iron items. An automotive application doesn't require this as much, so why take the chance?

mikethebike · Aug 9, 2007

mrmustangman357 said:
some say the tape may fray off and clog ports. A company which I will not name in Illinois had a contractor do some hydraulic work. Total bill was somewhere north of $300,000 for the work. The company used teflon tape on all the lines and 3-4 months after install, the hydraulic valves stuck, the manifolds weren't routing fluid properly, and a whole slew of headaches. The teflon tape eventually frayed and clogged the pressure side on many components and needless to say alot of work was needed to fix it

In short, straight from Automotive tech class and being an engineer I have to say it is my opinion the tube sealant works just as well. Also, if you read any nitrous instructions, it always says to never use tape because of this problem. The only real good use for the tape is to fill excess space as in threaded PVC or cast iron items. An automotive application doesn't require this as much, so why take the chance?

If the tape got into the system then it was not installed correctly. The proper way to use the tape is as I stated previously and that is to start 2 full threads from the end and only wrap with 2 UNSTRECHED layers. I'd hold the company who did the work responsible, not the tape.

mrmustangman357 · Aug 9, 2007

the company was held responsible for the blunder, but when sealer works just as well, why take the chance? I've used sealer in many apps without any leakage, and only used teflon tape for looser fittings such as though described. Just a level of mistake-proofing I guess. Just my .02

mikethebike · Aug 10, 2007

mrmustangman357 said:
the company was held responsible for the blunder, but when sealer works just as well, why take the chance? I've used sealer in many apps without any leakage, and only used teflon tape for looser fittings such as though described. Just a level of mistake-proofing I guess. Just my .02

Well, teflon tape supercedes goop. Why? It is a better thread lubricant, a bettter seal, and a whole world less of a mess. Plus, if you ever dicsonnect the joint it is easier to remove/reinstall. It was, in the opinion of the USN submarine service SO much better that they were willing to pay something like $25 per roll in 1970 rather than use pipe dope.
You can use anything you want on YOUR car. I'll use what I've been useing for 35 years with no problems and no mess.
Plus, it makes a great lube for installing exhaust manifold bolts/studs. Makes removal down the line very pleasent.

BullittStangV8 · Aug 10, 2007

I've tried to steer away from teflon tape as well, especially on fuel fittings/carb fittings, as the teflon tape can work its way free, and block the needles. Also, allot of the gauge companies state not to use teflon tape on the threads. Why wouldnt you just use the copper anti-sieze? I do agree its a good thread lubricant, but IMO its not meant to be used everywhere.

68keyblr · Aug 10, 2007

I just ordered a new oil pressure sending unit from Summit and it came with teflon tape already on the threads.

I've used it a few times with no problems.

D.Hearne · Aug 10, 2007

mikethebike said:
Plus, it makes a great lube for installing exhaust manifold bolts/studs. Makes removal down the line very pleasent.

mrmustangman357 · Aug 10, 2007

did summit make the oil pressure gauge? becase we are all aware of their commitment to quality in summit-brand parts

Oil Pressure threads (do you use a sealer?)

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