Posted by David Sherman on Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 0:53AM :
In Reply to: Gas line thread sealer posted by Mark Toper on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at 11:18PM :
Most fuel lines use flare fittings, in which the threads are not the sealing surface. If it's leaking from one of those fittings, the fitting is bunged up and needs to be replaced. Pipe dope on the flare surface can sometimes get you by in an emergency but it will definitely not last.
Other fittings, like the carb inlet, are often straight threads with a fiber washer to seal. If it leaks, you need a new washer and/or you need to clean up the bunged up fitting. Doping up the threads is not the right way to seal this.
If it really is a tapered pipe thread, I would definitely not use teflon tape. Pieces of it will most likely end up in the carb and cause endless frustration. I have used "Harvey's TFE Paste" on fuel systems with good results. There's another brand I've also used that works well, but I don't remember the name of it off hand. The label should specifically state that it is suitable for gasoline. The teflon in TFE paste is more like a fine powder and won't come off in thick stringy globs like teflon tape. An old-fashioned white lead plumber's stick would probably also be safe if you still have one around. If you're bound and determined to use teflon tape, keep it well back from the front end of the threads so there's less chance of pieces ending up in the lines.
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