Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

Was there any thread sealer like Teflon tape on the WP or manifold heater hose nipples? Getting ready to paint the engine today and wasn't sure what to do with thiv. I think the manifold nipple has not been removed since the engine was assembled so I'm inclined to leave it as is. The WP nipple I still have to install.

Mike

[Michael L.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

Sorry I forgot to mention its a 69 sb L46.

[Edward J.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

Mike GM was not big on Teflon tape or pipe thread sealant, now a days its more common. But I like to use it. just wipe off the excess so nothing is visible. judges may deduct.

[Michael J.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

Mike GM was not big on Teflon tape or pipe thread sealant, now a days its more common. But I like to use it. just wipe off the excess so nothing is visible. judges may deduct.

I agree, I sometimes use Teflon tape on fittings where vibration and or heat may cause leaks. But I always take a wire brush and remove any visible on the threads. Judges will deduct if they see it.

[Steven B.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

I would use a pipe dope before teflon tape. I've seen more leaks with the tape than the dope, and you can get rid of most of the exposed dope easily as was mentioned.

Steve

[Stuart F.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

Many people put the tape on wrong wrapping it counter-clock-wise. Guess they are mostly left handed folks. Really, if done right, tape is good.

Stu Fox

[Michael L.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

I went with pipe joint compound. It took a little effort to get every last trace of extra compound off but at this point there is no way to tell.

[Joe L.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

I went with pipe joint compound. It took a little effort to get every last trace of extra compound off but at this point there is no way to tell.

Michael-------


I don't think that Teflon tape had even been invented yet when 1969's were built. In any event, GM never used it on any pipe threads at that time or, even, at any time thereafter as far as I know.

No sealer was used on the heater hose nipples. These nipples used a pipe thread which GM referred to as "Dryseal". This thread required no sealer.

[John D.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

I pitched my roll of teflon many years ago. I use various Loctites on fittings. John

[Duke W.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

"Pipe dope" will seal and prevent seizing. Also, many apply too much torque to NPT threads. Only sufficient torque to prevent leaks is required.

[Richard G.]

[Tom L.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

how about using it on temp. sensors? I'm getting ready to put a new TCS thermostat in one head. My old habits tell me to use tape or dope of some kind. My concern is getting a good ground though. Thoughts?

[Richard G.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

how about using it on temp. sensors? I'm getting ready to put a new TCS thermostat in one head. My old habits tell me to use tape or dope of some kind. My concern is getting a good ground though. Thoughts?

Sensors bases are usually manufactured of brass, so they tend to form to the tapped hole and seal well without any tape or sealant. I have never had an issue with them leaking and I never use anything on them, which is what GM recommends. I usually run a tap down the hole and give it a 1/4 turn after it gets hand tight. This will clean any gunk out of the treads without enlarging the hole. If your choice is to use a sealant I would check the continuity with a meter before putting the sensor into service. On our old Corvettes it can affect the gauge readings, typically incorrect readings are from aftermarket sensors and not conductive issues. On the new stuff with computers too much tape can be a real issue when the computer reads the voltage/value.

[Dick W.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

Loctite PST (pipe sealant with teflon). Best product for sealing common fittings that I have used. Very easy to remove the excess. It is like Brillcreame, a little dab will do you

[Jerry W.]

Re: Was there any teflon tape or other substance on the heater hose nipples?

and feel so Dabonair