How to seal leaking FI fittings

[Larry B.]

I noticed some fuel seepage on my FI fittings at the fuel meter/filter pictured below at the end of the screw driver. What is the best sealer to use on the fittings? Can I clean the existing areas around the fittings and apply a sealer? I did not want to take everything apart if possible. Thanks, Larry

[John H.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

I noticed some fuel seepage on my FI fittings at the fuel meter/filter pictured below at the end of the screw driver. What is the best sealer to use on the fittings? Can I clean the existing areas around the fittings and apply a sealer? I did not want to take everything apart if possible. Thanks, Larry

Larry -

You can't seal those fittings without taking it apart. Disassemble those tapered pipe thread fittings, clean them, use a light film of Teflon pipe paste (NOT tape), re-assemble, and wipe off any excess that shows.

[Jack M.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

I agree with John's recommendation...but if you absolutely don't want to take it apart, you might consider Seal-All as a possible fix.

[Gary C.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Larry, if you take it apart this air craft sealer works great. Gary....

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ezturnlube.php

[Larry B.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Thanks for the great advice: John, Jack & Gary! Cheers, Larry

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

The sealant from Aircraft Spruce is a great avation product.
I have purchased some other items from Aircraft Spruce. Although thier speciality is obviously airplane related items they have lots of stuff that can be used for hotrods and cars in general.

Larry, I have used teflon paste on my 4360 FI unit and it works very well.

[Troy P.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Never seen teflon paste. Where would one buy it?

[John H.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Never seen teflon paste. Where would one buy it?

Troy -

Any hardware store, in the plumbing section - ask for Teflon pipe dope.

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Auto supply stores, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Pep Boys, KOi in Ohio, etc.
Made by Permatex and other auto supply companies.

[Tom P.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Never seen teflon paste. Where would one buy it?

ANY auto parts store (NAPA, O'Reillys, etc). Permatex Brand 80632 (4oz can) or 80633 (16oz can) Teflon Thread sealer. Both cans have a brush in the lid.
Permatex also makes an Aviation sealant in the same type 4oz can with a brush in the lid, 80019. It's a thick, dark brown sealant and prior to each use, it really needs to be thoroughly stirred up. Supposed to be impervious to oils, greases, fuels, etc.

[Timothy B.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

I just use Permatex #2 around the threads and never have a problem.

[John D.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Larry, YOu want to be very careful at that inlet fitting. If you overtighten the fitting you will break/crack the fuel meter cover. I see that your cover has alterations to it now so you don't want to take the change of ruining it.
I use Loctite 545 on the inlet fittings with great success. Available at industrial tool supplies such as Travers, MSC,etc.
First of all make sure the fittings are spotless. Then shake the bottle and apply the 545 very thin with a Q-tip. Since you have a carburator filter I would first install the fitting in the carb filter. Then I would gently install the assembly-screw the assembly into the fuel meter inlet area that you put the Loctite 545 on. As I said before don't overtighten. Let the Loctite do the job. Wait a day or so and you are set.
Never use teflon tape for the inlet fitting. Here is why. The casting is a 1/8" straight pipe thread. The fitting is a 1/8" tapered pipe thread. It's a crush fit with zero room for the white tape. I see some of the crew likes teflon paste. Not going to knock it but I would be out of business without Loctite 545 as it's my favorite stuff for fitting. Wipe the excess offf with a Q-tip. Good luck, JD

[Paul Y.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

I agree with John. That's what I use.

[Larry B.]

Re: How to seal leaking FI fittings

Thanks for chiming in JD. Thanks to all!