Tri power lines leaking again

[John D.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Loctite 545 thread sealer stopped all fuel line leaks on my car. Available from industrial supply houses. Resists motor oil, unleaded gasoline, brake fluid, ethanol and water-glycol. No problem disconnecting the fitting. Once I saw the performnce on gas lines I started using it on oil line fittings too (distributor lube line, oil pressure gauge line, oil pan drain plug).

Excellent answer Doug, My pal Fi Art gave you that info and I am happy you used it.
Guys/girls you don't have to kill those inlet fittings to stop the leaks. Use what Doug told you. Apply it with a Q-tip holding back about 1-1/2 thread. Use can also use Loctite 545 on the ferrule of the line but don't get any inside the line.
If you insist on using SS lines and fittings 545 is your life saver.

For my fuel injection restorations I use a lot of the 545. But I use it sparingly. Great to use on the brass ferrules, the threads of the fittings etc. I also use it on vacuum line fittings, the inlet fitting to the fuel bowl. etc. Basically anywhere where I have a pipe thread. Now it's not permanent like the Loctite Red aka 271. That stuff is permanent. Wipe the excess off with Zippo lighter fluid and Q-tips.
Shake the bottle ofLoctite 545 every time you use it. Buy it from Traver's Tool (not Travelers), MSC Industrial supply and even Ebay. Not typically available in auto stores.
Thanks Doug. John

[Clem Z.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

i don't doubt your word john but i can not see have it would stop a bad fitting flare from leaking.

[Joe L.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

i don't doubt your word john but i can not see have it would stop a bad fitting flare from leaking.

clem-----


I TOTALLY agree. I cannot see how it would stop a leak at the interface between the tubing flare and the seat.

As far as sealer on the tubing nut threads is concerned, these fittings are not designed to seal at the threads. Even if one is able to achieve an effective seal at the threads, the fitting will still leak (from between the tubing nut orifice and the tube).

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Thank you ALL,
So, if i replace the bowls should i choose NOS new ones (eBay stores, $69 - $129) or buy new from a holley distributor?? Do i need to be mindful of correctness for judging and can i be sure the NOS ones are not reconditioned??
Cheers
Grahame

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Hi Everyone,

I know its been a while but i have finally come to the point where i can confidently say that the fuel lines are dry. I must say a very big thank you to all who provided there wisdom and experience to this thread. A particular thank you to Ken who provided a very detailed explanation (which i followed) on how to fix this pesky problem.

I can highly recommend Ken's process and also found a couple of things to be aware of when reinstalling these lines.

i purchased two complete sets of fuel lines (from different suppliers) since i bought the car in early 2011 and i must say they are not all made the same or the quality the suppliers are purporting. I don't think i should say the names of the suppliers however, there are variances in the thickness of the flared ends, in the diameter of the pipe and the overall fit and finish. In addition to ken's process i also made sure i had some grease (about an inch back from the flared end) on each pipe to allow the locking nut to slide more freely and not bind on the pipe or flared end as it was tightened. As i mentioned in previous threads, the pipes would not leak initially but after a week or so would appear to unwind. i noticed a big difference in the way all locking nuts and flanges tightened using this method of lubrication.

Thank you once again and i look forward getting a better understanding of my car from the very knowledgeable and talented people that make this forum what it is today. i also hope, in the not too distant future, to be able to help others just like you have helped me.

Finally, we've all been watching the horror unfold in the US and hope everyone living in those areas has escaped the fury of the hurricane.

Take care and cheers from Downunder.
Grahame

[Michael J.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Good to know, I start my tri-power carb replacement in 1 month, and I will be reading this thread closely, thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

i don't doubt your word john but i can not see have it would stop a bad fitting flare from leaking.

I hate to agree with ChePhart, but 545 sometimes will cure those leaks. Don't ask me how, but a lot of Loctite products seem to work by "black magic"

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Hi Dick,
The Loctite MSD sheet mentions 545 is designed with a lubricator. Apart from the obvious thread sealing capabilities, this may also be a contributing factor.
cheers
Grahame