The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Gas Line seal

Can or should I use the white plumbers Teflon tape on my threaded gas line connections?

Not necessary if your fittings are new or undamaged. If you must use something due to bunged threads or something, use Permatex Seal Lock.

It is a combination of blue thread lock and thread sealer.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-57535-Seal-Thread-Compound/dp/B0787N1LTY/ref=asc_df_B0787N1LTY/

I've started using a drop of oil on fuel line brass threads because I can never get them tight enough dry. Have also used teflon tape many times and never had a problem. It helps if you're nitpicky about cleaning every tiny sliver out of the threads with a dental pick or something every time they're disconnected because they can mess with your carb if you don't.

Thanks. New brass fittings. The oil trick makes since. Brass fittings always seemt to want to drag and bind when tightening. I know the teflon tape in addtion to filling the voids acts a a lubricant on the threads.

Depending on what fitting you are referring to, a flare fitting, inverted flare fitting, compression fitting, or a fitting that relies on an O-ring needs no sealer on the threads because the threads are not the sealing surface. Pipe threads typically call for sealer, brass to brass or brass to steel may not need sealer due to the soft nature of the brass allowing the threads to conform to each other.

I've noticed today's brass fittings don't seem the same as the ones of past years. I've been told to avoid teflon tape. Threads (small thread-like pieces) of it can come off and go into your carburetor where they can mess with your needle/seat, main jet, metering rod to jet, etc.

I use a small amount of regular old redneck pipe dope. Seals just fine without having to over tighten the junk-metal threads on the carb body. On ferrule or flare fittings I tighten and then crack it open and retighten a couple of times. Works for me.

Maybe this old thread will help. The stuff I used is still good.
Gas Leak

I would assume that the fittings attached by the factory - say, Inline Tube - would be the NPTF for fuel that don't require sealer. Same with fuel pumps, gas tanks, etc.

I have a new tank, steel lines from Inline Tube, and the rubber transition from tank to steel line that cam with the fittings attached. I did not use any sealer on any of these connections and I have no leaks.

Teflon tape is for- - - - -plumbers! A drop or two of Permatex Super 300 on a tapered pipe thread fuel fitting might be OK, as long as you don't put it within a few threads of the end of the fitting. Flare fittings don't need ANY sealer- - - - -the threads have nothing at all to do with sealing- - - -they just hold things together.
Jerry