Water Elbow Installation

[RC7]

I have a new water elbow to install on the rear pass. side of my motor. I can only hand tighten it to about 3 o'clock. Now, I know that it needs to be tightened further counter-lockwise to 10 o'clock.

That'll be nearly a half turn of resistance. Is that right? I don't want to mess up the threads or anything.

[240ZX]

If you can hand tighten it to 3 O'clock, then wrench tightening it to the 10 O'clock position will not be a concern. These are pipe threads and are tappered. Are you using teflon tape or other type sealant on the threads?

Tom

[RC7]

Yes, I was going to put some type of sealant on there before I tightened it down. I didn't put it on there of course because I was skeptical with it getting tight at 3 o'clock. At 12 o'clock I wouldn't have been concerned. I feel a little better now.

What type of sealant would you recommend? I would think something different than normal thread locker because it deals with water but I could be wrong.

[geezer]

You can get this at just about any automotive parts store. Works great and will lube the threads making it easier to reach full torque

http://www.neverseezproducts.com/threadseal.htm

[240ZX]

Yes, I was going to put some type of sealant on there before I tightened it down. I didn't put it on there of course because I was skeptical with it getting tight at 3 o'clock. At 12 o'clock I wouldn't have been concerned. I feel a little better now.

What type of sealant would you recommend? I would think something different than normal thread locker because it deals with water but I could be wrong.

Geezer's suggestion of neverseez however, does not provide the sealant factor! Teflon tape or a teflon based pipe dope will do the trick!

Tom

[geezer]

240ZX - Go back and read the link I provided. I did not recommend Antiseize. I would never use teflon tape on any of the high output engines I build. My machinist would have his way with me.

[240ZX]

240ZX - Go back and read the link I provided. I did not recommend Antiseize. I would never use teflon tape on any of the high output engines I build. My machinist would have his way with me.

Sorry, I didn't open the link,just saw neverseez on the link...I stand corrected! Regarding teflon tape...if used properley it is does a fine job. Problem is, many people don't know how to or how much to use.

Tom

[ChrisA]

Tom is so right about teflon tape. Most folks don't use it properly and wrap it the wrong direction around the fitting.

I use Permatex 59214 liquid thread sealant. Easy to apply and the joint can be repositioned up to 4 hours later.

Good for oil, water, gear lube, power steering and brake fluid connections.

FWIW,

Chris A.

[zbane]

Tom is so right about teflon tape. Most folks don't use it properly and wrap it the wrong direction around the fitting.

Out of curiosity, what direction is the tape supposed to be wound? I would think it should go in the direction of the thread; i.e clockwise, if the thread is of the Righty-tighty/Lefty-loosey variety.

Am I correct in this assumption?

[ChrisA]

Out of curiosity, what direction is the tape supposed to be wound? I would think it should go in the direction of the thread; i.e clockwise, if the thread is of the Righty-tighty/Lefty-loosey variety.

Am I correct in this assumption?

Yep, clockwise on normal pipe threads. Being a right hander, I hold the fitting in my right hand and wind the tape around the threads with my left hand in a clockwise direction.

You know you've done it right when you tighten the fitting and the very end of the tape isnt forced backwards.

That seems confusing after re-reading it.

But like you said, on a righty-tighty fitting the tape is indeed would clockwise.

Chris A.

[geezer]

I can give you an hour long speech on the use of teflon tape, but I'll spare you that. The reason in this case for using a liquid form of sealant is mainly the...one size fits all... factor. Teflon tape has an inherant compressabilty range. It may require 1 wrap, 2 wraps or whatever to use, making it difficult to reach the desired torque and seal at the same time. Much of industry has outright banned the use of it because of the problems experienced. There are a meriad of problems that I could elaborate on. I'm not saying that it can't be used successfully, but am saying there is a better way.

[ChrisA]

Much of industry has outright banned the use of it because of the problems experienced.

Won't argue with you about that. How about the different types of silicone out there now. When I started at my shop 16 years ago, we had one type. Stinky white RTV. Nowadays I can think of at least 5 different colors plus clear. And dispense it from a squeeze tube, aerosol can or caulking gun.

Nuts:stupid:

FWIW,

Chris A.