Hi all,

I'm looking for confirmation of what I should put on the threads of the oil cooler fittings that go into the radiator. Is is thread-locker, a sealant, or both?

I ask as the fittings are inverted flare types that unlike pipe-threads (NPT) the sealing is not necessarily at the threads. As such I was going to use blue thread locker (medium strength) and have the sealing be done by the mating surfaces of the flares. Is my logic correct?

Thoughts?

Christine

 

I can't think of any reason the Loctite would even be necessary. As you said, the threads do not seal anything. I've never personally had one of those fittings come loose (I'm careful not to "preload" the hose in that direction), but if you have, Loctite may help. I think you may regret that decision when you have to take it off, though. I'd much rather spin it out with my fingers than 1/64th of a turn at a time with a wrench.

 

No sealant or anything needed on a flare fitting, just tighten it down. Straight threads will get Teflon tape, but still no lock tire, imo

 

OK, so if I were to anything, it would be to use some lock-tite but only as a thread-locker and not as a sealant. I have some of the blue lock-tite that is supposed to be undoable with hand-tools. I think they make a less strong thread-locker now. Perhaps that less-strong one would be the way to go so to keep the fitting from every coming undone.

 

Sorry Christine

This NOT one of your piece of mind situations as you like to say - If you want to take the risk of breaking lose the fittings from the shell in the radiator use a thread locker - these type of treatments are for locking bolts and such not as a sealant. And as with all thread lockers even tho it says removeable does not mean that it does without lotta heat and destroying sh--
And as stated above in this case doing nothing is better than anything extra ....
EDIT .....
Also this going to sound crazy but for a cheap usually easy to break lose thread locker a little super light coat of finger nail polish - Works like a dream on plastics and fiber glas where regular thread locker melts apart what you are trying to work on .....

 

Agreed, no thread locking compound.

George

 

Ok Ok, No thread locking at all! LOL

I had noticed that the OEM pieces came with some sort of thread-locker. Thoughts?



https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-857...tor&origin=YMM

 

Is that thread locker, or just like a Teflon type tape sealant?

 

Looks like sealant to me. Like plumbers tape.

 

When you go to sight offered the build up for the union says thread sealant applied [where applicable].