Sealing 1/2" NPT tap

[Janimal444]

Hoping for some ideas here guys. I went a little too deep tapping the 1/2" NPT tap for the oil return line for my turbo in the top of the oil pan. Just barely too deep, is pretty tight, but leaks just enough to leave a small spot on driveway everyday. I have tried sealing this with teflon tape, Permatex black adhesive silicone, etc. Still getting a little leak.

Looking for any experience/ideas you guys might have to seal this. I guess worst case plug it and drill another hole and actually tap it correctly, but the plug would still leak, I would have to maybe use the help of my old friend JB (JB Weld).

 

[PureHybrid]

Have you tried a regular thread paste, like loctite 577 / 565? Is the fitting bottoming out (no more threads)?

 

[Janimal444]

Have you tried a regular thread paste, like loctite 577 / 565? Is the fitting bottoming out (no more threads)?

I have not tried this actually, that is a good idea though. Yes the fitting is unfortunately bottoming out.

Question, will it make a difference in applying this loctite if the area is oily? That area is very oily obviously, would it be worth it to drain the oil and degrease the area prior to installing??

 

[baggedLB7]

Thread tape it only three full wraps and thread paste on top of the tape if it is just a little leak. And make sure you are putting the thread tape on the right way or it will losen itself when you thread it in and mess it up.

 

[baggedLB7]

I would clean it up.

 

[PureHybrid]

X2, clean as possible. 3 wraps of tape is normal, but be careful on what kind you get if you go that route. Some of the cheaper stuff is very thin!

I would personally run the Loctite 577 (has a yellowish color IIRC), sets up better after a few hours. Try to throw a thin coat of paint over it when you're done and let it sit for a while, some thread sealers are anaerobic $.02

 

[Janimal444]

Thank you guys. I did use some teflon tape previously, along with some of the Permatex Black Silicone adhesive sealant at the top of the threads. This did not work well but I tried to set it when it was all oil covered. I think there is a lot to be gained by cleaning the area first. Also hopefully the Loctite works better than the Permatex.

PureHybrid, what kind of paint are you talking over the fitting? A latex based? Or just spray paint?

 

[catman3126]

Don't suppose you can goto the next bigger size fitting can you? probly already thought of that. but the only eher thing I would say is the Anerobic gel, that stuff is amazing and has bailed me out a time or two. really works, cat has their version which I'm sure is made by loctite but they have the "Flexible gasket maker" or the "Gasket Maker" get some of that and give it a try.

 

[catman3126]

How this is the area where you cut the threads?

 

[JMK777]

This is the type you want http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00:)6O20FJY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/189-5023169-6582525 you can get it at almost all hardware stores. Don't be scared to go around more then 3 times and dope it up before sticking it in the hole.

 

[JoshH]

If you can find some stuff called Leak Lock, it is some pretty good stuff. I've also had good luck using Permatex #2 sealant.

 

[PureHybrid]

Thank you guys. I did use some teflon tape previously, along with some of the Permatex Black Silicone adhesive sealant at the top of the threads. This did not work well but I tried to set it when it was all oil covered. I think there is a lot to be gained by cleaning the area first. Also hopefully the Loctite works better than the Permatex.

PureHybrid, what kind of paint are you talking over the fitting? A latex based? Or just spray paint?

Just spray paint.

 

[Janimal444]

Don't suppose you can goto the next bigger size fitting can you? probly already thought of that. but the only eher thing I would say is the Anerobic gel, that stuff is amazing and has bailed me out a time or two. really works, cat has their version which I'm sure is made by loctite but they have the "Flexible gasket maker" or the "Gasket Maker" get some of that and give it a try.

Honestly not really enough room to go to the next size. The area is so tight and there is just barely enough clearance next to the starter as is.

What exactly is meant by anaerobic sealant? Anyone care to explain? What is special about the process I mean, tha makes it different than any other sealant?

 

[PureHybrid]

Anaerobic means "absence of air" basically. It means they cure best when no oxygen is present. Whatever kind you buy, go to the manufacturer website and it should tell you.

I suppose worst case, you could have a 1/2NPT fitting machined with more taper so it would tighten up???