Preventing leaks when using Earl's fittings...oil cooler

[80GS1000]

When using Earl's aluminum fittings for plumbing something like an oil cooler, is it a good idea to use Teflon tape to prevent oil leaks? Or will the fittings seal with enough torque on the nuts?

[isleoman]

I always use the teflon tape and they don't leak. Haven't ever tried without though.

[Old Colt]

If you are working with the fitting shown, No. That is a straight thread, what is called boss seal. As shown that one has a Stat o seal sealing ring, Good stuff. Lube the threads.
If using straight aluminum washer, a drop of sealant or Locktight. blue or purple.

If you are working on a tapered pipe thread, tape if you like it but I have best luck with a real thread sealant, PST in your choice of brands, the purple stuff.
Big issue is if a bit of tape gets into the flow stream.
Nail polish is not a bad sealant as well, it is a low grade lacquer.

On the tube end with the 37° taper, just lube the threads with oil to prevent galling.

[Nessism]

Most oil cooler adapters use pipe threads, unlike that photo with the sealing washer which looks like regular threads thus the need for a seal of some sort.

[80GS1000]

Thanks for the help.

So when using a threaded adapter like this:



you want to use some PST sealant like Loctite 565?

[Old Colt]

That should do the job just fine.