[DeTomaso] AN fittings and Teflon tape

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/7/10 7:18:32 PM, bjbstewart at yahoo.com writes:

> Should I use it? Methinks yes but thought i'd check.
> 
Probably not; depends on the situation. AN fittings seal from a close match 
of the 37 degree flanges, not by the threads, so you get no extra sealing 
from teflon tape on threads. Steel brake, clutch and   gas lines also seal 
from the flanges, not from the threads. 
But an old racer showed me that if you got a slight leak with flaired 
fittings, by teflon-taping the threads, one could TIGHTEN THEM TIGHTER WITHOUT 
STRIPPING, thus often curing the leak. It has nothing to do with sealing the 
threads- teflon is reaaly slippery. I've done this to Holley carburetors; by 
really leaning on a wrench, its possible to strip out the fuel inlet nuts, 
thus junking the carb body. Teflon tape on the fuel inlet nut threads always 
allows me to get them leak-free. Good luck- J DeRyke