Does a flared fuel line connection need teflon tape on threads?

[studiog]

Just being a little paranoid I guess. But is there any benefit to putting teflon tape on the threads of a flare fitting when the flare is doing the sealing and not the threads?

:confused

http://capital.net/com/studiog/pics/59 2x4carbsjpg

 

[396 RAT]

No,
It could possibly get in the way though.
If your worried about the threads, use anti seize.
But they are designed to go together dry.

 

[allcoupedup]

I think the answer to thequestion is "it depends"

Some connections use the thread to make the seal and some use the threads to push the tube flare against a sealing surface. The connections at my carb are compression fittings - no tape needed. The connections at my fuel pump are not compression fittings and need tape. Compressions at my fuel filter (GF90) required tape as they are not compression fittings either.

update:
Just read your post again and it is clear you understand the difference. I've never put anything on a flare and haven't had any leaks.

Brian

 

[58Mike]

No. Brake lines have inverted flare fittings where all the seal is on those "little inner parts", sort of like compression fittings which are a little different. None of the sealing is done at the threads.

- Mike Greene

 

[66427-450]

i've always used teflon tape (fuel and brake lines), and of course you only put in on the threads......

 

[IH2LOSE]

OK Ill add to this I used a sealent called leak lock.It disapeers when used properley you only need a TINYTINY small amount less then a tear on the tip of the threads your sealing It actually I think does more as a lubricant.And NO TEFLON TAPE LEFT SHOWING when I am done

 

[Dave L.]

No.

I used teflon tape when I first purchased my car and I replaced the fuel filter. A very small portion of the tape dislodged several weeks later and got stuck in the carb. I haven't used it since and like the others have had no leaks. Last year I replaced the fuel feed line to the carb and a new fuel pump also without teflon tape.

Dave

 

[JohnZ]

I always use either a little bit of anti-seize or TFE paste on the threads of inverted flare fittings (only on the threads, not on the flare sealing surfaces); not as a sealant, but to reduce the thread friction and to prevent galling. By reducing the thread friction and galling, it takes less torque to achieve a good mechanical seal at the flare, and it eliminates thread galling with repeated disassembly and assembly.

I always use a little TFE paste on pipe-thread fittings for the same reason - less torque required to get a good thread seal.

There are no compression fittings anywhere on a Corvette except for the ends of the oil pressure gauge pipe.

 

[studiog]

Thanks to all for your comments. You all have good points and it is good to know I'm not the only one who has pondered this question.

 

[magicv8]

The only place I use teflon ribbon ("tape") is on pipe threads. I use teflon TAPE on my door sill to keep the door upholstry from being damaged and also on the convetible top weatherstrip at the pivot point - so it doesnt leave a black mark on the deck lid.

PS: Putting teflon ribbon or pipe dope on the temp sender has been known to produce incorrect guage readings.