The gas tank drain plug on my '55 Dodge has some seepage coming out of it. I'd like to take the plug out and put something on the threads to keep the gas from seeping past. Any reason I can't use Teflon tape for that? Or is there a better solution? I don't want to JB weld the plug in because it's nice to have a removable plug, and I have the tank empty now so I'd like to fix it right the first time. Did some reading on leaky gas tanks but only found threads on patching pinholes, no leaking plugs or fittings.
here is genuine remedy handed down from father to son over that lat 100 years..and it works!!. Get a bar of soap. Place it in water. wait until the outside of the soap dissolves into a mush. smear plenty of the mush on the threads of the drain plug and screw it into the tank. leave for about an hour then fill the tank,don't wipe off any excess straight away. If the tank is leaking on the bottom you can even rub soap on the leaks and they will seal up. Try it,it's better than having teflon fucking up your carb jets or injection pump.
What's wrong with plain old pipe dope? That's what it's made for. Just read the tube to be sure it is for use with gasoline. Most is.
I have always used this on every oil and gas fittings and threads and never have any leaks. Permatex high temp thread sealant
Permatex makes some non hardening sealer that is gasoline resistent. It's messy stuff and darn near impossiable to get off your hands with anythings besides alcohol. http://midwest-fuel-injection.amazonwebstore.com/Permatex-80062-High-Tack-Gasket-Sealant/M/B000HBGHB8.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle
That's what I use for any gasket on one side to hold in place. It's similar to old fashioned shellac or indian head sealer. For threads, I prefer the thread sealant. No mess, lasts forever, never leaks and doesn't start flowing at heat.
Thanks for the fast replies everyone. I've heard of the soap thing too from quite a few people, usually for pinhole rust leaks, but I'm always hesitant to try it. I'm going to get some of the Permatex stuff and give that a go, since it comes so highly recommended here. I didn't want to use regular silicone, but the thread sealant seems like just the thing for my leak.
Leave the first few threads clean, use only a small amount and don't wipe away what squeezes out when tightening the thread.
I'm sure the tube will tell me once I get it, but does this stuff have to dry/set up, or is it good to go right away? I'm going to see if I can score some yet tonight.
The text in the link says 'Parts may be repositioned up to 4 hours after application' So you may want to wait at least that amount of time, especially with gasoline and a fitting that is known to weep a little. Overnight wait should do.
SealAll, comes in a yellow tube. Most auto parts and hardware stores have it. Used to use it on the threads of stripped out Rochesters. Dries hard and is removable. Now I use it to seal chainsaw crankcases.
Just get whatever fuel resistant pipe thread sealant is available at your local hardware store. There are dozens of brands on the market that will work; you don't have to get one from Permatex, Loctite, Dow, et al, specifically. I use some in a yellow tube purchased from a local DIY place (Menards or TrueValue); it's not one of the aforementioned brands and I've never had a problem with it. Look for a paste type instead of the tape, as the tape can plug up filters if it happens to tear off from the plug due to improper wrapping.
Why worry about the threads? How about an o-ring? Or if you want to get really fancy, what about a drain plug washer?
No joke...use "rector seal" Plumbing supply store, home depot, lowes, and well equiped ace hardware all sell it. Gas proof and works very well. Just a little bit messy, leaves a yellow stain ! Works great for steel,cast,aluminum,stainless,even pvc. Dave
Drain plugs and fittings usually have a tapered thread, often with square or allen/hex heads. Hardware stores mostly carry sealants for Natural GAS and other plumbing stuff around the house. For Gasoline, Oil, Coolants, etc. I go to auto parts places. But whatever stops the leak, lasts and doesn't cost much works....
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