urgent help PTFE or not?

G-Dubs

G-Dubs

G-Dubs

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Just about to start putting my first ever loop together I have some PTFE tape but would like advice on whether best to use it or not.

I'm using compression fittings and a fair few 45 degree rotaries.

If I do use it, how do I actually use it?

I know it goes round the thread, but how much to use? how tight to wind, how do I tell if I got it wrong (apart from the obvious "well it'll leak")

all advice appreciated

Cheers
 
No don't use PTFE (thread tape)
All your fittings should have o rings to make a seal between the fitting and the flat surface above the thread portion. This will stop any leaks.
If you put thread tape on, you will stop the thread from tightening all the way to the flat surface making the o ring useless.
Thread tape is normally used on the thread form BSPT (tapered thread) when PC water cooling fittings are BSPP (parallel thread).
On tapered threads the seal is created by the taper & the thread tape helps to fill in any gaps due to this being a very course thread form.
 
Ooooops too late I had to crack on so made an "executive decission"
I've just finished adding to all the threads. They seemed to tighten down OK but hard to tell if squashing the O ring enough.

I guess leak testing will tell.

Worst case I'll have to spend an afternoon picking it all off again.

I'll let you know how it goes
 
Never had a leak with PTFE and only had one with o-rings due to one being slightly twisted.
 
If you need to use PTFE tape just wrap it round the fitting thread a few times (3 or so times), making sure you don't have any loose off the end. It needs to be reasonably tight but not to the point that it stretches.
 
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