[TKA ford]

Hey all, I'm ready to eliminate the fuel filter heater and have the 1/2" npt tap and matching drill bit. Question is what should I put on the treads to seal plug? Also , any tips from people that have done this already? Thanks

 

[LMJD]

Most all mechanics use the teflon thread sealant paste made by Locktite/Permatex company on any pipe plugs or hydraulic fittings. (White tube with red lettering)

 

[oldrebuiltdodge]

Most all mechanics use the teflon thread sealant paste made by Locktite/Permatex company on any pipe plugs or hydraulic fittings. (White tube with red lettering)

Good stuff. I would add don't use tefflon tape. you can split your housing like that. Besides the strings getting everywhere.

 

[ArcticDriver]

I have had good luck with Gasoila Thread sealant:

http://www.dieselorings.com/shop-supplies/gasoila-diesel-rated-paste-thread-sealant-2oz-tube.html

 

[LMJD]

Actually I've used the Permatex/Locktite tape a lot, but like the factory rep said, you have to start it a thread or two back tapering the windings, and most importantly, wind it on in the proper direction so it stays put. Been a life-saver winding it on thick on certain worn out sloppy hydraulic fittings.

 

[ArcticDriver]

Actually I've used the Permatex/Locktite tape a lot, but like the factory rep said, you have to start it a thread or two back tapering the windings, and most importantly, wind it on in the proper direction so it stays put. Been a life-saver winding it on thick on certain worn out sloppy hydraulic fittings.

Tape.

+1 on proper direction 😉

+1 on taking the slop out of fittings.

 

[TKA ford]

Thanks for the info. I just found fuel dripping from steel line were it passes under oil pan on its way to lift pump. Can this line be replaced with hose? If not where do I find new steel line? Local shop doesn't have anything

 

[ArcticDriver]

I might continue to use a rigid line myself since it sounds like its upstream of the pump and the suction created could pinch a rubber line off...or atleast that would be my concern.

I am away from my truck but what are the attachments at the ends?

 

[Xeonpony]

Thanks for the info. I just found fuel dripping from steel line were it passes under oil pan on its way to lift pump. Can this line be replaced with hose? If not where do I find new steel line? Local shop doesn't have anything

Just fabricate one with 3/8 break line, use a bender to get nice clean bends.

 

[Randy 4614]

Can not remember what the line ends are like, but if for hose can use a flaring tool to put a small flare on the end to help hold the hose.

 

[oldrebuiltdodge]

Actually I've used the Permatex/Locktite tape a lot, but like the factory rep said, you have to start it a thread or two back tapering the windings, and most importantly, wind it on in the proper direction so it stays put. Been a life-saver winding it on thick on certain worn out sloppy hydraulic fittings.

I have used it extensively as well. I have also seen cast, and especially aluminum housings split wide open because someone overtightened a fitting with tape on it. Having been in the oil and gas industry, I have gone through more teflon tape than I care to think about. I simply tried to keep the OP from ruining his filter housing.

 

[ArcticDriver]

Actually I've used the Permatex/Locktite tape a lot, but like the factory rep said, you have to start it a thread or two back tapering the windings, and most importantly, wind it on in the proper direction so it stays put. Been a life-saver winding it on thick on certain worn out sloppy hydraulic fittings.

I have used it extensively as well. I have also seen cast, and especially aluminum housings split wide open because someone overtightened a fitting with tape on it. Having been in the oil and gas industry, I have gone through more teflon tape than I care to think about. I simply tried to keep the OP from ruining his filter housing.

I think you guys are both right. PTFE tape is an excellent product for so many applications WHEN USED CORRECTLY.

The trouble is, and I don’t think this is an exxageration, the majority of guys don’t know how to use it.

There are alot of self-taught or YouTube DIY guys who mistakenly think its tape, how difficult can it be? The days of knowledge being passed down ended 20+ years ago so you have guys who don’t know telling new guys that don’t know.

And this holds true in the Oil & Gas Industry and not just the shadetree mechanic.

I see guys pulling it apart resulting in “strings” instead of cutting it, using too much, getting small particles or even metal shaving stuck to it, wrapping the wrong way, not wrapping snug, etc..

 

[oldrebuiltdodge]

Wapping it the wrong way, and ending it in the wrong place are the two most common mistakes...besides over using it. I have had to make up as many as 30 fittings at one time. You just don't stop to cut it off each time you finish. If you pull it off right it won't string. The strigs I referred to in my original post, were when the fitting is taken apart. You have to be careful not to get that stuff in a hydraulic system or something equally as sensitive. When that happens you can really make a mess. Then there is always the fool who puts new tape over old instead of cleanig it off.

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL

 

[ArcticDriver]

I know what you mean about breaking it off clean but not with Arctic gloves on...Lol

I cut every length.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

 

[LMJD]

I can't do anything that requires some finesse with gloves on. To make things worse, I got my hands frost bit years ago flyfishing and my hand muscles are weak and the cold really gets to them. I asked my vet at the time what gloves are warmest and he said he didn't have a clue. Said one day his hands were so cold he lost a fingernail pulling a calf.

 

[Randy 4614]

Maybe I am missing something, but what is the purpose of eliminating the fuel heater?

 

[79jasper]

Well... it does nothing, besides cause air intrusion.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[LMJD]

Maybe I am missing something, but what is the purpose of eliminating the fuel heater?

If the weather is cold enough to gel your diesel fuel, the heater will supposedly warm the fuel IN THE FILTER. However that's not going to mean much when the fuel is gelled in all the other fuel lines. The heater has 2 (if I remember right) O-rings that can leak over time. Some guys choose to eliminate it and install a pipe plug instead. Otherwise the O-rings can be replaced.

 

[ArcticDriver]

Well... it does nothing, besides cause air intrusion.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Forgot my cheaters and can barely read the text to go back and search if he is asking about AIH or fuel bowl heater.. What you say is true of the AIH. I deleted mine just to give a bit more room to the Valley floor.

But the fuel bowl heater I have always kept installed.
I do think the heater is valuable in frigid temps since so much “heated” fuel is returned to the tank even under WOT, but does the heated fuel make a difference? I can’t say with certainty.

 

[ArcticDriver]

I can't do anything that requires some finesse with gloves on. To make things worse, I got my hands frost bit years ago flyfishing and my hand muscles are weak and the cold really gets to them. I asked my vet at the time what gloves are warmest and he said he didn't have a clue. Said one day his hands were so cold he lost a fingernail pulling a calf.

I swear by these. They last about 6-8 hours and allow me to wear thin gloves for dexterity around instruments.

About $1/pair unless you find them on sale though...

There are things I miss about the old days but that pain of cold fingers going numb and then the throbbing pain as they warmed up in front of a cab heater is not one of them.