Fuel Line Question

[broncotw]

I have always used teflon tape for that connection and I have never had a problem with leakage.....

[gweaver]

A comment on tape- the yellow stuff is double-thickness and considered to be fuel/propane safe. I would use that over the white stuff, which might degrade over time because of fuel exposure.
G

[MLA]

Teflon tape acts as a thread lubricant. It can lead to overtightening, which can damage either or both halves of the flare or deforming the threads

[mcparadise]

Originally Posted by kjohnson

It did not leak until I loosened it, so I don't think I damaged the line or flared end. Maybe I just need to take it to a boat mechanic.

I have not tried teflon tape. I tried that on a previous boat and it ended up partialling clogging the line.

FWIW, the teflon tape for fuel is specific to that application according to my mechanic. i.e., it's a yellow vs white tape.....

Opsss missed gweaver's spot-on post..

[ahhudgins]

Originally Posted by MLA

Teflon tape acts as a thread lubricant. It can lead to overtightening, which can damage either or both halves of the flare or deforming the threads

I 100% agree with MLA. I have never used tape on a flare fitting and I never will. The flare is what seals the fluid, not the threads. If you try to use tape to stop a leak, you are not fixing the problem. Check both mating surfaces and make sure both sets of threads are clean. All is takes is a little bit of crud in the threads to keep the fittings from getting a good seal.

[Rossterman]

Flared fittings should seal on the flare, not the threads. Using tape to accomplish the seal comprimises the integrity of the seal and can lead to a leak developing later on with dire consequences. Lightly lubricating the threads is ok but if not sealing correctly, do a proper fix on the flare sealing areas and don't put your boat at risk!

[mart_it]

+2 on not using teflon tape on flared fittings.

I think I know where your leakage comes from.

Your gas is most certainly leaking from the adapter fitting between the fuel line and the primary fuel bowl. You know the fitting which has the screen on one side? That's the one where the leak is coming from. If not seated properly on it's thin gasket, it may result in fuel seaping through.

Let us know what it was.

[mikeg205]

Flare probably distorted if possibly over tightened. I would replace and make a new flared fitting get a new nut and have a fresh joint. Or get a flaring tool (cheap) and reshape the flare at minimum...IMHO.

I am really MCOCD and it doubles when fuel is involved...

[kjohnson]

Originally Posted by mart_it

+2 on not using teflon tape on flared fittings.

I think I know where your leakage comes from.

Your gas is most certainly leaking from the adapter fitting between the fuel line and the primary fuel bowl. You know the fitting which has the screen on one side? That's the one where the leak is coming from. If not seated properly on it's thin gasket, it may result in fuel seaping through.

Let us know what it was.

I don't have a screen. Don't know if it was taken out by the previous owner or not. I tightened up the Adapter fitting prior to reading your email, started the boat and it did not seem to leak. I guess I won't really know for sure until spring, as it has been winterized as of last night.

[kjohnson]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Does everyone have a screen in their fuel line at the adapter connection? My 91 does not.