[Healeys] teflon

[BJ8 Healeys]

Many maintenance practices are a matter of opinion, based on personal
experience.  I have never had any problem with contamination of brakes or
anything else from using Teflon tape as an anti-seize material in 20 years
of using it on all my cars.  When I use Teflon on threads, I am careful to
make sure that ONLY the male threads are covered.  When I break a joint with
Teflon, I am careful to remove all traces of the previous Teflon before
resealing.  If I had a bad experience with it, then I might reconsider; but
my experience has been that without Teflon it can be very difficult to
disconnect corroded or otherwise seized threads without damage to the nut.
With Teflon, there are no leaks with less torque and no seizing, either.
Recently I had occasion to break a rear brake line joint at the splitter
block on my '69 Dodge Charger (I'm the original owner).  The nut had never
been loosened since the car left the factory.  It would not turn with any
kind of wrench or penetrant and I gave up when the nut shoulders started to
round off.  I'm a believer in Teflon, but then I don't make paper.

Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666	
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC  USA

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Mike Sinclair
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 3:53 PM
To: Healey Forum
Subject: [Healeys] teflon

I agree with Bob.  Teflon tape is really "magic stuff", but can be
disastrous
in the wrong place.  I wouldn't use it on hydraulic fittings, on the chance
that it would contaminate.  I spent some time in the pulp and paper
industry,
and some paper mills completely outlawed teflon anywhere in the mill.
Because
it's density is close to that of water, it is almost impossible to remove,
and
can lead to holes in the sheet, which is not good.  Hydraulic threads can be
difficult to engage, but properly done, work fine.  One has to be careful
not
to overtighten.

Mike
BN2