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10-09-2011, 08:57 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 374
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Oil Dipstick Tube Sealant?
Are people putting teflon paste (or other) on the threads on the dipstick tube that screws into the engine (O-360)?
I seem to have a very slight leak there, and I wonder if it needs thread sealant in addition to the washer that is there.
Thanks,
Scott
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10-09-2011, 09:20 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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This area is typical for seepage from what I have seen. I attribute it mainly to folks over tightening their oil fill cap and every time you take the cap off it tends to loosen the tube, especially if you didn't get the safey wire good-n-tight.
I use tight-seal on the gasket only, the treads are so coarse that I doubt putting sealant on them would do much good.
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
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10-09-2011, 10:08 AM
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 266
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I have used Proseal on all my Lycoming dip stick tubes. Make sure everything is totally free of oil residue and coat the gasket and upper part of the threads. Tighten tube and safety wire and wait 3 to 5 days before running the engine. No more leaks or loose tube for years!
On another note, most folks tighten the dip stick too hard. When they have to unscrew it a lot of torque is required to break it loose.
Martin Sutter
Building and flying RV's since 1988
EAA Technical Counselor
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10-09-2011, 10:34 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Thanks for tip Martin. I have plastic tube and it's always wet there. I change gaskets nothing helped. Will Proseal tomorrow.
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10-09-2011, 10:46 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: 57AZ - NW Tucson area
Posts: 10,011
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This might be a better solution than "sealing goop" --
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...5&postcount=12
__________________
Gil Alexander
EAA Technical Counselor, Airframe Mechanic
Half completed RV-10 QB purchased
RV-6A N61GX - finally flying
Grumman Tiger N12GA - flying
La Cholla Airpark (57AZ) Tucson AZ
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10-09-2011, 10:54 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Gil,
I have something similar local A&P gave me a while ago. Still seeps, slower but seeps. Maybe it has something to do with plastic/metal combo expansion. You can not overtighten plastic tube you will strip the threads. I even used red RTV before didn't help. I think the proseal is a great idea. Will post the results.
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10-09-2011, 11:29 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Delta, CO/Atlin, BC
Posts: 2,391
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I've used red RTV and it seems to work, but obviously not for Vlad. Rather than the permanent seal of pro-seal, another option is an o-ring. Once compressed and then safety-wired, shouldn't leak.
greg
__________________
Greg Arehart
RV-9B (Big tires) Tipup @AJZ or CYSQ
N 7965A
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10-09-2011, 11:34 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Greg,
Basically it's the same idea of custom profiled o-ring out of proseal. As Martin mentioned only top threads will be sealed. This way it's not permanent and could be easy to remove.
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10-09-2011, 02:23 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,653
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My engine has a metal tube, not plastic. I'm not sure if it's a Superior innovation or not but I like it and it does not leak.
__________________
Patrick Kelley - Flagstaff, AZ
RV-6A N156PK - Flying too much to paint
RV-10 14MX(reserved) - Fuselage on gear
http://www.mykitlog.com/flion/
EAA Technical Counselor #5357
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10-09-2011, 10:18 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 3,778
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Really the biggest problem here is overtightening the dipstick and then the effort to loosen the dipstick in return loosens the tube. A new gasket, with permatex gasket sealer and then a TIGHT wire tie should solve the problem IF you do not overtighten the dipstick. 
__________________
Reiley
Retired N622DR - Serial #V7A1467
VAF# 671
Repeat Offender / Race 007
Friend of the RV-1
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