Backing off pipe threads

[Paul Eastham]

Hi group,
Well, I got my engine hung yesterday! Very exciting.



I have a question though: To get some of the angled oil fittings on the engine "clocked" to the proper position, I had to unscrew them just a tiny bit from where the engine builder left them. This involved the oil pressure port and the oil cooler return fitting.

These are pipe-thread fittings, and I've read a few people say that unscrewing pipe fittings may cause leaks -- at least on the brake lines. Torque is still very high (>250in-lbs for a -8 steel fitting).

Given the high torque I don't think tightening them another full revolution is an option.

Thanks for any opinions!

[Yukon]

I would remove the fittings, clean them, and re-install them to the proper position with non-hardening Permatex (2b).

John

[Wicked Stick]

Can the fitting be "tap n die'd" slightly to change the angle where it tightens ?

I was wondering if it's acceptable to take a die and run it on the threads a little to get it to tighten in a different postion. Is that a normal, acceptable procedure ?