Teflon radiator fittings

JimS · Aug 31, 2019

I see some people put teflon tape on their radiator fittings and some dont. What's the line of thought on doing it or not doing it?

Also, what can I do so my radiator hoses come off without having to be cut or damaged? Can I put something on the fitting that will allow it to slip off? This is especially frustrating with some of the newer vehicles that have plastic fittings on the radiator. I seem to always break the ones under half an inch.

Bob · Aug 31, 2019

(quoted from post at 21:45:33 08/31/19) I see some people put teflon tape on their radiator fittings and some dont. What's the line of thought on doing it or not doing it?

Also, what can I do so my radiator hoses come off without having to be cut or damaged? Can I put something on the fitting that will allow it to slip off? This is especially frustrating with some of the newer vehicles that have plastic fittings on the radiator. I seem to always break the ones under half an inch.

You left out lots of details, dunno what you are trying to do?

When I install new radiator hoses on an old tractor I don't expect they'd need to be removed anytime soon.

What are you doing that necessitates removing new radiator hoses on a regular basis?

Steve@Advance · Aug 31, 2019

If the fitting is taper pipe, then yes, some Teflon tape will help seal it without over tightening.

If it's an oring, or flat rubber gasket, then no tape or sealer needed.

Just be gentle with the tightening. Plastic doesn't like to be excessively stressed.

I would not recommend anything to keep the hoses from sticking, especially if they use spring type clamps. Any type lube could cause the hose to blow off, or deteriorate the hose.

I have not experienced hoses sticking to the plastic radiators. I have had plastic heater core fittings being difficult to remove, but more so because of a sharp barb fitting biting into the hose, not so much sticking.

Usually twisting the hose with Channel Locks, or getting under it with a screw driver will break it loose. In extreme cases best to sacrifice the hose and cut it than to risk breaking the fitting.

fixerupper · Aug 31, 2019

Im with Steve, its better to let them stick. I figure I would rather have to slit a hose with a knife to get it back off than have it blow off on the road somewhere.

4play · Aug 31, 2019

I hate all the plastic fittings on vehicle cooling systems, a few years later and thousands of heat cycles they get brittle and break, sometimes simply touching them will cause them to break. Anyway I use those hose remove hooks ( good for cotter pins and springs too) , if you slide the hook in the hose and then spray some lube in the gap, then work the hook around the hose it will help.

Using teflon tape or paste only on pipe threads, it helps seal and lubricates the threads, it also helps with removal.

caterpillar guy · Sep 1, 2019

Silicone hose will out last the regular hose by years. I have some on the semi that has a million plus miles and is 20 years old with no changes. It is softer so you do have to watch with tightening it will cut at the hose clamp if over tightened. Usually is blue color. Resists oil well too.
For removing and saving the old hose or fitting I just slide a screwdriver in under the hose and twist with channel locks or such. Don't have anything with the plastic fittings. If I have to change them I use SS or brass.

jimg.allentown · Sep 1, 2019

There is no point to putting Teflon tape on a radiator fitting. Teflon tape is only for threads that are intended to seal. Like tapered pipe threads. A flare fitting is not intended to seal on the threads. It is intended to seal on the flare. Trying to seal the threads on some fittings is actually creating a dangerous situation. As pressure increases, the size of the sealing diameter gets smaller.

used red MN · Sep 2, 2019

The link shows an example of the tool 4play is referring to.
Poke here

Teflon radiator fittings

JimS

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Bob

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Steve@Advance

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fixerupper

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4play

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caterpillar guy

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jimg.allentown

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used red MN

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