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07-04-2015, 20:30
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Port Aransas, Texas
Boat: 2019 Seawind 1160 Lite
Posts: 2,126
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Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
I am reassembling a circulating water system for A/C. March pump has a 1/2 inch threaded male discharge, that I attached a 90 degree Speer PVC1 fitting with hose barb. I wrapped the discharge fitting with Teflon tape, and screwed on the Speer fitting, but overtightened and cracked the fitting. It's a fine balance between putting enough tape on the threads, but not so much that it cracks the fitting. Anyway, a marine A/C guy recommended using pipe dope instead of Teflon pipe. He said the dope is the only thing that allows you to back off a fitting (to get the orientation right), but still seal. Anyone using a product like this? Am hoping something available that is not as messy as traditional pipe dope, and I really don't want to deal with grease on everything. And it needs to stay pliable so that it can be disconnected when the pump needs maintenance. Recommendations?
My backup plan is that I have purchased several of the Speer replacement fittings, so can Teflon tape it, and hopefully not break again! I am fighting a PTF code issue and don't want to admit how many times I have reassembled the system.
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07-04-2015, 20:51
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Boat: Islander 34
Posts: 5,486
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
My preference is to use pipe dope. It just seems easier to use plus a small tube goes a very long way.
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07-04-2015, 21:02
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Annapolis, MD
Posts: 73
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Pipe dope is the way to go but it is extremely easy to make a mess.
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07-04-2015, 21:16
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 6,619
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Pipe dope is all I use, after my propane mgr friend of mine hooked me up with a large bottle of it. It's like Loctite, a small amount goes a long way. I figure if it's all they use on propane bottle valves, it must be good for other threaded fittings as well.
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07-04-2015, 21:36
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kingston, ON
Boat: Albin Vega 27'
Posts: 530
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Take that roll of Teflon tape and throw it as far as you can. Horrible stuff
Get a can of Masters or other pipe dope, it'll last a long while and is the only thing to use. Works for oil, water, fuels and gases (except Oxygen). Good on all metals and plastic.
__________________
Glenn
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07-04-2015, 21:42
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,057
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
My go to pipe sealant is Leak Lock. You can use it to seal any of the fluids normally found on a boat except the gin tank. It doesn't like alcohol. It is similar in consistency to Locktite. It can be messy.
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
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08-04-2015, 05:02
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#7
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S/V rubber ducky
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
all depends on whether you ever plan to want to disassemble it again
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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08-04-2015, 05:06
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Port Aransas, Texas
Boat: 2019 Seawind 1160 Lite
Posts: 2,126
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Quote:
Originally Posted by sailorboy1
all depends on whether you ever plan to want to disassemble it again
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And I do plan to disassemble again. I have a strainer in front of the March pump, but have also experienced a large algae bloom once that allowed some of the material to get by the strainer and plug the electric motor cooling pipes on the March pump. So I am looking for something that does not dry hard. Ideally would also not be the black grease type that gets on everything. Someone has to make something like a Teflon-based pipe dope that works?
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08-04-2015, 05:20
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Port Aransas, Texas
Boat: 2019 Seawind 1160 Lite
Posts: 2,126
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Quote:
Originally Posted by HopCar
My go to pipe sealant is Leak Lock. You can use it to seal any of the fluids normally found on a boat except the gin tank. It doesn't like alcohol. It is similar in consistency to Locktite. It can be messy.
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Is that Masters Pro Dope?
Also read a recommendation for plastic water pipes to both tape and dope the threads. Anyone doing that? My concern is that I got too much tape on it the first time, which cracked the fitting when I tightened it. I guess one very light layer would be recommended (minimal overlap).
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08-04-2015, 05:31
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Charleston, SC
Boat: Camano Troll
Posts: 5,176
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Pipe dope was around for decades before teflon tape was invented, It works fine. Don't try to use both pipe dope and teflon tape on the same fitting. It's pointless.
__________________
Ron
HIGH COTTON
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08-04-2015, 07:30
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,057
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
My Dad used pipe dope that came in the form of a big crayon. You'd rub it across the threads and it would fill the valleys. Worked fine and wasn't messy. I haven't seen that type in a long time.
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
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08-04-2015, 07:31
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Boat: '06 Hunter 45cc Sailboat, 45'
Posts: 13
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Pipe Dope is definitely the answer. The operative words here, however, are "Metal and Plastic." Be certain your Pipe Dope says this on the label, because Metal Only Pipe Dope tends to erode most plastic fittings and they always seem to fail at the worst possible moment.
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08-04-2015, 07:40
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: St Louis, MO
Boat: Nordic 44
Posts: 203
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
I used "Hercules Tff Stuff" a Teflon based pipe dope that does not harden and is easy to apply on PVC. No tape. It is working fine. Plumbing supply house recommended it. See my thread "holding tank connections" for various input.
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08-04-2015, 07:56
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Diego CA
Boat: Liberty 458
Posts: 2,205
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Quote:
Originally Posted by sailjumanji
I am reassembling a circulating water system for A/C. March pump has a 1/2 inch threaded male discharge, that I attached a 90 degree Speer PVC1 fitting with hose barb. I wrapped the discharge fitting with Teflon tape, and screwed on the Speer fitting, but overtightened and cracked the fitting. It's a fine balance between putting enough tape on the threads, but not so much that it cracks the fitting. Anyway, a marine A/C guy recommended using pipe dope instead of Teflon pipe. He said the dope is the only thing that allows you to back off a fitting (to get the orientation right), but still seal. Anyone using a product like this? Am hoping something available that is not as messy as traditional pipe dope, and I really don't want to deal with grease on everything. And it needs to stay pliable so that it can be disconnected when the pump needs maintenance. Recommendations?
My backup plan is that I have purchased several of the Speer replacement fittings, so can Teflon tape it, and hopefully not break again! I am fighting a PTF code issue and don't want to admit how many times I have reassembled the system.
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You wont crack the fitting or housing using tape or dope. You either overtightened or the components had a defect or where not made to spec. (Thin wall or casting design issue) You tighten tapered threads by feel.
With tape two full turns is sufficient. Ensure the tape doesnt unwind during assembly. Wrapping direction is the key here.
Make sure no tape will end up inside the assembled joint. Same with dope. I prefer tape for small jobs because smearing the goop is messy. Goop is preferred if i'm doing lots of joints as its quicker.
If you have poor quality threads they can tear up the tape and goop. A trial assembly or running over the threads with a stainless wire brush or dremel and wirre wheel is good practice. Cleanliness is key.
The tape versus goop argument always makes me laugh. A good tradesman will use both effectively. Some codified joints will exclude tape. Only because of assembler errors and subsequent quality assurance issues of assembled joints.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
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08-04-2015, 08:39
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
Boat: 45' Plywood Ketch, Homebuilt
Posts: 80
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Re: Pipe Dope Instead of Teflon Tape
Having done plumbing professionally, Leftbrainstuff"s comments and instructions are spot on.
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