Date:         Wed, 19 Nov 2003 22:20:25 -0600
Reply-To:     Christensen <populuxe@QWICS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Christensen <populuxe@QWICS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Sealing propane tank fittings
Comments: To: THX0001@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>
> << I'm guessing teflon tape on everything that screws into
>
> the tank. Any better ideas? >>
>
> I like Teflon tape on any tapered thread fittings myself, but the
tradesmen I
> know who spend their days winging together pipe fittings have all gone to
> Teflon paste pipe dope.  It could be that it is just to much of a nuisance
to
> apply the tape properly.  Most people who do not know better think that
more is
> better when it comes to Teflon tape and they wrap several layers around a
> thread.  One tight wrap with just a little extra to secure it is what is
called
> for.  Too much and the tape is pushed along the thread without ever
filling the
> space between the threads.
>
> George



I do "wing" pipe together daily(using only paste) and "chase gas leaks" when
I'm not.
If you use paste (cheap at $3 a can w/ brush) you can be 100% sure the
sealant is "on", spin it together and no leak ever--perfect.  Now, folks
that use tape and have no leaks--great, but they are not going to be 100%
sure about the seal.  I can tell you many "handy men" have had to listen to
their wives for weeks about a gas oder after their dryer/stove installation,
and finally gave in and called the local gas co.  Many times it is a failed
"tape job", or the tape actually wrapped around the outside of the fitting.
My coworkers doing maintenance on small, high pressure gas lines sometimes
use tape; so I will not completely discount it's use--but these guys use it
every day.
Check with soap water.  If you have any reservations about the seal;
politely ask a freindly gas tech.

chris c