1/2" BSP Washer type thing

[Graham.J]

After re-doing my oil breathing system in the Westfield with proper piping to proper catch tank etc. I've come to a little problem (not major) which I'd like to sort out.

Where I have a pipe coming out of the front end of the rocker cover, there's a male 1/2" BSP pipe take off thing screwed into it so I can attach the pipe. Problem is, the oil is working it's way up the thread and oozing out all down my engine (hard to tell with it being a crossflow :hehe:).

I've been told I need a Dowty/Doughty Washer, but was then told that's not right because they're about £50 each.

Does anyone know what I can use to fix it?

I don't want to screw anything onto the inside of the rocker cover as I don't want it working it's way loose so I have a loose piece of metal pinging about inside the rocker cover.

So I need something to go between the pipe takeoff and the outside of the rocker cover to seal it.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Graham

[busa_rush]

Graham.J said:

I've been told I need a Dowty/Doughty Washer, but was then told that's not right because they're about £50 each.

Try any old fashioned motor factor, usually pack of 5 in a plastic bag for £1.49 or so, they're just a copper washer with a rubber inner portion that hugs the thread. £50 would buy you a 'kin big box of them

I would try a bit of non-setting gasket or thread sealant first, next to £free and will probably work unless I've misunderstood something.

[Purple AK]

A Dowty Seal is designed for 2000psi hydraulic fittings, but as said they are cheap if you can find them.(try an agricultural machinery merchant) Why not just use a Fibre washer.

>> Edited by Purple AK on Sunday 31st July 22:36

>> Edited by Purple AK on Sunday 31st July 22:37

[Graham.J]

busa_rush said:

Try any old fashioned motor factor, usually pack of 5 in a plastic bag for £1.49 or so, they're just a copper washer with a rubber inner portion that hugs the thread. £50 would buy you a 'kin big box of them I would try a bit of non-setting gasket or thread sealant first, next to £free and will probably work unless I've misunderstood something.

Thanks for that, I thought £50 for a washer was a bit steep There's a place I know of which seems to have oldy bits, I'll pop over and see if they've got anything

[Graham.J]

Purple AK said:

A Dowty Seal is designed for 2000psi hydraulic fittings, but as said they are cheap if you can find them.(try an agricultural machinery merchant) Why not just use a Fibre washer.

Would a fibre washer be sufficient? I suppose oil's quite thick. Hmm not a bad idea actually, thanks

[GreenV8S]

I'd just wrap the thread with plumbers PTFE tape before assembling, it's ideal for filling gaps like this, and thermally and chemically stable.

[Graham.J]

Hmm, I'm always a bit loathed to use PTFE, it seems a bit of a 'make do' fix to me.

>> Edited by Graham.J on Sunday 31st July 23:56

[grahambell]

How about just cleaning up both threads and putting them back together with Loctite?

Oil seal and secure fitting in one.

[eliot]

GreenV8S said:

I'd just wrap the thread with plumbers PTFE tape before assembling, it's ideal for filling gaps like this, and thermally and chemically stable.

yep.

[GreenV8S]

Graham.J said:

Hmm, I'm always a bit loathed to use PTFE, it seems a bit of a 'make do' fix to me.

Your point being?

[Graham.J]

grahambell said:

How about just cleaning up both threads and putting them back together with Loctite? Oil seal and secure fitting in one.

Ah, never thought of that, think I've got some loctite in the garage from my land rovering days. Thanks Graham.

[Graham.J]

GreenV8S said:

Your point being?

When I posted that I thought "you used to do that all the time with the Land Rover." I'm selling the Westfield soon so would like it to be 'sound' on my conscience.

[Fer]

Graham.J said:

I'm selling the Westfield soon so would like it to be 'sound' on my conscience.

How soon?

[Graham.J]

Fer said:

How soon?

Ideally I need to get it sold within the next 11 days because of a clash of insurance.

But it's got no MOT or tax at the moment, the oil pressure gauge isn't working and I've got this little oil annoyance. So it's not looking too hopeful

[dilbert]

I don't think there's anything wrong with either approach (PTFE or washer). Everybody tells me I'm too pedantic so within limits niether solution is a bodge.

Which approach you take depends entirely on the fittings that you have.

If the fittings are screwed and flanged, then a washer is the appropriate route. If either of the flange faces are damaged or there is no flange, then PTFE is the appropriate route.

The only thing further to say is that PTFE will work in all circumstances, but a washer might not. If you end up damaging the fittings because the joint is being tightened up very hard to achieve a seal on the washer, who is the bodger?

[Graham.J]

Interesting advice, I'll take that into consideration. I'll have a look at it and see what I think is best when it's staring me in the face.

Thanks for that!!