John's Shark

I need to hear opinions on the use of teflon tape to help seal the inlet nut at the carb. I thought I had tightened everything up good after reinstalling my Qjet, but much to my horror I found the inlet nut had leaked all over my freshly redone performer intake :cry I took the fitting off and rechecked everything. It all looks okay. Not sure why the leak. Is it ok to use teflon tape to help with the minor leaks? I know it is the flare that is supposed to seal, but can the tape hurt as an extra measure?

0Mike69@ECS

I used a little tefelon tape when I put in my feed line, seem to be holding up well for 3 or so years now with no signs of trouble. I've never heard anyone say that it can't be done!

Jenny

John, make sure that the line you are using is not rusted and or Bent at the flare joint where it meets the carb. Take it off and look on the inside. This will cause seepage as fuel will exit from before the flare. I have a dual feed that needs no teflon tape and experiences no leaks. Hope i was of help.

Corellian Corvette

I've heard not to put teflon tape on gas lines per Lars.

What I have noticed is that my procedure for tightening the nut can sometimes cause leaks.

You need to make sure that the lip of the line seats correctly inside the fitting. The line is flared specifically to fit over the inlet hole. Make sure that when you're tightning the nut on the line, you are holding the line against the carb. Take the line with your left hand and push it in to make sure it stays seated.

I had to do this twice before it was seating properly, then the leak went away.

Also, make sure you don't have a clogged fuel filter causing unnecessary pressure.

Clink69

You shouldn't need teflon tape to seal a gas line.. If its required then something is not right. Check your fittings.

:flag

Jarmo

Have the same problem with the line on one side of my Holley.
Did all the fiddling to line up properly , but still weeps - not good on a red hot BB.
May be teflon tape is the go , thats my next move unless you guys come up with a better solution.

thanks

mark79,80

There is a thin gasket which is translucent in color which slips on the
end of the fuel line. This is what makes the seal inside the fuel inlet
housing. This gasket maybe missing or it can get dislodged when installing
the fuel line and maybe stuck inside the fuel inlet housing. Check to
make sure it is in position and not damaged. The gaskets are still
available at GM dealers. I can get you the part no. if needed.
Teflon tape should not be used as the above mentioned gasket is what
makes the seal.


[Modified by mark79,80, 9:36 PM 3/19/2002]

John's Shark

Mark,

I am no expert on fuel lines, but this is the first time I have heard of a gasket on the inlet nut/flare. Tell me more! Is there a part number?

John

john's '81 mouse

Mark, I'm in the same boat as John on this one, have never heard of or seen such a gasket for a flair fitting. Are you sure you're not confusing this with the thin gasket which installs on the fuel filter nut?

PRNDL

I definitely had one of these in my Edelbrock #1901 Qjet. After I took it out the fitting leaked. Then I replaced it - no more leak. The Qjets with the larger fittings (I think these are older carbs but I dont know what year they changed) use a gasket that fits over the threads. MJ

clem zahrobsky

the teflon tape will not do any sealing BUT it does allow you to put more torque on the fitting to get the flair on the tubing to seal. just make sure that the tape is not started on the first thread to prevent it from working into the carb. this works because i have used it on 3X2 corvette setups to get the fuel to stop leaking. :chevy


[Modified by clem zahrobsky, 12:30 PM 3/20/2002]

John's Shark

ttt

Anyone else with ideas or suggestions? I would still like to hear other suggestions on the gaskets. I have a 1971 model Qjet if that makes a difference. Is it possible the gasket mentioned was on later models?

John

clem zahrobsky

post the carb number that is on the drivers side above the secondary throttle linkage and i will try and help you with your problem. :chevy

Schwee

Hot Tip: Teflon tape is a lubricant, not a sealant!

The translucent gasket referenced is on the fuel filter cover, not on the tube flare (as mentioned previously).

John's Shark

Clem,

Check back after 7:00 p.m cst and I will have posted the carb number.Thanks.

John

bigvette1

Fuel leak ... Common on Q-Jets with the steel lines because of alignment etc.
- There is a thin plastic ring that fits inside the fuel filter housing that MUST be in place or you will have a lead. GM dealers, all carb kits (see if a friend has one laying around).
- As others said, teflon tape is not a sealer and will break down. Not made for fuel.
- I might get a lot of flak from others, but I almost always use Aviation Form a Gasket on the steel line from the pump. A light coat on the threads, screw it in and let it set for 30 minutes. It solves the leaks and I have never had the stuff get into the carb bowl. the filter would stop any.

John's Shark

Clem,

The number on the carb is 7041211. Next to it is 1956.

John

clem zahrobsky

john, 7041211 is a 1971 chevy 350 ci series 10 truck carb and it uses a external sealing gasket. i would try holley part # 26-102 which is a thicker nylon gasket that will work on your Qjet. this will work as long as the threads in the carb body are ok.

John's Shark

Clem,

I think your decoding of the number is right on. I knew the block was from a 71 Chevy Pickup, so the carb # seems to match. Where can I find the Holey part number? Are they available at a NAPA or Autozone parts store?

John

John's Shark

Clem,

I forgot to ask. The leak is at the fuel line nut. Not the larger inlet nut. I assume the Holey 26-102 is for the fuel line nut.

John