Locktite vs. teflon tape
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 218
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
Locktite vs. teflon tape
I'm not a fan of locktite. It hardens too fast. Ok for one bolt but when you have 5 or 6 that need to be torqued via miltiple passes...
I have turned a lot of wrenches but almost none on a Harley. I use teflon tape, exclusively, and I have had no problems - just be sure it is wound onto the threads in the direction it will be tightened.
Anybody use teflon tape instead of locktite?
I have turned a lot of wrenches but almost none on a Harley. I use teflon tape, exclusively, and I have had no problems - just be sure it is wound onto the threads in the direction it will be tightened.
Anybody use teflon tape instead of locktite?
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May 28, 2018, 11:51 AM
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
I use both, but for different applications. Teflon tape is a thread sealer, to prevent leakage. Locktite is a thread locker to keep things from coming loose.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,686
Likes: 8,291
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by bad tappets
I use both, but for different applications. Teflon tape is a thread sealer, to prevent leakage. Locktite is a thread locker to keep things from coming loose.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
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From: Honah Lee
Loctite dries in the absence of air. So a line on a dozen bolts sitting there has no affect on it.
i never use it on maintenance covers or plugs. Harley's oil plugs are MS fittings that use o-rings. It goes up in a bevel in female fitting. Does not need tape. Some older primaries are NPT that need tape.
I use a film of black RTV only wiping edge excess after drying on some covers like primary and cam cover. Never had a leak much less a weep and it peels right off.
Be real careful about any liquid in blind holes. It will blow out the back wall when you screw the bolt in.
i never use it on maintenance covers or plugs. Harley's oil plugs are MS fittings that use o-rings. It goes up in a bevel in female fitting. Does not need tape. Some older primaries are NPT that need tape.
I use a film of black RTV only wiping edge excess after drying on some covers like primary and cam cover. Never had a leak much less a weep and it peels right off.
Be real careful about any liquid in blind holes. It will blow out the back wall when you screw the bolt in.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 218
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
teflon tape does the same thing as loctite - and in the same way. it fills the gaps between the threads so that vibration (etc) can not cause the bolt to back out. If properly applied, you should feel resistence when installing a bolt that has been teflon taped, well before that bolt gets tight.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
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From: Virginia Beach
yes +1
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Roswell Ga
I think the Loctite people would be very upset to hear such mis information being spread about. You should do a little research before blanket statements like above. Start with Wiki.
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 11
From: Michigan
Fingernail polish
I have used Fingernail polish for years in place of Locket for some things .
Most of it is just Enamel.
Dries over time and works great when you have multiple bolts that need to be tight then torqued in steps .
Works great for me .
I keep Black Polish in my tool box .
Rooster
Most of it is just Enamel.
Dries over time and works great when you have multiple bolts that need to be tight then torqued in steps .
Works great for me .
I keep Black Polish in my tool box .
Rooster
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
This isn't going to end well, there's a number of very experienced and professionally trained mechanics in this forum who will have a field day with your logic. While you may use them for the same application they are very different products meant for different applications. In my 45+ years of being a professional mechanic including formal training from companies like 3M and Loctite in their product lines and proper uses I have never once heard or read mention of what you are alluding to. Thread tape can get you into trouble if used incorrectly a number of ways, from blocked ports to cracked bolt holes from overpressure having a solid bottoming out and blowing the hole out. Aluminium cases are very prone to this.
