Reassembly of Cooling System

[KeelsonGraham]

Hi all,

I'm about to start reassembling my cooling system with a new pump and new hoses. I have a couple of questions.

When screwing in the old hose elbow joints to the new pump I plan to use just PTFE tape. Should I also use a thread lock solution?

When attaching new hoses is it best to grease the nipples with silicone or vaseline or some such, or should I just push them on dry?

Many thanks

[scgunner]

Graham,

When it comes to the elbow joints I'd use one or the other but not both, I prefer the tape. When it comes to coolant hoses I just push them on dry and never had a problem on boat or car, clean surfaces of course.

[Jim Hardesty]

When it comes to the elbow joints I'd use one or the other but not both, I prefer the tape. When it comes to coolant hoses I just push them on dry and never had a problem on boat or car, clean surfaces of course.

That's just what I do.  If the hose/barb is a little tight, I may use some water to help it slide/rotate until in place.
Jim

[KWKloeber]

1. Hose barbs are tapered thread. You don't use thread lock on pipe joints, besides thread lock (super glue) would be useless against a teflon surface (ptfe tape). Use teflon tape or pipe dope or actually plumbers sometimes use both when it's a difficult thread under pressure, but you don't need both for this.

2. Don't use a petroleum-based product.  Use ptfe - like SuperLube Gel (which is a required staple on every vessel.)
Or Lanakote or similar slippery gel.

[KeelsonGraham]

Thank you all.

[Stu Jackson]

No need for thread lock, the hoses keep the elbows in place anyway.

I use Lanocote on the inside of all my hose connections.

Sorry late to the party. 

[Ron Hill]

Keel : I would use pipe dope on the metal tapered threads. Screw them in dry and see where the end points to where you want it while counting the turns. Then use the pipe dope and screw on the elbow till it is tight and where you want it pointed!!

On the hoses just put a few drops of "Dawn" dishwashing soap on the male fitting and the hoses should slip right on.

A few thoughts

[KeelsonGraham]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the tip about pipe dope. What was what was concerning me, was how to get a leak-proof fit with the bronze elbows pointing in the right direction.