Do you guys use thread sealer or lock tite on pick up tube threads? 400 block.

I have used gasket shellac

There is a slight taper on the threads so you don't need any sealer.

BS !! ALL pipe threads are tapered - but if you look at any joint done by a pro - gas, water or oil, they use a thread sealant.

The sealant ensures a good seal when you have to back off the fitting for alignment and it also ensures the fitting will stay put.

Go with the sealant. There is a product on the market now called "Pipe Goop". Its clear, will solidify somewhat and is easy to remove if the joint ever has to come apart. Its way less messy than the white pipe sealant.

I use high temp liquid teflon on mine, seems to work good for me

I use liquid teflon pipe dope, sparingly, not dripping

NOT All pipe threads are tapered. There is a standard for straight pipe threads, NPS. I believe the oil pickup tube is NPS.

I ran into this pipe thread overseas. It seems to be more common over there. Sealing a straight thread pipe involves using sealer or something like hemp, turning the pipe into the fitting, then locking it down with a jam nut. This jam nut is supposed to put tension on the joint and get the threads to push against each other, creating a mechanical seal.

http://www.regalcuttingtools.com/products/taps/pipe-taps/straight-pipe-taps/nps-straight-pipe-taps

I would recommend Loctite 567 or 545. They both seal at higher temperatures, 300 and 400F and can be taken apart with hand tools.

R.

ok, thanks guys. I will get some thread sealer then.

The pickup tube is tapered.

Pipe threads that are tapered seal themselves so no pipe SEALER is required on them.

However, pipe lubricant , such as teflon, is required to achieve the recommended torque to seal the pipe. Teflon and other thread lubricants will not seal but will allow proper torque compared to bare threads.

A sealer would be used in straight threads, such as header bolts open to a water jacket, that have no taper and require a sealant to keep them from leaking.

I do have a roll of Teflon tape in the tool box. Guess I'm all set. Thanks

I wouldn't use that. Not to be a naysayer but the risk of that getting into the oiling system is too great for me. I would use liquid teflon or nothing.

NO!

Never used anything, never will.

Indian Head gasket shellac

What did the factory use? They built more engines than we will, and they warrantied them! LOL

Next time I build an engine to factory specs, I'll consider that, but I don't have the budget to replace engines like the factory does.

The factory original pick-up tubes that I have, and had in the past are not tapered, they are straight pipe thread. After market pick-ups seem to be tapered. The threads in the blocks are tapered pipe thread. The threads are designed to seal without sealer but need to have lubricant/sealer to help assure good joint make-up.

I'm wondering why its called "Teflon pipe sealant" instead of "Teflon pipe lubricant".

It can't really go anywhere once the pan is on but you don't want to be sucking air in the threads so I use a little dab of sealer. I use a low strength Loctite blue to do the job but there are probably a bunch of things that will work.

My bad, sealer needed