There was considerable discussion in a recent thread on which method was best for sealing metal fuel fittings on Al marine gas tanks, cut off valves etc. Basically the liquid sealant method vrs fuel rated thread tape.
As a result of that discussion I have decided to switch to the liquid method and had a product recommended that comes in a hand squeeze tube called Permatex Form-A-Gasket Sealant. Apparently this is what a local shipyards uses. When I went to buy it, I found there are two types called (not surprisingly) Permatex 1 and Permatex 2. Both types are gasoline resistant.
Permatex 1. is fast drying and hard setting for sealing rigid materials and flanges.
Permatex 2. is slow drying and non-hardening for sealing flexible assemblies.
All the screw together fittings I have acquired are Al fittings to prevent dissimilar metal issues with the Al tank. So my question is, which would be best for rigid metal to metal Al fittings. Logic would suggest Permatex 1. However, I don’t want these fittings permanently bonded together as at some point in the future I may need to unscrew them and take them apart to say clean out an internal tank pick up tube for example.
So if I use Permatext 1, will I still be able to get them apart or would Permatex 2 be a better choice ???
Even if I use Permatext 1 on the hard fittings would it be a good idea to use 2 on soft connections such as where a fuel hose clamps to a metal fitting or is it best to use high end marine type hose clamps only??? There are some cases where I may need to remove a hose and put it back such as the filler hose, without cutting off the hose making it too short. On the other hand for actual fuel lines I usually just cut them off if its easier as they should be replaced periodically anyway and are a lot cheaper than the very high end filler hose that should last decades and is a ***** to install.
So what do the experienced/mechanic types recommend???
As a result of that discussion I have decided to switch to the liquid method and had a product recommended that comes in a hand squeeze tube called Permatex Form-A-Gasket Sealant. Apparently this is what a local shipyards uses. When I went to buy it, I found there are two types called (not surprisingly) Permatex 1 and Permatex 2. Both types are gasoline resistant.
Permatex 1. is fast drying and hard setting for sealing rigid materials and flanges.
Permatex 2. is slow drying and non-hardening for sealing flexible assemblies.
All the screw together fittings I have acquired are Al fittings to prevent dissimilar metal issues with the Al tank. So my question is, which would be best for rigid metal to metal Al fittings. Logic would suggest Permatex 1. However, I don’t want these fittings permanently bonded together as at some point in the future I may need to unscrew them and take them apart to say clean out an internal tank pick up tube for example.
So if I use Permatext 1, will I still be able to get them apart or would Permatex 2 be a better choice ???
Even if I use Permatext 1 on the hard fittings would it be a good idea to use 2 on soft connections such as where a fuel hose clamps to a metal fitting or is it best to use high end marine type hose clamps only??? There are some cases where I may need to remove a hose and put it back such as the filler hose, without cutting off the hose making it too short. On the other hand for actual fuel lines I usually just cut them off if its easier as they should be replaced periodically anyway and are a lot cheaper than the very high end filler hose that should last decades and is a ***** to install.
So what do the experienced/mechanic types recommend???
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