Re-installing Oil Tank on 72- Potential Thread Problem on Filter Assembly..

[IAN]

I'm reinstalling my tank and lines after much work.

I have tried to screw in the new line with the 36mm fitting that runs from the top of the tank to the filter assembly by hand and it is not threading. The nut on the line is brand new and is definitely the correct size because I can get it to easily screw in to the tank.

I'm reluctant to take a wrench to this problem out of fear of cross threading the filter assembly. I have tried to clean the fitting as well as use a bit of lube, both to no avail.

Any suggestions? Any tricks? I guess I could run a tap over the threads to clean up...

I don't want to have to replace the filter housing as well...

Help is greatly appreciated.

Ian

[Jim Sims]

The first thing while obvious is to ensure you are turning it the correct way - when one is upside down and backwards it is possible to be turning it the wrong way. Second is to check for burrs or damage - most likely on the exposed male side; if it hand assembled this is probably not the issue. If I recall correctly these threads do not make a seal but instead pull two spherical sealing surfaces together; you should be using never seize compound on the threads but just a very light coating of motor oil on the spherical sealing surfaces. I think most likely the problem is correct alignment of the threads. I suspect bending tension in the hose is pulling the threads out of alignment. Try and relieve this tension while you thread the fitting on. I would not attempt to make the fittings start to thread together using a wrench, this will almost certainly result in a cross threaded and ruined set of threads. Jim