Oil line - tank to thermo

[toddu]

I had my tank refurbished, and also installed a new line from the tank to the thermo. I *thought* I had the fitting as tight as it would go, but I was still getting a small drip develop.

Changing my oil today, and I've removed the line at the tank. All looks ok, no burs, etc. on either side (line or tank). What else should I check? Hate to put fresh oil in just to have it leak again (and have to remove the line again).

Note - when I first hooked everything up, I had not removed the clamp securing the lines that run to the thermostat, and there wasn't a lot of slack for the line to the tank. I suppose that might have impeded a snug fit, or the "socket" not fitting in the tank outlet squarely.

Todd

[Mike Czech]

Try tightening when the the engine/oil is hot.

- Mike

[DRACO A5OG]

Yeap, I remember using a cheater bar to torque those suckers

[toddu]

So, you're both suggesting that it merely wasn't tight enough (to reiterate, it's the connection at the tank)? I'll try it again I suppose. Wish there was a way to test prior to filling oil.

Todd

[KTL]

Those oil line connections are spherical compression fittings so they shouldn't take a ton of tightening. I would say it's a good idea to loosen the clamps on the line so you can get the spherical male end to "square-up" with the receiving female end on the tank as much as possible.

Also, not trying to be a jagbag, that line going to the tank isn't an outlet. It's coming from the return side of the t-stat so its actually an inlet. The oil goes into the tank and up a tube to feed the oil filter housing.

[SC Eddie]

Thanks for the great diagram Kevin!

[Flat6pac]

The return Line to the tank that's threaded goes to the oil filter through tubing inside so there isn't much oil to loose.
Bruce

[toddu]

Yeah, it's just an annoying dribble. Especially since the engine has been redone and no longer leaks.

Put the line back on. Made sure the male fitting was nice and "square" in the female fitting. Hopefully dribble is gone

Todd

[MConn]

Originally Posted by toddu

...Wish there was a way to test prior to filling oil.
Todd

If you haven't already filled the tank with oil, it seems like you could put 3PSI of air at the oil tank filler neck by taping a freezer bag on the opening, and spray soapy water on the leaking fitting and look for bubbles. I haven't tried this myself.

Mike

[porsche930dude]

the line at my carrera cooler was leaking like crazy when i first put it on. i ended up making the fitting just snug rather than tight and it stopped leaking. so maybe try that

[fanaudical]

Those fittings require the mating faces to be clean so that they seal tight. Verify they are clean and that there are no radial scratches. You may have to buff with a little Scotchbrite to clean them up (careful not to get that stuff into the oil line).

[BoxsterGT]

If it comes to a "last resort", there are soft copper rings available...........



...to help seal the mating point. They act like a crush washer similar to what's used with fuel systems & drain plugs. I have had success with these previously.

Even a soft Aluminum ring might work as a substitute.

Len

[toddu]

Good to know! I've used something similar on a pesky AN fitting. I'm filling the tank up this weekend, fingers crossed.

Todd

[skylark]

hi were, would I buy. the copper o rings. thank you. carl

[toddu]

You can get them at Pegasus, Jegs, etc.

Btw, reinstalled my line this weekend and no leaks !!!

Todd

[skylark]

thanks todd ,is there a webb site . carl,

[Guardsred911]

I have had similiar issues at the same joints.... what fixed it for me was backing the nuts off, putting copper anti seize on the threads so it wouldn't gall and would have less resistance when tightening. Then I made sure the male end of the fitting was firmly square and pushed in as I was tightening it down.... after doing that, no leaks.....