Teflon tape on fan sensor?

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Fri May 06, 2011 8:27 pm

I noticed on my new rad that the fan switch at the bottom of the radiator is leaking. Can I use teflon tape around the threads to seal it?

htchevyii · Post by **htchevyii** » Fri May 06, 2011 8:36 pm

I believe it should seal with a copper washer under it. I'd be afraid that it wouldn't ground properly with the tape.

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Fri May 06, 2011 10:20 pm

It should have a copper or aluminum washer to seal, however Teflon tape will work as the switch is only interrupting the ground wire and does not rely on its contact through the threads like the other sensors and switches.

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Fri May 06, 2011 10:28 pm

It does have a washer, will try and tighten it up a bit. If not then will drain it and teflon it. Thanks guys!

Tobi · Post by **Tobi** » Fri May 06, 2011 10:55 pm

Teflon tape should only be used on pipe threads. If there is a copper washer, that's what should be used. Did you try to
tighten it?

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Fri May 06, 2011 11:10 pm

Tobi wrote:Teflon tape should only be used on pipe threads. If there is a copper washer, that's what should be used. Did you try to
tighten it?

I did, just don't want to overtighten it.

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Fri May 06, 2011 11:57 pm

If you over tighten it the threaded bung can twist off. No need to drain the system just to replace or wrap the switch. Its a closed system, if air can't get in the water won't come out. Just remove the switch and place your finger/thumb over the hole and hand the switch to a friend to wrap it with tape. Remove your finger/thumb and re-install. Only a small amount of coolant will come out, just remove the cap and top it off.

RoyBatty · Post by **RoyBatty** » Sat May 07, 2011 10:53 am

If the gasket is indeed copper and you want to "refresh" it.
Hang the copper washer on a modified coat hangar and heat it with a propane torch until its glowing red.
Now just let it air cool and it's ready to reinstall. Nice to be able to do if you don't have a new one handy.

Tobi · Post by **Tobi** » Sat May 07, 2011 10:59 am

RoyBatty wrote:If the gasket is indeed copper and you want to "refresh" it.
Hang the copper washer on a modified coat hangar and heat it with a propane torch until its glowing red.
Now just let it air cool and it's ready to reinstall. Nice to be able to do if you don't have a new one handy.

Now you have to hold your finger on there for a bit longer while your friend is torching the washer

Hope you will have some installation fluid handy.

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Sat May 07, 2011 1:40 pm

I think the washer on its aluminum, its a pretty new switch. Will go out and see if its till weeping.

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Sat May 07, 2011 9:13 pm

Update: It turns out it was the plastic drain plug not the sensor. i tightened it and think it stopped weeping.

Teflon tape on fan sensor?

Teflon tape on fan sensor?

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