Can I use Teflon tape to stop an oil leak?

[Oldmactech]

Leaking at timing chain tensioner, replaced the crush washer, still leaking. If I wrap the threads with Teflon will that stop the leak? For long?


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[Purplefade]

Definitely not optimal but I have seen it work. I have also in a pinch seen guys rub the threads in silicone gasket maker (which I think lasts way longer than Teflon tape) and stop all kinds of leaks. I’ve even seen the silicone trick work on a 80psi water line... and hold for years! (Scary)

[andrewwynn]

That's funny timing. I was just advising my buddy what to do when his new tensioner came without a washer. I jokingly said wrap the old one with aluminum foil as if it was Teflon.

The pressure isn't that high Teflon wrapped both sides of old washer should work for a good while. Alum foil would probably be permanent. The problem with reuse is not will it seal the problem is it will most likely work itself loose rather quickly.

Teflon haveing very low friction will most likely make that worse hence I would probably just reuse the old washer and get a new one. You can get on Amazon for about $6 which is ludicrous real OEM has MSRP of 34¢

I wouldn't feel bad about wrapping in a couple wears of aluminum foil if it leaked too quick with nothing.

When I've reused on M62 it held for a week or two then lost a quart a week until tightened. When tightened again it only lasted a week or two.

I'm wondering if you can just roughen the surface a little to improve it's grip.

[andrewwynn]

@purple: 80 not high pressure. Teflon in the threads can hold 1000s of psi.

Interesting thought you could use enough teflon to move the seal to the threads vs the seat. That would be permanent.

You have to guess the amount. Trial and error perhaps. Report back findings. The gasket is really hard to find for sale.

[Oldmactech]

I found new washers for 1.25 at my local parts store. Leaks just as bad as before. Ordered a replacement tensioner - FCP Euro sell just the threaded part sorta cheap.




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[andrewwynn]

That's not a "washer" did you find the actual correct size aluminum crush gasket?


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[Oldmactech]

Yes, I believe that BMW actually calls it a “gasket” but it’s a crush washer.




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[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Oldmactech

Yes, I believe that BMW actually calls it a “gasket” but it’s a crush washer.




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Those mean the same thing. I was wondering if you got the correct type and size


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[Oldmactech]

Yep, I did


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