Can I use teflon tape to stop a fuel leak?

Question

I have a fuel leak around the fitting going into the fuel rail on a 3.1 chevy v6. I had taken the fuel line out to do some repairs, when I put everything back together it started leaking. Other than tightening the fuel line fitting as tight as possible the only thing I can think of is plumbers teflon tape. Any opinions, thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

It's not cross threaded. It easily unscrews. When I took it apart I thought there was an o-ring but I don't see one on there and none of the parts stores have any record of an o-ring. I guess I need to go to the dealership for the o-ring.

Answer 1

you can try it,but are you sure you didnt cross thread it,besides there is a 0- ring on that line.check the O-ring.

Answer 2

yeah try the solid teflon tape, they make brush on liquid teflon tape, but i find the wafer thin solid type tape works best, only wrap the tape no more than twice around the fitting. otherwise it will just bunch up and wont stick to the threads, if you did cross thread, have fun with that repair, you will have to cut the steel line near the screw plug and buy a steel tubing repair kit from your local auto shop, and use some fuel injection grade rubber hose to splice the new tubing in with some hose clamps the new steel tubing will have a new screw plug.

Answer 3

Sounds like a missing gasket. Teflon tape might stop the leak, but is super slippery and could allow parts to vibrate loose. Also, a piece of the tape might get pinched off as parts are tightened; it could jam up the fuel system.

Answer 4

very bad idea. I have seen others do it and a piece come off and clog an injector. So fix it right even if you have to use a new line or retap the hole it goes into.

Answer 5

You can try it