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Tue May 20, 2025 4:46 am

Just got my rebuilt engine fired up for the first time and tuned nicely but annoyingly all 4 oil fittings, both filter housing and both on the maxi pump, are weeping oil.

I used Permatex aviation 3 on the threads, I was going to remove them all and try sealing them again but as its all 4 maybe this is not the correct way. Any advice?

Would a specific thread sealing product be the best way to go?

Thanks in advance!

Tue May 20, 2025 6:37 am

Can you post pics of the problem areas for us?
What kind of fittings are you using?
AN or barbed?

Tue May 20, 2025 7:16 am

Hi, these are barbed fittings. I thought it was the hose side at first but look to be coming from above the hoses.

Tue May 20, 2025 8:51 am

I used tape on the threads for mine and have not had any leaks from the threads. You can try that. Not sure if PA3 is recommended for use under pressure?

My setup differs from yours by the fact I'm using AN fittings.

Did you install the gaskets dry?
Are you positive the nuts are tight?
Are you positive the fittings are tight?

Lots of people have their own ways of doing these things. What works for some may not work for others.

Tue May 20, 2025 9:20 am

the lack of thread engagement on the oil pump cover nuts is interesting... If that cover comes loose, you're going to have a little more than just a weep.

Tue May 20, 2025 9:42 am

Sled good catch!

I agree that either you should use longer studs or switch to longer bolts.
Not enough thread engagement.

My CB in/out pump came with internal recessed hex bolts.

Tue May 20, 2025 10:16 am

Also Permatex Aviation #3 is not a thread sealer....

The real deal....For your tapered threads in alloy fixtures,,,

https://www.permatex.com/products/thread-compounds...ant-50-ml/

Tue May 20, 2025 11:32 am

Schepp wrote: My CB in/out pump came with internal recessed hex bolts.
So did my CB Maxi2 purchased about 8years ago; yes, the Maxi2 cover STILL needs to have a fin cut off or ground down to the pulley tin doesn't rub on the crankshaft pulley (shame on CB !!!!).

But it looks like my "Claude's Buggies" Maxi2 purchased over 40 years ago did not, and I cannot remember, but think it came with longer studs. That one still is in my 1835cc DP engine.

Tue May 20, 2025 12:21 pm

Thank you all for the feedback/advice, I will get some longer studs for the pump cover and some proper thread sealer. You live and learn!

Tue May 20, 2025 5:50 pm

Fittings look too deep which tells me tapped holes may be too deep, which may be causing leak, if sealant doesn't work try tape, start tape1 thread up from fitting end, or try green retaining compound, yes, I know it's not a sealant, mainly because it's too expensive to use as a sealant and is difficult to remove.,

Tue May 20, 2025 5:53 pm

Properly formed NPT threads will leave the fitting with 2-3 treads exposed, you have little threads left to tighten further.

Tue May 20, 2025 9:38 pm

RWK wrote: Properly formed NPT threads will leave the fitting with 2-3 treads exposed, you have little threads left to tighten further.

You are correct, when the threads are tapped by someone that gives a damn. But I have found many threaded ports in stuff like oil filter housings, where the tap was sent too deep and it's hard to get the threads to seal. A lot of the cheap hose ends are the same.. you bury the fitting all the way before the threads start to bite. For stuff like this I take Modoks advice and set the fitting with red loctite.

Wed May 21, 2025 6:31 am

Tape also helps with too deeply tapped holes. Just add another wrap.

Wed May 21, 2025 6:49 am

I use paste on fittings, tape can shred and get into the oil system. I've seen shreds of tape stuck in the pickup screen in the past.

Sun May 25, 2025 10:16 am

On one of the fittings on my Maxi3 pump, the crack in the cover plate caused by trying to stop a leak by tightening the hose fitting "just a little more, the leak will stop" was filled with JB Weld. This also stopped the leak.

I bought another pump as a spare 13 years ago. I never needed it.

Sun May 25, 2025 12:17 pm

"Also Permatex Aviation #3 is not a thread sealer...."

According to Permatex, threaded fittings are a "typical application" for #3 Aviation Form-A-Gasket. I remembered because I was using the stuff yesterday and I looked up the PDF instructions.

Sun May 25, 2025 12:23 pm

Hi @SCRAF
I'm in the same sort of place. New Engine, running a treat, both 'in/out' hoses on the engine are good, all 4 connections on the filter head are good, but have 2 'weepers' at the oil cooler.
Today, I disassembled both of them and thoroughly cleaned and dried, and re-assembled using Permatex 56521. Just going to wait 72 hours :cry: before priming the system again.