68 Power Steering Hoses

[Kurt B.]

Gentlemen:
Installed the power steering pump and brackets to the motor today. Have all new hoses and installed new cylinder and valve. Everything is new.
My question pertains to installing the hoses on the rear of the pump and to the valve: Should I use pipe joint compound or anything on the threads. I am trying to prevent any leaks and driping of power fluid.
Thank you in advance for your input. (I'll get this car finished someday)
Kurt Bunting # 26406

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Power Steering Hoses

Kurt-----

The power steering pump hoses use a compression seal. In a compression seal, the fitting nut serves only to effect the mechanical compression seal; there is NO sealing which takes place at the nut. So, any sort of sealing compound is a complete, 100% waste of effort. If you don't achieve a satisfactory compression seal due to a variety of factors (e.g. failed mechanical sealing components, insufficient torque, etc.), then NO amount of sealant on the fitting nut will do any good as a "back-up" seal. The nut just isn't designed to seal.

[Kurt B.]

Thank you Joe *NM*