Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Thread sealant when to use

I've recently replaced the oil in the differential and I was wondering what the general practice is when replacing the bolt in the filler hole. Would the default be to just tighten it up or use a sealant. I looked at a potential sealant but I was put off using it by reading that heat and specialized equipment would be needed to unseal it.

If it's general practice to use a sealant for these tasks is there one you'd recommend ?

I just use Hylomar Blue general gasket sealant.

Although there was evidence of sealant on my drain plug I didn't use any when I refitted it.

Thank you Dave and Rich - as so many Morgan things it seems to be a matter of personal preference - maintaining a Morgan is an art not a science

I use PTFE tape.

I used to use a specific non setting Loctite thread sealer in a Pritt Stick tube.

Arwyn

I just gave a smear of grease and added a copper washer to the drain plug on my BTR axle. I guess if the combined threads give a loose fit something else may be needed.

I changed the diff oil last weekend. The underside had a good film of oil, and when I drained there was only about 400cc of oil left.

I have previously used PTFE tape on the plug, but that hadn't done the trick. Cleaned up all the threads on both the plug and hole, and refitted with some Loctite Thread Sealer, and then topped up. Haven't used her since, so can't comment if it's been successful1

I would agree that a matching copper ring will always do a good job, as is the case with most engine oil drain plugs.

On the Salisbury axle, the plug does not have a 'lip' so it's not possible to add/use a washer.

In the 1960s when I worked in a service bay I was told to use the copper washer on the engine drain plug if fitted and for the rest of the engine, gearbox and back axle just nip up the drain/filler plugs. No fancy sealants, never had any leaks. Back street boys?