Macroline Fittings - a couple questions

[moosetraxe]

I have some leaking macroline elbows, that I'm trying to seal up. My question is
What is the sealing surface between the Macroline and the oring?
Do I need to cut the end of the macroline in a specific way to promote sealing?
Does anyone have a cross section view of a macro fitting?
What grease should I use on the macro fitting oring?

Thanks all!

[superman]

The outside of the macroline seals on the inside of the oring. Typically it is the oring that is the culprit. They can be replaced by removing the macroline and pulling the clamping collar out. They older style is a 010 oring. The newer style is likely a 110, though i can't confirm that.

[Reflex0283]

Cutting macroline to be damn near perfectly straight will help with sealing, as far as I'm aware it's just the o-ring in there that seals against the macroline. I've never used oil or grease on the o-ring

[moosetraxe]

You guys are ridiculously awesome, thanks!

[The G-FOURce]

…By the way, it's best to use blue Loctite or Loctite 545 to seal the threads of the fitting when installing it on your marker (not teflon tape)…

I’m curious to know if there is a particular reason for using Loctite instead of thread tape or why one shouldn’t use thread tape at all? I have been using thread tape on all my macro line fittings for over two decades and I have never once had an issue if any kind.

And please know that I’m not suggesting that my method is the correct one or that this statement is incorrect. I’m just wondering what’s behind the statement in case there’s a bullet I’ve been dodging over many years and many, many markers and fittings.

(PS - I just looked up Loctite 545 and at $27/ounce I'll probably keep rolling the dice with the same ol' thread tape that hasn't failed me yet.)

[Drcemento]

Locktite has the same issues when you go to change the fitting - making brittle flakes that can end up in your air line. I still prefer it over Teflon. You can get 1/4" teflon tape on amazon which is much more in scale with our 1/8"NPT fittings. Always in my field kit and has come in clutch many times.

[Buff_phroggie]

You need a good tubeing cutter. I am lucky to have extra at work. Here is an example of one. (Grainger is not the cheapest place to buy them)
https://www.grainger.com/product/34A...xoC_qUQAvD_BwE

[The G-FOURce]

If I’m pulling the fitting, I remove the inline reg or ASA, or both depending on which fitting(s), and then clean the female threading with a dental tool, a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, and compressed air. I also use the same to clean the male threads on the fitting, too. And I use a razor knife to cut thin strips of thread tape or I fold it in half before applying it. I’m a little over-the-top on maintenance routines, but so far I’ve had zero issues.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Some extra tricks.

Dow 55 swells sealing orings. Fittings that give me issues can sometimes seal with 55. I keep it in the tool box.

Sometimes gassing the marker up and you get a slight leak can be fixed with a lighter just heating the fitting up under pressure slightly especially on a cold day helps it seal.

If you notice your line is very ruff it might have issues sealing. Sometimes trimming a small bit off helps. I usually leave the loop on mine a lil longer for this reason. You can always trim it a bit if need be.