Differential oil change

[Gmanjeeper]

Fill to the bottom hole which is the same level as the OEM cover. See my post here that shows the OEM cover level versus Dana Advantek and Motobilt:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/differential-covers.106725/post-2218638

One more very quick question. When I install my new Dana Advantek covers, do I need to use teflon tape (yellow or pink) on the fill and drain plugs?

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[CarbonSteel]

One more very quick question. When I install my new Dana Advantek covers, do I need to use teflon tape (yellow or pink) on the fill and drain plugs?

I would and there is an age old argument about the color. The only difference between the colors is the density of the tape and has nothing to do with the composition; ergo, use whatever color you like and have on hand especially given the fact there is zero pressure on the threads.

I have used white, grey, and blue with equal results.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

One more very quick question. When I install my new Dana Advantek covers, do I need to use teflon tape (yellow or pink) on the fill and drain plugs?

Not mandatory to use Teflon tape some would say... but I always use it..

I use pink Teflon tape when I have a choice of either pink or yellow. I have no problem using yellow though. I do not use white Teflon tape as it is too flimsy in my opinion.

Pink is much more stout and specs are not at all the same as yellow.

Note: Teflon tape is not just for sealing... it is also important/helpful... so you can get the plug out next time.

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[CarbonSteel]

White Teflon tape is not for use with petroleum products, so do not use white.

We've had this discussion before so no need to rehash it, but as a data point:

Due to its chemical inertness, PTFE tape is resistant to both petrol and oil. Therefore, it is often used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints.

With the exception of green (02 lines), the ONLY difference between the colors is the density of the tape; ergo, the size of the fitting it is designed to be used on and not the composition.

https://www.calpaclab.com/teflon-ptfe-compatibility/

 

[Gmanjeeper]

We've had this discussion before so no need to rehash it, but as a data point:

Due to its chemical inertness, PTFE tape is resistant to both petrol and oil. Therefore, it is often used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints.

With the exception of green (02 lines), the ONLY difference between the colors is the density of the tape; ergo, the size of the fitting it is designed to be used on and not the composition.

https://www.calpaclab.com/teflon-ptfe-compatibility/

Thanks again. As usual, the provided info is very helpful.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

We've had this discussion before so no need to rehash it, but as a data point:

Due to its chemical inertness, PTFE tape is resistant to both petrol and oil. Therefore, it is often used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints.

With the exception of green (02 lines), the ONLY difference between the colors is the density of the tape; ergo, the size of the fitting it is designed to be used on and not the composition.

https://www.calpaclab.com/teflon-ptfe-compatibility/

I agree... I edited the not, etc. out of my earlier post..

To each his own, obviously... but, I myself would not use white Teflon Tape for the diff plugs.

Sure for plumbing work around the house use white... but use yellow or pink when you want a much denser, more stout tape that is more up to the job so to speak.... like in use with diff plugs, etc..

As I noted, I do not just use Teflon tape to prevent leaks/seepage.... I also and importantly, want a dense tape (yellow but especially pink) so it can help prevent a seized plug in the future. White is so paper thin it usually fails at this purpose..

When a young guy or gals asks me what Teflon tape to buy to use on diff plugs, why would I tell them to go to the store and buy white.. I'm going to tell them to buy and use yellow or pink.

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[wibornz]

Here I am never using any tape or thread seal on the plug and just giving it an extra ugg with the ratchet.

 

[Gmanjeeper]

Thanks again. As usual, the provided info is very helpful.

Forgot to mention that both the upper and lower plugs on the Advantek covers have a red substance on the threads. Is this a loctite and, if so, should I go ahead and put Teflon tape over it?

 

[swampflyer]

Here I am never using any tape or thread seal on the plug and just giving it an extra ugg with the ratchet.

That’s so funny. I’m setting here having a cup of French roast on the porch watching the birds and checking the forum and was thinking the same thing. Don’t people realize those bolts are engineered to do their job. There is no force basically on them like in aviation where most fasteners are a one time use item.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Forgot to mention that both the upper and lower plugs on the Advantek covers have a red substance on the threads. Is this a loctite and, if so, should I go ahead and put Teflon tape over it?

It is likely some sort of thread compound that is preinstalled from the factory and allowed to dry. Is it more of a pink color versus bright red?

 

[Gmanjeeper]

It is likely some sort of thread compound that is preinstalled from the factory and allowed to dry. Is it more of a pink color versus bright red?

Not pinkish. More of a deep red vs the pinkish on the cover bolts. See attached pics.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Not pinkish. More of a deep red vs the pinkish on the cover bolts. See attached pics.

It is thread sealer and is something likely similar to Leak Lock. I have seen different colors from different companies. You could either leave it or wire brush it off and use teflon tape (which will make it easier to remove the plugs in the future). No need to have both.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@Gmanjeeper

I agree with @CarbonSteel it is dried paste thread sealing compound that is on the fill and drain plugs.

I myself, would install/use those 2 plugs with the sealing compound but not also use Teflon tape.

When you do your next fluid change, clean off the thread sealing compound on the 2 plugs and then use/apply Teflon tape.

As for the cover bolts you received. That is thread locker on those. Leave that thread locker on there when you use with your new covers.. When/if you ever pull the covers, reapply thread locker before reinstalling those cover bolts.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@Gmanjeeper

When you pull the diff covers and are in there looking, inspecting, cleaning, etc., do not use Brake Cleaner, other chemicals/solvents, etc. inside the housings, on the thread holes, etc..... Wipe/clean up with lint free, clean rags.

 

[Gmanjeeper]

@Gmanjeeper

I agree with @CarbonSteel it is dried paste thread sealing compound that is on the fill and drain plugs.

I myself, would install/use those 2 plugs with the sealing compound but not also use Teflon tape.

When you do your next fluid change, clean off the thread sealing compound on the 2 plugs and then use/apply Teflon tape.

As for the cover bolts you received. That is thread locker on those. Leave that thread locker on there when you use with your new covers.. When/if you ever pull the covers, reapply thread locker before reinstalling those cover bolts.

Thanks again to both of you.

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