on the high pressure hose fitting on my steering box it has a leak that squeezes through the passages. I believe that after years of use and multiple disconnections the threads are worn down.

I am going tp ry some type of sealnt before I do any major machanical replacements.

Should I use teflon tape or should I use loctite thread sealant (non-locking)?

your suggestions are appreciated. My plumber suggests I use "pipe dope" what pro plumbers use, any merit to that?

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My Swinger gets the Highlight Valet Parking spot over the German sports cars on the Sunset Strip. I love my Mopar.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that the treads are the sealing factor for this part.

I recall (I hope correctly so) that this is a compression style fitting. Similair to brake lines. The threaded nut applies force to a tapered flare and mating flange.

No amout of tape, pipe dope, or loctite is a safe repair for a leaking connection of that design.

The correct repair may involve one or more of the following.
clean and lubricate treads to allow for easier tightening.
clean or reflare the end of the hose. (or replace)
clean or replace (not typically required to replace) the mating surface

Sounds like you need to take it apart for inspection either way, so give it a second look.

tape, pipe dope, or loctite might work very well on tapered theads such as plumbing or threaded manifold ports. I don't know how pipe dope reacts to chemicals, but it works great on indoor plumbing.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

P.S. the correct style of wrench will allow you to tighten the nut better without rounding off the corners.

Ask for a "line wrench", they really work better for this.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

It is also possible the flare is cracked, or the shank. Overtightening is the most common cause of this type of failure. Remove the fitting, draw back the flare nut, and carefully clean the flared tube and inspect very closely for small cracks or pinholes. This type of fitting does not respond well to sealant as it is the front surface of the flare that forms the seal. Also, look into the fitting recess in the steering gear and check the flare inside for damage. You will probably end up having to replace the entire hose. When you do, tighten it no more than 20 or 30 ft.lbs. Or, just snug enough that it stops leaking, and you cannot easily loosen the joint by tuurning the hose itself. There is no need to tighten any further.

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I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.