How far should the (vortech) oil pan fitting go into the bunge?

gnx547 · Oct 27, 2013

I got the ARP bunge welded into the oil pan. The oil fitting, which is 1/2 in ID x 3/8 in MIP, and when I put it in by hand it only goes about 2 threads in and it stops. I put a wrench on it and I turned it a little bit and I stopped because it seems very tight and not going in easy and I don't want to strip or break it. How far should the bunge go in? Why is the fitting not threading easy into the bunge?

This is the bunge I bought

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-800-8202/overview/

Wichers123 · Oct 27, 2013

It's npt which it tapered thread. If you look at it the thread is one size and gets bigger as threaded in.

gnx547 · Oct 27, 2013

I didn't know that, so it will be ok to tighten a little bit more?..I just don't want it to break it off when I wrench it down a little bit more.

ProKiller · Oct 28, 2013

make sure you put some lube on it. different materials will cause the threads to seize. or pipe dope.

CC'S95GT · Oct 28, 2013

It should screw in farther than than that. At least another 2 threads.
Hopefully the bung didn't distort when it was welded to the pan.
Some teflon tape should be fine to use on the threads to seal it.
If it leaks then just get a pipe tap (3/8"NPT I think) and chase the threads n the pan. Remember, the tap isn't supposed to go alll the way through the the Bung.

Another thought, Maybe the bung was welded on upside down. (tapered side next to the pan)

ttocs · Oct 28, 2013

but with only 2 threads I would double check that you tapped the hole with the correct threads as that is about what would happen if you had the thread off a little bit.

justinschmidt1 · Oct 28, 2013

Well the bung you bought doesnt say NPT...so that could be your problem there lol

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-20-883/overview/

Im not sure though...good thing is you have a copper fitting, put some liquid PTFE sealant on it and crank it in a few more threads IMO, it should seal and be fine.

The NPT stuff definitely gets tight since its supposed to seal without any sealant.

gnx547 · Oct 28, 2013

On the ARP package it does say 3/8 NPT, I will look for the NPT fitting and see if it fits.

CC'S95GT · Oct 28, 2013

I bet the bung was welded on upside down.

gnx547 · Oct 28, 2013

No, the bunge was not welded upside down. It was welded to the pan on the flat bottom hat side as displayed in the ARP package.

330CubeGt · Oct 28, 2013

Wrong thread type, packaged wrong or the bung has heavy paint on the threads stopping the fitting if it were npt to npt it should go in 2 turns buy hand and about half way in and then be tight like you can't turn it anymore.

Pipe thread gets tighter the more you crank it but should be in way more then 2 threads. Use any elbowgrease?

RichV · Oct 29, 2013

As long as it's the right NPT thread just go until it's tight. It has no pressure, so you don't need to crank it down like a headbolt. But I would use a little thread sealant that is rated for oil. Most plumbing sealants are not, I have a refrigeration thread sealant that I use for this type of stuff, but if you dab a little oil rated gasket sealant you should be good.