Water valve loose fit

[gjz30075]

Hi all. I've got a fair amount of slop in the threads of the heater valve. With the valve threads wrapped several
times with teflon tape, and screwed into the head as far as it'll go (with the nipple pointed correctly) I can
wiggle the valve a bit and, yes, it leaks there. The valve is new and the head has had some repair in the past in this area so I suspect with age and the repair, the hole could be a bit larger than normal. But the question
is, what's the best way to take up this slack? Will a thead sealant do the job?

[oldelanman]

IIRC the valve has a tapered thread, it could be you just need to tighten it one more turn. If it gets too tight try using less tape or thread sealant instead

[gjz30075]

It can't be screwed in any further.

[joe7]

Greg, how about try taking a bit of material off the end so it MAY go in further?

[Craven]

Use an epoxy filler, JB Weld is my favourite. Just screw in using the epoxy on the threads, set to correct angle and leave 24 hrs.
Yes it can be removed later if needed.

[gjz30075]

Joe, being a taper, it's only going to go in so far, regardless of how long it is. Maybe additional threads on
the valve?

I thought about JBWeld. Hmmmm..... does it matter where it's applied, ie, male or female?

[Craven]

I apply a little to the male thread and wind in, remove check to see contact area a little more if needed. As the epoxy is worked it become quite fluid and self levelling and produces a very neat seal.
This is not as radical solution as you may think, it?s a good bound but no way permanent.

[gjz30075]

Thanks! I'll give it a go.

[Craven]

Like this

[MarkDa]

That is a very neat job, quick, cheap and effective - an pragmatic solution.