Leaky diesel injector unions

Is it possible to over-tighten the fuel feed unions that thread onto the injectors? The first time I undid the ones on my series 3, I had to swing out of them to undo them. Anytime I’ve tightened them up I’ve done them to pretty much the same tightness. But I went for a 85 mile spin the weekend and one of them started to leak, and another to weep.
No matter how much I tighten them, the leak continues. Any ideas on cures, or the correct tightness for future reference??

Hmmm.... you may have done a bad thing ....

The olives on the ends of the steel pipes are usally silver-soldered onto the pipes. Gross over-tightening can distort the whole setup, and loosen the silver solder joint so it leaks. It might even pump the pipe right out of the nut.

Be prepared to buy a set of pipes soon.

Of course you might find someone who could silver-solder the olives back on, but first they would have to come clean off so the diesel could be removed.

Pain in the butt.

Moral: Don't over-tighten injector pipes.

CharlesY

Thanks CharlesY, had a feeling it would be somthing untoward... Now to find the local silversmith...

fivepunjab said:

Thanks CharlesY, had a feeling it would be somthing untoward... Now to find the local silversmith...

Click to expand...

On the other hand, try Haddocks etc for a set on injector pipes.

Failing that post a WANTED 4 PIPES on LandyZone.

CharlesY