Originally Posted by
HillRider
I've never had Teflon tape fail and I've gone over 10,000 miles between bb inspections. However, as you mentioned, it depends on the gap you are trying to fill. Mine are all good bottom brackets installed in bb shells in perfect condition so the fit was first class.
A gap-filling version of Locktite should make a slightly sloppy fit work a lot better but your warning about using the proper grade is very important. A high strength formula will require a torch to disassemble.
I wasn't sure about the OP's threading except the "International" said it could be English. I've no personal experience with them. I believe Nottingham Raleighs were still using Raleigh's own threading in '74.
...I've actually rethought my advice, in light of the intention to use a sealed unit BB as the replacement, and I think I would just use the tape in one of the thicker sizes.
There is not nearly the same stress on a cup holding in a sealed unit, where the actual bearing surfaces are in the cartridge, not the cups.,Some of the installation cups
are made of plastic, so how much stress can there be on them ?
So forget what I said about bedding compounds in this instance, it is way overkill, and will probably lead to damage down the road.