[alfa] Brake light switches on '69 GTV

["David Khoe" <dkhoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

Yes, 1969 is the year that had the dual brake boosters (as well as other parts
unique for that year).

I found one of my brake light switches leaking fluid after about a year of no
problems.  These switches are pressure activated, and screw into a manifold
mounted on the firewall.  Tightening them did not help, and neither did
replacing the leaking one with a new switch from IAP, so I bit the bullet and
took the whole thing apart.

What I found was that the switch had male taper pipe threads (looks like a
1/8" NPT) but that the female threads on the manifold are straight (no taper).
When screwed in, the switch doesn't go in all the way -- some of the switch's
threads still remain visible.  I'm guessing that the leak is from the fluid
working its way along the threads, which does not quite achieve full
engagement.

Is this the way pipe threads are supposed to work?  (i.e., taper male going
into a straight female)    Am I supposed to use teflon tape, then tighten it
as much as I dare without cracking the manifold or stripping the threads?

Are there brake light switches with straight threads to be found??

Any help appreciated!

David Khoe
Yorba Linda, California
'69 GTV
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