On Jun 29, 8:29�am, blueman wrote:
"Charlie" writes:
"blueman" wrote in message
...
I replaced the gasket and tank bolts of a 10+ year old toilet.
The tank bolt kit included rubber-fiber and stainless washers.
The kit warned about tightening the bolts too much and potentially
cracking the porcelain but I still tightened them a fair bit - enough
to deform the rubber washers.

When I filled the tank, water dripped out in a steady stream from both
sides. Tightening the nuts a bit more didn't seem to make much of a
difference.

I don't see any crack in the porcelain and the contact surface around
the washers seems pretty flat without any noticeable pits, bumps, or
cracks.

- Is there any "trick" to making the joints leak tight or do I just need
�to keep tightening?

- How likely am I to crack it if I tighten more?

- Am I better off adding some pure silicon caulk to make it watertight
�or do I just keep tightening until the leaking stops and hope the
�porcelain won't crack?
- Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Be sure that the sequence of putting on the washers etc. is right.

Check out this video
http://www.ehow.com/video_2329611_in...ank-bolts.html

Turns out that I had replace the bolts/washers in the original order
� � �bolt
� � �metal washer
� � �rubber washer
� � �tank bottom
� � �bowl rim
� � �rubber washer
� � �metal washer
� � �nut

However, the replacement parts came with a difficult to follow diagram
which I in retrospect realized was:
� � �bolt
� � �metal washer
� � �rubber washer
� � �tank bottom
� � �nut

� � �bowl rim
� � �rubber washer
� � �metal washer
� � �nut

This makes sense in that it allows you to tighten the seal at the tank
independent of the connection to the bowl. It also allows the seal to
sit perfectly flat and reduces the risk of cracking the tank/bowl just
in order to get a tight seal

I decided to do this one better by purchasing a pack of spare rubber
washers and doing the following:
� � �bolt
� � �metal washer
� � �rubber washer
� � �tank bottom
� � �rubber washer
� � �metal washer
� � �nut

� � �bowl rim
� � �rubber washer
� � �metal washer
� � �nut

I also added some plumbers putty for good measure.
Works like a charm...

Thanks for motivating me to look more carefully at the package...- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I ALWAYS add some silicone caulk to each bolt, and under sink drain
fittings to prevent leaks.

this after a persistent leak the plumber disassembled and used
silicone caulk.......

cost about 80 bucks lesson learned