That is a mess. Those places where I see PTFE poking out, look to me as
if they were intended to have a fibre washer fitted between flat faces.
You might get PTFE to seal, but only if you can get a regular layer of
PTFE around the threads and of just the right thickness, which is
unlikely - so it will leak.


What I was thinking (Looks like a tap elbow)- I would be inclined to take
the photo to a decent Plumbers Merchant and get the correct fittings for
the job.

Althought PTFE on the tread is not the solution, it should be wound on so
that screwing the fitting will tend to tighten the tape - and not push it
out.