New Compressor - Very Slow Leak / Normal?

[cabinetman]

(actually, the wrap direction is not critical in my opinion if the tape is properly stretched on and the end pulled tight and seated like I described - I never had a problem but it won't hurt to wrap in the direction I described).

IMO, the wrap direction is critical, as if it's wrapped in the direction of the tightening, it is less likely to get bunched up so to speak. At least, that's the way I do it. I just got in that habit.

I've found that some brands are better than others. I use PTFE MIL spec 27730A, 3.5 mils thick, ½" (white).

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[cabinetman]

It might be worthwhile to mention that the yellow thread seal tape is for gas fittings.

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[LCHIEN]

Supposedly the color tape indicates the type of media in the pipe so that people won't cross them (very dangerous for flammable gasses mixed with oxygen lines for example). Tape for gas fittings is thicker so some people prefer to use the gas fitting tape.
White for general plumbing (air, water), Yellow for natural gas, green for oxygen to name a few. Some people say they use the yellow for air and it works better because it's thicker. Not likely to cause a problem in a home situation but probably very dangerous to do in an industrial environment for the reason of confusion. some of the colored tapes have additives to make them work better in their specific application.

[cabinetman]

Supposedly the color tape indicates the type of media in the pipe so that people won't cross them (very dangerous for flammable gasses mixed with oxygen lines for example). Tape for gas fittings is thicker so some people prefer to use the gas fitting tape.
White for general plumbing (air, water), Yellow for natural gas, green for oxygen to name a few. Some people say they use the yellow for air and it works better because it's thicker. Not likely to cause a problem in a home situation but probably very dangerous to do in an industrial environment for the reason of confusion.

I always use the proper tape for the application.

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[sweensdv]

IMO, the wrap direction is critical, as if it's wrapped in the direction of the tightening, it is less likely to get bunched up so to speak.

+1 Not only is the direction of the wrap critical, it's necessary to ensure a proper seal.

[RAFlorida]

Man, what a plethora

of usefull info for air tank/compressors! Thanks to all with the correct info.
As far as direction on teflon tape, on the male end facing me, I wrap in clockwise direction. For gas lines, since it's reversed thread, the wrap is counter-clockwise. Also, I've used teflon tape for straight pipe as well as the tapered pipe-thread. Didn't know you shouldn't use on straigt pipe.
But thanks to Loring and Mike for all the great info.