[Brian Duff]

So...? is the answer, or concensus anyway, that the sealant doesn't hurt strength (as suggested by Brions' comments on Low-Compression mechanical fittings), but may or may not effect longevity depending on weather or not oxygen/salt/water isolation is better than free supply of water/salt, and on down facing terminals oxygen ?
Or , as I have notice when cutting swaged fittings open to inspect, there really isn't any room left inside the swage once it if swaged. I have noticed on new swages when cut open that I can hardly discern the outline of just some of the strands, as it all appears one solid rod, even when sanded and polished or cut rough. I must admit that I have not cut an older swage open in a while, but I will next time I come accross an example of both kinds, and post my results here. At our shop we do not use any sealant in any swage fittings we press, unless we are un-able to talk an adamant owner out of this practice.

One should note that the 'excellent' Hi-Mod Low Compression mechanical fitting Brion mentions only reccomends using a thread locker adhesive for final assembly, and not sealant, if I recall the directions properly... I must admit I only read directions for fittings I use regularly , on occasion, as opposed to every time I open one, as that would be really time consming considering the normally repetitive nature of instructions for the same fitting :: )

very interested in the results of this discussion, as I feel that every one of us should know the answer to this question.