I cleaned with scotch brite, then oooo steel wool and brake cleaner on clean rag. It still leaks.

The bottom line is the out to the filter. Would a very little black RTV be safe if applied to the ball? Is there something better? I have some Ultra Copper handy and JBWeld. I'd prefer not JB in case it needs to come apart.

Agreed, seal is the ball & socket.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.