AN Fitting/braided fuel line tips?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 142
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From: Indianapolis IN
AN Fitting/braided fuel line tips?
What's a good way to get a clean cut on braided fuel lines? Is there a certain tool or technique that works best? Any other tips on getting the fuel line into the fittings appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Independence Missouri
St. Jude Donor '06
I used a zip wheel to cut the line. You'll first want to wrap the area you cut with electrical tape. In terms of getting the line into the fittings, put some oil into the AN fitting and some oil onto the line that is to be inserted and twist into the fitting making sure that it seats at the base of the AN fitting. You'll see see the ridge. Oil down the male fitting, insert and tighten. It looks intimidating first time but when you get the hang of it, it is super easy. Good Luck
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I've built three tri five cars since '95. Each one of them had the entire fuel systems done in AEROQUIP -6 braided stainless hose, fittings and ends. That's my company of preferance, but RUSSELL, EARL'S, GOODRIDGE and others are just as good.
You'll think I'm nuts to suggest this, but try it. Tightly wrap the hose with two wraps of thin blue painters masking tape. Use a DREMEL or cut off wheel to make a clean cut. I tried hacksaw blades and it just didn't work for me. Completely clean the rubber dust from the hose ID!
Drop a little light oil on the remaining masking tape still on the hose...do not remove the tape. Twist the hose into the fitting/end, secured in a vise. The tape will keep the ends from fraying and are trapped within the fitting/end. Other nay sayers said this shouldn't be done w/o removing the tape but you've probably already experienced the frustration of frayed hose. I've done dozens of installations w/o problems. Protect you eyes and hands.
If you really want to go crazy with braided steel hose and want to invest $75.00 in a neat tool, try KOUL TOOL. It comes with three sizes to cover any size hose/fitting/end. It makes installation quick and safe.
You'll think I'm nuts to suggest this, but try it. Tightly wrap the hose with two wraps of thin blue painters masking tape. Use a DREMEL or cut off wheel to make a clean cut. I tried hacksaw blades and it just didn't work for me. Completely clean the rubber dust from the hose ID!
Drop a little light oil on the remaining masking tape still on the hose...do not remove the tape. Twist the hose into the fitting/end, secured in a vise. The tape will keep the ends from fraying and are trapped within the fitting/end. Other nay sayers said this shouldn't be done w/o removing the tape but you've probably already experienced the frustration of frayed hose. I've done dozens of installations w/o problems. Protect you eyes and hands.
If you really want to go crazy with braided steel hose and want to invest $75.00 in a neat tool, try KOUL TOOL. It comes with three sizes to cover any size hose/fitting/end. It makes installation quick and safe.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jul 30, 2006 at 01:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Thanks for the suggestions......
but I still can't get the line even started into the fittings, even after making some pretty clean cuts. Is the line supposed to be slightly wider than the widest inside diameter of the fitting? I measured an uncut portion of the line and the fitting and the line is slightly larger. I tried to leave the tape like suggested above, but there is no way a layer of tape would fit in. Can somebody tell me what the outside diameter of the line should be for AN6
but I still can't get the line even started into the fittings, even after making some pretty clean cuts. Is the line supposed to be slightly wider than the widest inside diameter of the fitting? I measured an uncut portion of the line and the fitting and the line is slightly larger. I tried to leave the tape like suggested above, but there is no way a layer of tape would fit in. Can somebody tell me what the outside diameter of the line should be for AN6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
found a chart for hose sizes - I was sent the wrong hose (.65"od for #8AN when I should have .55" od) - it was never going to fit - at least now I know I'm not as incompetent as I was starting to feel
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
A #4 is the same as 1/4" hose (4/16=1/4")
A #6 is the same as 3/8" hose (6/16=3/8")
A #8 is the same as 1/2" hose (8/16=1/2")
A #10 is the same as 5/8" hose (10/16=5/8") etc, etc
...the hose number divided by 16=the ID of the braided hose. That's the standard to determine the braided steel hose converted from rubber hose.
The OD is supposed to be slightly larger than the ID of the fitting/end. The braided hose will deform to the fitting/end and seal against the pressures that braided hose is typically used for.
If you're using the braided hose for high fuel pressure lines, I believe there are specific hose products required. Maybe, someone can verify that.
I've only plumbed braided hose on low pressure carbureted motors.
A #6 is the same as 3/8" hose (6/16=3/8")
A #8 is the same as 1/2" hose (8/16=1/2")
A #10 is the same as 5/8" hose (10/16=5/8") etc, etc
...the hose number divided by 16=the ID of the braided hose. That's the standard to determine the braided steel hose converted from rubber hose.
The OD is supposed to be slightly larger than the ID of the fitting/end. The braided hose will deform to the fitting/end and seal against the pressures that braided hose is typically used for.
If you're using the braided hose for high fuel pressure lines, I believe there are specific hose products required. Maybe, someone can verify that.
I've only plumbed braided hose on low pressure carbureted motors.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Found this link that had good info on inside and outside diameters. This is what convinced me my existing braided hose is too big for the #6 fittings - OD matches the #8 spec.
http://www.aeroquip.com/media/perfor...001-E-p5-8.pdf
http://www.aeroquip.com/media/perfor...001-E-p5-8.pdf
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