|
I recall several warnings regarding the use of the Aluminum A/C fittings on aircraft fuel lines to Carb. or Gascolator. I have read that this caused several accident with Cubs and Champs over the years.
Personally, I will never ever use those "blue" aluminum fittings on any part of my fuel systems nor my oil systems. They have been known to have been weakened during installation and to break apart in flight due to engine vibration. The much stronger Steel fittings cost a bit more but so what, compared to a fuel or oil line break in flight. ACS has the steel fittings. I have always used steel A/C fittings every where. Never a problem, and never a worry about failure. Mechanics have told me that Aluminum fittings are adequate for fuel and oil lines however the only mechanic that I trust is myself. I also saw one Ercoupe with aluminum primer lines. That would bother me also. The oil line to gauge is another thing that I am fussy about. I use A/C flexable steel braided rubber hose here that does not terminate at the firewall, but rather is a one piece line that goes from the engine all the way to the gauge on the instrument panel. I have known those short little rubber oil line hoses from the engine to become hard after a few years in service and then to break in the air.
The braided one piece line and steel fittings have never failed me, but that darn rubber line sure did.
The braided oil line that I am referring to is the one with the shiny steel braid on the outside of the hose. I have been buying things like that at Oshkosh. Not expensive there for many things.
Ron Hynes
-------Original Message-------
Date: 04/04/06 03:28:48
Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] FUEL LINE FITTINGS
BYRAN, I JUST FINISHED WITH MY FUEL LINES/ MADE UP SEVERAL WITH A SP. FLARING TOOL FOR A/C WITH A 37* FLARE. YOU MIGHT WANT TO BORROW ONE AS THE ARE ENPEN$IVE. L ANDREWS 2214H PS, PRACTICE A COUPLE BEFORE YOU DO THE REAL THING.  | 