Dumb question - AN to tube adapter fittings

[69LT1Nova]

So, what's the deal with AN to tube adapter fittings? I see they come with a crush sleeve. Do you need to flare the line, or does the crush sleeve hold everything in place? I didn't get any instructions with the parts (making me feel like this should be intuitive somehow). Pic of what I have:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/sum2200077n_w-1.jpg

Exploded view of one with a different annodized finish:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/ear165008erl_w-1.jpg

I'm running 3/8" aluminum hard line for feed and return, but I have -6 AN braided hose for the engine and tank for body/engine flex.

How tight are you supposed to wrench on these things to get it to seal right?

[oestek]

You don't need to flare the tube. Just insert the tube in the pieces shown, then smoothly tighten 'em down. They don't require a ton of torque to make them seal. The downside is that you can reuse everything but the sleeve. They are just like compression fittings found in plumbing. They work well.

[69LT1Nova]

Kewl. That's what I thought, but I didn't want to go wrenching away and have fuel blow all over the place when I switch on the pump. Thanks!

[parsonsj]

And the best part is since no flaring is required, you don't have to remember to put the nut and sleeve on before doing the flaring. :)

jp

[jpdeuce]

The down side to this type fitting however is that if you were too tighten it too much it could pinch into the tube making it easy to be broken off. You don't see it as much on stainless tube as you do everything else.

[regalman4925]

can these work on stock fuel lines. ihave mid 80s g bodies that i am injecting...

[MonzaRacer]

Careful on aluminum tubing, not good choice on street or race car, but use care in tightening.

[ProTouring442]

Careful on aluminum tubing, not good choice on street or race car, but use care in tightening.


If you use aluminum, just make sure you support the tube at the fitting so vibration doesn't work harden the tube and cause it to crack.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[parsonsj]

Aluminum is the ideal material for fuel lines. It's lighter than steel or ss, has plenty of burst strength, doesn't rust, and most importantly, it's malleability helps it to seal better.

Remember that ss work hardens more than aluminum (make sure you're using annealed tube), so if you're worried about work hardening don't use ss either.

jp

[thedugan]

Interesting.

I have always heard not to use Aluminum for fuel lines on street cars.

Next car thats the way I am going. SS is a pain to work with.

[ProTouring442]

Interesting.

I have always heard not to use Aluminum for fuel lines on street cars.

Next car thats the way I am going. SS is a pain to work with.

I was worried about it too at first, but then I got to thinking about OEMs and their use of plastic lines. Seems to me that, if done intelligently and with a good deal of thought as to stress and potential rub points, it should be more than adequate and quite safe.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill