Installing -AN fittings and SS hose questions

[JCyrbok]

I'm finally starting to get around to some of the things that I have been meaning to do lately. One of which is to upgrade the stock lines for my Amsoil Single by pass to SS hose and -AN fittings (mostly for the looks).



I am having trouble however getting the one end of the fitting that goes over the hose, on to the hoses, so that the inner "cutting" part can be screwed in. They keep pushing my tape and the outer SS braide down the hose, and flaring the SS braide outwards. I am using a ratchet to twist in a counter clock wise direction and the fittings are the correct size for the hose. I am using plastic electical tape to try to keep the SS braide from moving/separating. I am using a Dremel with a cut off wheel to cut the hose, through the tape.



I'm tring to do it the same way that I was taught when my FASS was put on with SS and AN fittings, but its not working the same way (easily) as it did with the FASS.



Any suggestions/help/etc would be GREATLY appreciated. If you have PICS or links to website with instructions that also would be great. I'm trying to do this myself instead of just going to the Hydralic shop and having hoses made.



Thanks

J-

 

[Bob4x4]

The cut MUST be very clean no fraying. Be patient and it will go together. I do not use tape. I beleive summit racing has some special tools to help the assy process.



Bob

 

[RKerner]

After cutting the hose, the tape should be removed. When I used to do this work, I used only Aeroquip as the other brands were more difficult to assemble correctly the first time. Don't get me wrong, they all can be assembled and perform as expected, I'm just relating my experiences with braided hose and bleeding fingertips.



Maybe this page will help you out.



hose assembly tips

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks for the info guys. Rkerner you info really helps as I have aeroquip fittings and hose. I'm gonna print out all the aeroquip info on that link, lots of good info there.



It looks like I should be able to get it, maybe I just quit to soon,LOL.



I may pick up one of the vise plates though, I dont want to chew up the fittings, as this is for mostly show.



Thanks again, I'll update with my progress and maybe pics, if I can figure out how to post them.



Thanks

J-



If anyone else had any tips it would be appreciated too.

 

[FAHLGUY]

My past experience with SS braided hose is that, you need to make as clean as cut as possible, and expect to shed a little bit of blood..... :{ Once you get the hang of it, they go together a little easier.



Bill

 

[TRCM]

A hose clamp works better than tape.



Once the cut is made, you can slide the clamp down the hose slightly, and use it to keep the braid tight until you get it started in the fitting, then move the clamp and finish the assembly.

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks TRCM that is a great idea! I'll try it and let u know how it works.



Thanks

J-

 

[y-knot]

I have been there and I feel your pain. First, so you know I assemble hoses all the time and I do know what works.

#ad




I have found that the best method to cut the hoses is with a AN Hose cutter. I use to use a chop-saw, and it was OK, but nothing as convenient and accurate as a hose cutter. First mark the hose where you need it cut, then use 3-M Super 33+ electrical tape to wrap the hose, just 1-1/2 layer will do with the center of the tape being the cut area. Use the hose cutters to cut the hose, keep it square to the cutter for a clean straight cut. Leave the tape on the hose, and apply a lubricant. I really do like PRO-BLEND, ANTI-SEIZE. It is way better then oil or anything else I have tried. It keeps the fittings from galling, and allows them to fully seat, which means no leaks!

Apply a little to the hose end and screw the hose fitting (usually the red piece) onto the hose. I like to clamp the hose 2-3 inches down from the end into a vise, and take a ratchet with standard socket that fits the hose fitting and turn counter-clockwise while pushing down. You need to make sure the hose seats fully against the hose rest, look at the top of the hose fitting and you will see the hose rest just under the threaded hose fitting part.

Now with the hose fully seated, you are ready to screw in the fitting piece (this is the piece that has one end tapered with threads, and the other end with a Female AN size, also the Blue piece in most brands. ) into the hose fitting. Before you start, take a sharpie and mark the hose right under the end of the hose fitting, from the point where the red hose fitting stops and the braided hose is exposed. This is the most important part, you will use this line later to determine if the hose push out while installing the end fitting.

Use the vise again to hold the hose fitting, they make special vise holding fixtures or you can pad your vise to not scare-up the finish. Lubricate the tapered fitting and the hose fitting at the end. Depending on which type of fitting you are using will determine what tool you can use to screw in the end fitting. If it is a straight fitting, you can use a ratchet and socket, if it's a 45 or 90° fitting, you will need to use a wrench. Take one hand and support the hose, push up to keep it from being push out, while the other hand is turning the fitting and applying down force to get it started. Once the fitting gets down into the hose and the threads start the hard part is over, but you need to keep pushing up on the hose so it does not back out. The hardest and most important part is to get the treads started, and started right. Do not keep going if you suspect the fitting may be cross-threaded. The fitting should turn freely and easily once the threads have caught, take alittle extra care here and make sure everything is right. The aluminum fittings damage very easily, so be careful.

Once the fitting is tightened down, look at your mark you made at the bottom of the hose fitting. Is it within a 1/8" of the hose fitting? If it is then great, you have just finished another successful hose end, if not you may need to re-do it. This is why the part about holding up on the hose is SO important, it can not be stressed enough. If the hose pushed out and is not with-in a 1/8" of there it should be, the hose needs to be taken apart, the end will need to be re-cut for a clean end, and the fitting may or may not be re-usable.

I assemble these all the time, and it you take your time and follow the steps, odds are you will have great connections. I also always test my hoses before they are put into service. This is a must, especially if the hose serve sensitive areas like engine oil supplies. Damage can occur in seconds on areas like that, non-reversible permanent damage.

I do not know your level of mechanical expertise, or if you plan on making many hose now or latter, but to do the job right you need the tools. One place that does have the necessary tools is ProWeld Performance Parts , good luck with your hoses I hope this helped you.

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks a bunch Y-KNot, that was exactly the kind of info that I was looking for to cap off my research into this project. I now feel that I will beable to easily complete this.



Thanks to everyone who added their input and advice as well.



J-