Putting AN fittings together w/o the special wrenchs

[JCyrbok]

I am finally going to have some time this weekend to re-do my bypass oil filter lines with SS Braided line and -AN fittings. Because I am only doing two lines with a total of 4 fittings I could not justify buying the 30 dollar AN fitting wrench when my total order was only 26 dollars, LOL



I do not want to scar up the anodizing on the fittings when I put them together. I was thinking about wrapping one turn of duct tape on the surface of the fittings and using a crescent wrench to tighten them. Does this sound good or is there a better (outside of actualy buying the AN wrenchs).



Thanks

J-

 

[Curious Dave]

I tried the tape thing before... Duct isn't as strong as electrical for protection. I would also recommend using anti-seize on the threads as well as the barb. That will cut down on the resistance of assembly quite a bit. I redid my entire fuel system including return with -8, and a gravity feed rom the auxillary tank. It takes time but it made the FASS install easier.

 

[wlowe]

My trans cooler has AN fittings. I used two crescent wrenches with no tape, didn't leave any scars.

 

[Ducman82]

i use nothing but AN fittings. i have the wrench, but for a LONG time just used electrical tape on the "jaws" of the wrench. worked like a champ. or to be even more sure, get the old style cloth electrical tape. that is what i used up till i got the wrench.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Since the wrenches are aluminum you might try a couple layers of tin foil.

 

[WilsonF]

Years ago I worked with nothing but AN fittings on Air Force aircraft we just used regular open end wenches.
Floyd

 

[Bill Lins]

I've heard that about you AF guys before! ;-)

 

[JCyrbok]

Cool thanks for all the advice guys. Hopefully if everything goes right I will get to the lines/fittings tommorow. If I do I will let you know how it goes and try to post up some pics too.



Thanks



J-

 

[Scrappy]

Years ago I worked with nothing but AN fittings on Air Force aircraft we just used regular open end wenches.

Floyd

still do!



the only time I have seen the anodizing get damaged is if you swivel the wrench side to side or slip off the fitting.

 

[JCyrbok]

Finished my lines today.

Thanks to all that had advice. I finished the -AN lines for my bypass oil filter today (only about 7 years after I originally planned, LOL).



Use -6 fittings and lines (left over from my FASS install a couple of years ago).



One thing that I really found that worked well was a AN line tool that I got from either Summit or Jegs a couple of years ago and just used it for the first time on these lines. Here is a link to the tool, made the assembly super quick and smooth. Koul Tools 468 - Koul Tools AN Hose Assembly Tools



Here are some pics (if I can get it to work correctly, LOL)



Thanks again,



ETA: wow just noticed that I really need to clean my engine bay! LOL crap Michigan weather!

J-

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Lookin' good! Time for a spit polish for everything else under the hatch