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Fittings come in all sizes and configurations.
This is just a small sample of what is available. Remember when
ordering, the sizes go like this: -6AN is 6/16 (3/8); -8AN is
8/16 (1/2); - 10 is 10/16 (5/8), and so on. |
If you are making braided lines for the first time or have struggled
in the past, I have a few tips that seem to make it easier for me.
First, buy matching brands of hose and fittings. I have always used
Aeroquip and never had a problem. Second, when I am ready to cut the
hose to length I always wrap it TIGHTLY with 3M filament strapping
tape right where I plan to cut. You can use a hacksaw with a fine
(24 teeth per inch) blade and it will work well. If you have a cut-off
saw (lucky you) they work really great. Remove the tape and trim any
small loose wires with a sharp side cutter.
Third, I make a set of aluminum vise jaw liners to protect the fittings
from damage during assembly. Clamp the collar piece of the fitting
in the vise with the aluminum saw protectors installed and work the
hose into it with a clockwise twist as you apply pressure. Be sure
there are no little pieces of wire snagging the collar as you slip
in it.
Fourth, when the hose is in all the way I tear off a piece of masking
tape and wrap it just below the collar. This will allow you to see
if the hose is slipping out of the collar as the fitting is assembled.
I always spray the shaft of the fitting that goes into the hose and
collar with WD-40 to make sure it threads together without binding
or galling the threads. Should thread into place with no problems
other than your vise needs to be mounted to a sturdy bench. The threaded
end of the fitting should end up about with about 1/8" of a gap between
the collar and the swivel part of the fitting. I hope it helps if
you have struggled in the past with braided hose assembly.
A couple other changes had to be made with this switch in fuels.
I called Gary at Number One Stop Products, told him what I was doing
and asked if I needed any changes to the throttle stop. He said I
needed a modification to the throttle stop blades. Through the years
he has designed a series of special sized slots that he cuts in the
blades to prevent the alcohol from "standing" on the blades when the
throttle stop is closed by the timer. This occurs because the alcohol
carburetors are sending so much fuel into the engine. He told me the
modifications would take care of it.
I also changed the amount of timing retard for engine starting I
have set in the MSD Programmable 7 ignition. I used 20 degrees on
gas but MSD suggested moving that up to10 degrees with alcohol because
of the slower burning properties of alcohol. With the programmable
ignition it may take a little trial and error but it will not be a
problem finding the "sweet spot."