© 2017 Power Automedia. all rights reserved.

Automotive pipelines—whether it’s brakes, fuel systems, or anything else, usually don’t have much pre-planning before the process actually starts. This is a shame, because the flow of fluid is essential to create horsepower and stop those violent ponies. Failure to plan usually results in more than one trip to the parts store at the last minute, hoping to find what you need. In addition, if hoses and accessories are not properly selected and manufactured for the application, you may severely damage your vehicle. That's why we decided to gather with the people from Russell Performance to give you an in-depth understanding of how to choose and manufacture the hoses you need.

Even before starting to install the fluid system, correctly planning which components you will need and how to route the pipelines will ensure that you have everything you need at the beginning.

There are a few things you need to consider when planning fuel flow. If the fuel system is not made of an appropriate material designed to withstand the fluid, many of today's mixed fuels will degrade the hose. "Russell Pro Classic, Pro Classic II, and Pro-Flex are compatible with all fuels, but if you use E85, you can't use them for a long time. [They] will deteriorate in about four years-if it takes that long," Russell mother Said Eric Blakely of the company Edelbrook. "The only hose provided by Russell with extended service life is the PowerFlex hose. It has a PTFE liner with a 308 stainless steel braid that can withstand 2,500 psi." No one wants to replace the fuel system hose after a year or so. Because it becomes spongy and leaks.

Piping can be seen everywhere, and it is very important to use the right hose for your application. This is crucial because they are made of several different types of materials. In addition, you need to know the hose diameter that suits your piping application.

The diameter of the performance hose is assigned an -AN number, which is a widely used standard in the industry. These numbers are roughly related to SAE measurements. For example, each dash (-) is equal to 1/16 inch. This means that the -6 AN line is 6/16 or 3/8 inches. The -10 AN fitting will support a 10/16 inch fuel line, which is 5/8 inch. Once you understand the hose diameter, now you need to understand the construction and use of the hose.

The correct wiring of the flexible circuit is essential.

A hose is more than just a hose

A popular fuel system hose used in the aftermarket is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) liner. For simplicity, PTFE is also called Teflon. PTFE lined hose has several advantages. The PTFE lined hose acts as a vapor barrier. This means it prevents you from smelling gasoline because they will not "seep" into the hose. PTFE-lined hoses also have strong chemical resistance to many automotive fluids. The most common of these is gasoline blends containing ethanol. PTFE lined hoses also have very high temperature resistance, usually ranging from -76 to close to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, the PTFE lined hose has a very high working pressure. For example, -6 AN is suitable for 2,500 psi and -8 AN is suitable for 2,000 psi. Teflon hoses are usually used for fuel lines, brake lines, power steering hoses and hydraulic clutch hoses.

(Dash) The numbers are indeed related to standard sizes: -3 = 3/16 inches, -4 = 1/4 inches, -6 = 3/8 inches, -8 = 1/2 inches, -10 = 5/8 inches, -12=3/4 inch, -16=1 inch.

Another common hose is chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). This type of hose was developed in the early 1950s and used in military aircraft. The stainless steel braided CPE hose is designed to be reasonably compatible with various fluids, and its accessories can be installed with simple hand tools. It is important to remember that no hose will last forever, and CPE hoses will not last as long as PTFE-lined hoses. The steel braid will eventually lose its luster and spread out, and it is not easy to see, and the inside of the hose will deteriorate over time.

For racers and performance enthusiasts who want high-quality fuel system pipes that are lighter and easier to assemble than traditional braided steel hoses, Russell ProClassic hoses are the perfect choice. It uses a lightweight outer woven layer made of nylon fibers and has a CPE lining. It also has a maximum pressure rating of 350 psi. It can handle almost all plumbing tasks in your car and can be safely used with fuel, oil or antifreeze. However, it will not be as durable as a PTFE lined hose.

When assembling the fluid system, cut the hose to a certain length, and then install the outer nut/sleeve on the hose.

The hose is similar to ProClassic, except that the CPE lining is made of bonded multi-braid stainless steel wire. This addition increases the ability to bend radius and reduces the possibility of collapse when the hose is arranged in a narrow area. The ProClassic II hose has a maximum working pressure of 350 psi and can be safely used for fuel, oil and antifreeze.

This is intended for use in high pressure situations-such as brake lines. It has a PTFE liner, a 308 stainless steel braided outer layer, and a 2,500 psi rating. "This is available in -6, -8 and -10 models and requires the use of PowerFlex specific hose ends and adapters. These connectors use brass ferrules to seal the hose to the connector," Eric said.

Clamp the hose/outer nut assembly with a vise. The outer nut is easily damaged, so be sure to protect it. Here, aluminum inserts are used in the vise to protect the accessories. We also used a thick rag in a pinch. Remember not to clamp the vise too tightly, otherwise the outer nut will be twisted.

For maximum protection and reliability, ProFlex hoses are constructed with a stainless steel outer braid that is resistant to wear and corrosion. The ProFlex hose has a CPE synthetic rubber lining and a nylon inner braid, which will not collapse under extreme high temperatures, but is very flexible.

The hose has the same function as ProFlex, but has a specially formulated CPE liner, embedded in a partially covered stainless steel inner braid. It is then bonded to the outer stainless steel braid for superior strength.

Apply lubricant to the threads of the insert. Start screwing the insert down into the outer nut by hand. Be careful not to strip the wire when starting. Screw the two halves together.

If you are looking for high-quality performance hoses but want to save money, then Twist-Lok hoses are your best choice. This hose is ideal for most automotive applications that do not require stainless steel braided wires. It is compatible with hydrocarbon and alcohol-based fuels, lubricants and additives. It also applies to all AN adapter accessories. Used with reusable Twist-Lok hose ends, blue and black anodized, rated pressure up to 250 psi-suitable for most fuel and oil systems (not suitable for power steering applications).

End of line-literally

The end of the hose is actually the fitting you install on the end of the hose. There are many factors to consider when choosing a hose end, and it is indeed specific to the application. Do you need a rotatable end? Are banjo-style accessories the best choice? There are many variables to consider. Except for PowerFlex hoses, all connectors (ProClassic Crimp On, Full-Flow and Twist-Lok) can be used for all hoses.

Russell even has special hose ends that can perfectly meet your piping needs. Do you need to connect the AN wire to the fuel pump or even the engine block? The threaded hose end of the full-flow rotating pipe allows the fuel and oil lines to be connected without any additional adapters, which simplifies the hose assembly. No matter what you want to connect, there are accessories available.

Russell also has a lightweight aluminum adapter fitting that can connect the end of the Russell hose to almost any component. The adapter provides standard threads, metric threads and pipe threads to fit the most popular fuel pumps, fuel pumps and fuel filters. In order to match the appearance of the hose installation, three finishes are available: super bright Endura, traditional blue or black anodized.

Tighten the insert until it touches the outer nut, and you are done.

O-Ring Boss Radius AN port adapter

The Russell radius port adapter fittings are precision machined to achieve positive thread engagement. They have a radius profile angle at the port entrance/exit to achieve the best flow rate. These adapters are ideal for connecting regulators and fuel lines to pumps and tanks, and are also suitable for dry sump applications.

ProClassic Crimp-On hose ends make it easy to manufacture custom hoses. Just cut the hose, push the hose and connector together, and crimp! Its lightweight collar design is dimensionally designed to achieve precise compression, ensuring proper end connection using a Russell manual crimping machine and appropriate crimping machine molds. If you want to reuse the hose end on different components, you can use a replacement collar. They are available in -4 to -12 sizes and are packaged with the collar. Crimpers and molds are sold separately.

Special hose ends are the perfect answer to many piping needs. Upper left corner: SAE quick connect EFI adapter accessories. Middle: AN to gearbox. Upper right corner: Ford EFI to AN connection.

Russell Full Flow hose ends are made of lightweight aluminum and are fully reusable. They use a unique tapered design to ensure easy assembly and provide a 37-degree angle sealing surface to ensure a reliable leak-proof seal. A variety of lightweight aluminum AN adapters and carburetor accessories can be installed at the ends of these Full Flow hoses. Finally, Russell Fittings are interchangeable with hose ends from many other manufacturers.

Russell Twist-Lok hose end uses barb technology. These hose ends are made of lightweight aluminum, which is 40% lighter than traditional hose ends. The Twist-Lok hose end is easy to assemble and can be used with any Russell AN adapter or carburetor accessory.

The choice of components to use depends on your budget and the level of performance you want to achieve. Russell Performance offers many types of joints and hoses to meet the needs of each system. When you are ready to connect to the ultimate fluid delivery system, Russell Performance needs to be your goal.

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