Making hoses

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

I've decided to make my own fluid hoses to get a better fit and have more
options than ordering the stock hoses Van's sells (which usually don't fit right
for me) or spend the $ on custom hoses that aren't returnable.

This is an area I don't to scrimp. What is absolutely THE best fluid hose?

[flyboy1963]

not to hijack this inquiry, but I also want to know if something like a manifold pressure line must be built with threaded fittings and braided hose, or are typical 'soft' rubber hose and barb fittings ok?

thx

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by Bob Collins

I've decided to make my own fluid hoses to get a better fit and have more
options than ordering the stock hoses Van's sells (which usually don't fit right
for me) or spend the $ on custom hoses that aren't returnable.

This is an area I don't to scrimp. What is absolutely THE best fluid hose?

Bob,

*The* best is pretty hard to quantify. Personally, I've been very satisified with the hoses I made up from steel braded teflon hose and ends from Summit Racing. They didn't require special tools, and pressure tested to several times the normal range for Lycomings. The hoses spec'd at much higher pressures than I tested at.

You might check the RV list archives for some of my old posts on the subject or for some posts from Mark Friedricks, who posted under "MLFred@Aol.com" in that forum, back in the day...

[f1rocket]

I like the steel braided teflon hoses (I can't remember the code). If you make your own, it would be wise to either set up your own pressure tester or take them somewhere where they can be tested. Just a little extra cheap insurance. I might also recommend steel fittings firewall forward.

On my Rocket, I went ahead and paid the price for professional built hoses. We lost a Rocket here due to a homemade oil cooler hose fitting failure.

[mahlon_r]

Originally Posted by flyboy1963

not to hijack this inquiry, but I also want to know if something like a manifold pressure line must be built with threaded fittings and braided hose, or are typical 'soft' rubber hose and barb fittings ok?

I can see no reason that you couldn't use a hose barb fitting, clamps and suitable hose for a manifold pressure sense line.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully
helpful to you. Please use the information provided responsibly and at your own
risk."

[TS Flightlines]

Steel braid teflon hoses are the obvious best choice. Aerospace teflon hose and fittings can get expensive, but "good quality" industrial teflon from a known supplier works very well. Use the conductive (black liner) with properly installed fittings. I crimp all of my assemblies, and test them to 3000 psi. Reusable ends are fine, if properly installed. I'd be cautious of the "look alike" 701 (rubber) hose. Firewall forward assemblies get firesleeve, no matter if it is oil, or fuel. If you were to have a fire or a heat related problem, the teflon liner would begin to melt and fail. Firesleeveing can get alittle pricey, but well worth the insurance. Don't use a "push lock" barbed hose fitting for anything under pressure. Yes, there have been several in-flight failures, like the one that Randy is refering to. You have a big investment in your RV--don"t chance it.
Tom




UOTE=mahlon_r;430204]I can see no reason that you couldn't use a hose barb fitting, clamps and suitable hose for a manifold pressure sense line.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully
helpful to you. Please use the information provided responsibly and at your own
risk."[/quote]

[Toobuilder]

Also be very careful if you are running the Christen (or Raven) inverted systems that employ "suction" hosees feeding the oil pump. I had a brand new hose collapse on my initial flight home with a new airplane. It took me forever to finally figure out that the inner liner had sucked (mostly) closed.

[TS Flightlines]

What hose were you using that collapsed?
Tom

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

Also be very careful if you are running the Christen (or Raven) inverted systems that employ "suction" hosees feeding the oil pump. I had a brand new hose collapse on my initial flight home with a new airplane. It took me forever to finally figure out that the inner liner had sucked (mostly) closed.

[Toobuilder]

IIRC, Aeroquip 303

[TS Flightlines]

can put an internal support spring for suction hose, but 303 shouldn't have collapsed.
Tom

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

IIRC, Aeroquip 303