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  #1  
Old 12-28-2011, 04:31 PM
ezetom ezetom is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calgary
Posts: 22
Default Brass or Aluminum?

Hi folks,

In reading, I have come across much debate on what material to use for FWF applications of AN fittings,

I have read that EI recommends brass fittings over alum or steel, but Id like to know the reasoning..

Does anyone know the specs (e and yield strength) for AN brass, steel and alum fittings?

thx

Tom
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  #2  
Old 12-28-2011, 04:57 PM
Walt's Avatar
Walt Walt is offline
 
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Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
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Use steel whenever possible, it's stronger and prevents galling when going into aluminum (I will never use aluminum fittings in the engine or oil cooler).
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  #3  
Old 12-28-2011, 05:22 PM
humptybump humptybump is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
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I can only convey the wisdom of the builder of my RV-8 and that of the A&P who does my condition inspection. Both say steel for fuel and oil.
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  #4  
Old 12-28-2011, 06:59 PM
Pat Stewart Pat Stewart is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Granbury Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt View Post
Use steel whenever possible, it's stronger and prevents galling when going into aluminum (I will never use aluminum fittings in the engine or oil cooler).
What he said.
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  #5  
Old 12-28-2011, 07:14 PM
TS Flightlines TS Flightlines is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ridgeland, SC
Posts: 2,584
Smile I second Walt-

Steel for FWF applications, and I like stainless hose ends on hose assemblies, especially FWF.
Tom
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  #6  
Old 12-29-2011, 05:25 AM
chaskuss chaskuss is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SE Florida
Posts: 1,499
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Steel is preferred for maximum strength [greatly desired for oil and fuel lines subject to vibration, ie FWF] Aluminum fittings tend to gall when installed into an oil cooler. Brass should be avoided, as when in contact with aluminum, you get a nasty galvanic reaction. See

http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/c...n/galvanic.htm

Steel fittings are cadmium plated to prevent galvanic issues.

Charlie
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  #7  
Old 12-30-2011, 09:47 AM
ezetom ezetom is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calgary
Posts: 22
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Here is what I have..

From the engine driven fuel pump, I have a short hose (about 6") then I have a flow scan fuel flow transducer, from the fuel flow transducer, there is a 1/4" ANPT brass nipple, that threads into the "t" of a brass AN tee. the fuel pressure sensor screws into one side of the tee, and there is a brass AN npt elbow that screws into the bottom of the tee, that has a 1/4" ANPT to #6 AN steel fitting that then connects to the hose that feeds the carb. This arrangement is kind of a "u turn" setup. the tee is secured to the rear cylinder via a couple of adel clamps.

Everything was fine, but I decided to change out the engine driven fuel pump, and all 303 hoses. Im not real fond of the setup, the consensus so far seems to be to change everything out to steel... Why would anyone use brass to start with anyway?





-Tom

Last edited by ezetom : 12-30-2011 at 09:57 AM.
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  #8  
Old 12-30-2011, 10:02 AM
airguy's Avatar
airguy airguy is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Garden City, Tx
Posts: 5,122
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ezetom View Post
Why would anyone use brass to start with anyway?


-Tom
Probably because it's cheap and readily available.

So is methamphetamine, and it's not a good idea either.
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Built an off-plan RV9A with too much fuel and too much HP. Should drop dead any minute now.
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  #9  
Old 12-30-2011, 10:16 AM
ezetom ezetom is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calgary
Posts: 22
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I cant seem to find the steel tee or elbow..

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/hapages/an917.php

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/hapages/an914.php

I wonder if thats why it was brass to begin with..
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  #10  
Old 12-30-2011, 11:20 AM
airguy's Avatar
airguy airguy is offline
 
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Location: Garden City, Tx
Posts: 5,122
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Try this site, it's where I get most of my high pressure steel fittings.

http://www.discounthydraulichose.com...FTPktgodtmKZVg
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Greg Niehues - SEL, IFR, Repairman Cert.
Garden City, TX VAF 2020 dues paid
N16GN flying 700 hrs and counting; IO360, SDS, WWRV200, Dynon HDX, 430W
Built an off-plan RV9A with too much fuel and too much HP. Should drop dead any minute now.
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