StrictlyEXperimental
Member
I’m replacing my $135 FUEL-CK375-NM-BRP check valve on the advice of Van’s.
The step covering the installation is KAI 27iS-03 Step 4 : “Assemble the fuel filter assembly, fluid fitting, FUEL-375-NM-BRP (check the flow direction)…” and also Section 5.27 Pipe Thread Fittings (using Locktite 565):
“. ..Thread the fitting in with your fingers until you just begin to feel resistance and then an additional 1.5 - 2 turns. This is a general guideline… you must still use judgment to not over tighten and damage the threads, but a properly installed fitting is quite tight...”
And noting no cautions about the delicate nature of this part in the step or the Andair packaging, I believe I installed the part correctly. This was reinforced by the Andair packaging which noted the part was “Machined from Aluminium L168” implying premium material and manufacturing.
Having had to really torque the other tapered fittings in the fuel system (fuel pump area), I thought it best to use a 6 point socket on the outlet side rather than a wrench to engage just 2 flats on the input side (both ends have 6 flats on a hexagon).
BAD MOVE!
Better move: tighten using the flats closest to the attaching part.
One turn felt tight enough. I took the socket off and notice a number of slanting wrinkles in the metallic label covering the part. Thought – that doesn’t look right! This looked like rotational motion between two halves (couldn’t tell there WERE two halves) and I thought, have I ruined this check valve?
I sent an explanation and picture to Support and they reached out twice to Andair who never answered. Support said they were unable to give this part a clean bill of health not knowing the inner workings of it. They recommended error on the side of caution and replace.
This GOTCHA should be warned about in the KAI because it’s way too easy to ruin an expensive part. Only took a second.
The step covering the installation is KAI 27iS-03 Step 4 : “Assemble the fuel filter assembly, fluid fitting, FUEL-375-NM-BRP (check the flow direction)…” and also Section 5.27 Pipe Thread Fittings (using Locktite 565):
“. ..Thread the fitting in with your fingers until you just begin to feel resistance and then an additional 1.5 - 2 turns. This is a general guideline… you must still use judgment to not over tighten and damage the threads, but a properly installed fitting is quite tight...”
And noting no cautions about the delicate nature of this part in the step or the Andair packaging, I believe I installed the part correctly. This was reinforced by the Andair packaging which noted the part was “Machined from Aluminium L168” implying premium material and manufacturing.
Having had to really torque the other tapered fittings in the fuel system (fuel pump area), I thought it best to use a 6 point socket on the outlet side rather than a wrench to engage just 2 flats on the input side (both ends have 6 flats on a hexagon).
BAD MOVE!
Better move: tighten using the flats closest to the attaching part.
One turn felt tight enough. I took the socket off and notice a number of slanting wrinkles in the metallic label covering the part. Thought – that doesn’t look right! This looked like rotational motion between two halves (couldn’t tell there WERE two halves) and I thought, have I ruined this check valve?
I sent an explanation and picture to Support and they reached out twice to Andair who never answered. Support said they were unable to give this part a clean bill of health not knowing the inner workings of it. They recommended error on the side of caution and replace.
This GOTCHA should be warned about in the KAI because it’s way too easy to ruin an expensive part. Only took a second.