I have been following several threads on creating flared fittings for my fuel system. Before I get started I figured I'd post to my fellow builders for their advice and wisdom, to double-check my approach, and help counteract the Dunning-Krueger Affect:
Anything I am missing, or I should consider?
Thank you all for your collective wisdom, which has helped me immensely through my RV7a project to-date.
- 5250-O - based on several posts in this very forum on failed fuel lines (e.g. like this one), it seems that upgrading to 5250 from 3030 is a good investment. Opinions?
- Double Flare - FAA 8083-30 says to double-flare aluminum tubing 3/8" and under. Some of the A&Ps I know say that this is standard for them for stronger and better-fitting ends. More opinions?
- Double Flare Tool - Several folks in various locations recommended the Mastercool (71480) Black 37 Degree Hydraulic Flaring Tool ($278 at Amazon), vs. pro-grade maint-shop tools which cost a fortune. I got one. (vid) Any experiences or words of wisdom with the Mastercool?
- Annealing - Big questions on this, FAA 8083-30 states: "Anneal brass, copper, and aluminum by heating to a dull red and cool rapidly in cold water." But I haven't seen anywhere in builder logs or the EAA how-to videos (like this) where anyone does this. I have a brazier that should get aluminum glowing at the end. Anyone have experience or advice?
- Flare Size - I found this post regarding inspection of flare size to ensure it is the right size. Thanks!
- Thread Seal - Based on this post I have purchased some Permatex Thread Seal for the non-flared portion of fittings. I also have some EZ-Turn Fuel Lube. I was going to use the Permatex on the NPT threads, and the Fuel Lube on the flared threads (not the flare). This sound right?
- Torque - Picked up some crow-foot wrench fittings for my torque wrench to use for torque rather then counting blade-turns. Any opinions or advice with this method?
- Cutting/Bending/Deburring - Got some basic Rigid-brand hw-store tools. These typically work ok? Any tips or guidance for planning bends for routing through the cabin?
Anything I am missing, or I should consider?
Thank you all for your collective wisdom, which has helped me immensely through my RV7a project to-date.