Regan Brown
Corrosion from oxygenated pump fuel can cause automotive plumbing systems to malfunction. Car owners and auto techs are increasingly turning to more durable line solutions like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) braided hose. PTFE is the abbreviation for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, commonly known as Teflon. PTFE hoses have been used for a long time for brake and hydraulic fluid transfer applications. They are now available with a conductive core inside them, which is a carbon lining that, when combined with the fittings that install on each end of a hose assembly, provides a path for any static charge in the line. This article will discuss how to connect a PTFE hose to an old fuel line.
Characteristics and Values Table for Connecting PTFE Hose to Old Fuel Line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hose Material | PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) |
| Hose Fittings | Aluminium AN fittings |
| Hose Sizes | 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, 10AN |
| Hose Temperature | Wide temperature range |
| Hose Compatibility | Compatible with E85 and other high-performance fuels |
| Hose Performance | Maximum fuel flow, reliability under high pressure |
| Hose Assembly | Requires professional tools and accessories |
| Hose Connection | Ensure tight connections, prevent leaks |
| Hose Installation | Check installation location can withstand system pressure |
| Hose Cutting | Mark cut position, use plastic vice jaws, cut square |
| Hose Fitting Socket | Lubricate threads, insert PTFE hose fitting, twist and push |
| Hose Fitting Inspection | Ensure PTFE tube butts squarely against olive/ferrule |
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What You'll Learn
- Use professional tools and accessories, such as AN fittings and metal clamps
- Ensure the installation location can withstand the system's pressure
- Use a hose with a conductive core to prevent static electricity
- Use a hose with a PTFE inner layer for a precision fit and leak-free connection
- Use a hose with a PTFE liner to act as a vapour barrier when running all types of fuels
Use professional tools and accessories, such as AN fittings and metal clamps
When installing a PTFE fuel hose, it is recommended to use professional tools and accessories, such as AN fittings and metal clamps. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is the material used to create a durable solution for automotive plumbing systems. It is also known by its trade name, Teflon.
PTFE hoses have been used for brake and hydraulic fluid transfer applications for a long time. However, the recent advancement of adding a "conductive core" to PTFE hoses has made them an excellent choice for fuel lines. This conductive core, a carbon lining added during manufacturing, provides a path for any static charge in the line, preventing the risk of a spark igniting fuel.
When installing PTFE fuel hoses, it is important to use unique aluminium AN fittings to secure the hoses. PTFE hoses are too stiff for conventional hose clamps, so these specialised fittings are required to create a tight seal. TechAFX has developed semi-swivel AN fittings that can be rotated during assembly, making it easier to build a hose assembly at home. These fittings are designed to work with common hose diameters and are available in a range of sizes, including -6, -8, and -10.
To install PTFE hose fittings, follow these steps:
- Mark the cut position on the PTFE hose with masking tape. This will help guide your cut and prevent the stainless steel braid from flaring out.
- Cut the hose with a fine-tooth metal saw, hose shears, or commercial hose-cutting equipment. Secure the hose before cutting and cut square, allowing the saw blade to do the work without forcing it.
- Clean away any burrs from the PTFE tube.
- Check that the hose is round by gently squeezing it with pliers.
- Insert the PTFE hose fitting to ensure a proper fit.
- Slide the socket nut onto the PTFE hose, making sure it is the correct way around.
- Gently expand the stainless steel braid away from the PTFE tube using a small screwdriver or pick. Ensure that the PTFE hose is not damaged during this step.
- Push the olive/ferrule onto the end of the PTFE tube and under the stainless steel braid, making sure no braid is caught beneath the olive/ferrule.
- Using the correct size spanner, tighten the PTFE hose fitting into the socket nut, applying oil to the thread as you tighten.
- Continue tightening until you have a gap of approximately 1mm, then align the flats for a professional finish.
By following these steps and using professional tools and accessories, you can ensure a safe and reliable fuel system with a precision fit and leak-free performance.
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Ensure the installation location can withstand the system's pressure
When connecting a PTFE hose to an old fuel line, it is crucial to ensure that the installation location can withstand the system's pressure. PTFE, or Polytetrafluroethylene, is an excellent material for fuel hoses due to its non-reactive nature, high melting point, and resistance to almost all chemicals. It can withstand aggressive automotive fluids without degrading, making it a durable and reliable choice for fuel lines.
To ensure the installation location can withstand the system's pressure, it is important to consider the pressure ratings of the PTFE hose and the fittings you plan to use. PTFE hoses can accommodate a wide range of temperatures and pressures, but it is crucial to select the appropriate hose size and fittings to prevent leaks and maintain system integrity. The fittings should be tight and secure to prevent any fuel leaks, which can be a safety hazard.
When choosing fittings, look for high-quality options such as aluminium or stainless steel. Aluminium hose ends, for example, can provide a precision fit and leak-free connection, even under extreme pressure. Stainless steel fittings, such as those offered by TechAFX, are also a reliable choice and feature a semi-swivel design that makes installation easier. It is also important to ensure that the fittings are compatible with the PTFE hose and that the assembly process is followed correctly.
Additionally, consider the pressure requirements of your specific application. PTFE hoses are available in various sizes, such as 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, and 10AN, each with different pressure capabilities. Ensure that the hose and fittings you select are rated for the pressure requirements of your fuel system. It is also worth noting that PTFE hoses are stiffer than rubber hoses, so the bend radius should be considered during installation to ensure a proper seal.
By selecting the appropriate PTFE hose and high-quality fittings, ensuring tight connections, and considering the pressure ratings and requirements of your system, you can be confident that the installation location can withstand the system's pressure. This will result in a safe and reliable fuel system.
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Use a hose with a conductive core to prevent static electricity
When connecting a PTFE hose to an old fuel line, it is important to use a hose with a conductive core to prevent static electricity. Static electricity can be a serious issue, especially when dealing with flammable substances such as gasoline. The conductive core of the PTFE hose provides a path for any static charge in the line, preventing the buildup of static electricity that could potentially lead to a spark and cause an explosion or fire.
The conductive core in PTFE hoses is typically made of carbon, which is added during the manufacturing process. This carbon lining ensures that any static electricity generated by the flow of non-conductive fluids, such as gasoline, diesel, or ethanol, is safely grounded and does not accumulate within the hose. This reduces the risk of a static discharge that could ignite the flammable liquids being transported through the fuel line.
Using a hose with a conductive core is essential for safety reasons. Static electricity can not only cause fires or explosions but can also lead to clogging within the fuel line. This is because static electricity can cause materials to become attracted to each other and form clumps, restricting the flow of liquids. By using a conductive hose, you can prevent the buildup of static electricity and maintain the efficiency of the fuel line.
When choosing a PTFE hose with a conductive core, it is important to select one that is specifically designed for fuel line applications. For example, TechAFX offers a stainless steel-wrapped, conductive core PTFE hose called Blackwrap, which features a black rubber coating that aids in assembly and enhances the appearance of the hose. It is also important to ensure that the hose is properly grounded and connected to other materials of the same electric charge to prevent static charge buildup.
By following these guidelines and using a PTFE hose with a conductive core, you can safely connect it to an old fuel line and prevent the dangers associated with static electricity.
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Use a hose with a PTFE inner layer for a precision fit and leak-free connection
When it comes to fuel lines, you want something durable, safe, and leak-free. A hose with a PTFE inner layer offers a precision fit and a secure connection, even under high-pressure conditions. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is known for its excellent temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and pressure endurance. This makes it a great choice for fuel lines, providing both performance and protection.
PTFE hoses have a sleek inner surface that reduces friction, preventing clogs or blockages in the fuel transfer system. They can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -100°F to 500°F (-73°C to 260°C), without compromising their structural integrity. This makes them ideal for high-performance applications, especially in racing or modified cars with intense engine heat. Additionally, PTFE fuel hoses are non-permeable, meaning they prevent fuel vapors from seeping through, reducing the risk of hazardous fumes in your vehicle.
The PTFE inner layer, combined with high-quality aluminum hose ends, ensures a secure connection and prevents leaks. PTFE hoses are available in various sizes, including 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, and 10AN, catering to different fuel delivery systems. They offer versatility during installation, allowing for custom routing in tight or complex spaces. The bend radius is not an issue with PTFE hoses, and their smaller outside diameter makes them compatible with most fuel hose applications.
When installing a PTFE fuel hose, it is recommended to use professional tools and accessories, such as AN fittings and metal clamps. Ensure that all connections are tight to prevent leaks and verify that the installation location can withstand the system's pressure. With proper care and usage, PTFE hoses can last for many years, exceeding the lifespan of traditional rubber options.
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Use a hose with a PTFE liner to act as a vapour barrier when running all types of fuels
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a popular choice for car owners and auto techs due to its durability. It is also known by its common trade name, Teflon. PTFE hoses have been used for a long time for brake and hydraulic fluid transfer applications.
PTFE fuel hoses are now available with a "conductive core" inside them, which is a carbon lining added during manufacturing. This lining, when combined with the fittings installed at each end of a hose assembly, provides a path for any static charge in the line. This is especially important when running non-conductive fluids like gasoline, diesel, ethanol, or methanol through the lines at high velocities. The static electricity generated can be dangerous, and the conductive core of the PTFE hose eliminates the chance of a ground connection that could lead to a fire.
When choosing a PTFE hose, it is important to ensure it has a conductive core, as identified by its black inner diameter. PTFE hoses are stiffer than rubber and won't "crush" onto fittings, so unique aluminum AN fittings must be used to secure them. PTFE hoses have a smaller outside diameter and can match the bend requirements of most fuel hose applications.
The Nuke Performance Full Flow PTFE lineup is a great option for those looking for a PTFE hose with a vapor barrier. It has a three-layered design, with an internal liner made of PTFE (Teflon) instead of rubber or nitrile. This liner acts as a vapor barrier when running all types of fuels and is especially useful when running alcoholic fuels, which can degrade traditional rubber or nitrile hoses over time. The PTFE liner also helps prevent leakage, cracks, and fractures, ensuring the safety of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
PTFE is an abbreviation for Polytetrafluroethylene, also known as Teflon. It is a more durable alternative to rubber fuel hoses, with a longer lifespan and a wider working temperature range. PTFE hoses are safe to use with all types of fuels, including ethanol.
You will need professional tools and accessories, such as AN fittings and metal clamps. It is also recommended to have a small screwdriver, pliers, and a saw blade.
First, mark the cut position on the PTFE hose and secure the hose before cutting. Cut square and let the saw blade do the cutting without forcing it. Next, you will need to clean away any burrs from the PTFE tube and insert the PTFE hose fitting to check the ID is round. Then, locate the aluminium olive insert so it covers the PTFE inner liner and slide the socket nut onto the PTFE hose. Finally, push the olive/ferrule onto the end of the PTFE tube and under the stainless steel braid, ensuring no braid is caught beneath the olive. Complete the installation by pressing the end of the olive/ferrule against a flat surface and lubricating the threads on the socket nut and hose end.
