Installing Braided Fuel Lines: Getting The Ends Right

Braided fuel lines are a common component of automotive fuel systems, and knowing how to install and maintain them is essential for car enthusiasts and mechanics alike. While they are designed to be durable, braided fuel lines may occasionally need to be cut to length or repaired due to wear and tear. This process can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be accomplished successfully. In this discussion, we will explore the various methods and tools used to cut and fit braided fuel lines, including the importance of using the correct fittings, preparing the hose, and ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection. By the end, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to put ends on braided fuel lines and the confidence to tackle this task effectively.

How to put ends on braided fuel lines:

Use a tool like a fine tooth saw, Koul Tool, or Summit AN braided stainless steel hose cutters to cut the braided hose

When it comes to cutting a braided hose, there are several tools you can use to achieve a clean cut. A fine-tooth saw is one option, allowing you to cut through the hose without applying significant pressure. It is important to cut the hose straight and square. If you notice any stray pieces of stainless steel braid, you can remove them with snips.

Another tool you can use is the Koul Tool, which is made from durable plastic composite and is virtually indestructible. It can accommodate most popular AN fitting brands. You simply put the AN hose end into the tool, close it, and set it in a vice to tighten it securely.

If you have a lot of braided stainless hoses to cut, the Summit AN braided stainless steel hose cutters are an excellent choice. These cutters feature long handles for better leverage and a rubber no-slip grip, making quick work of cutting hoses up to size 12 AN.

Before cutting the braided hose to length, it is recommended to wrap some masking tape or electrical tape around the hose where the cut will be made. This helps to define the precise position and prevents the stainless steel braid from flaring out.

Wrap the hose with electrical tape before cutting to reduce fraying

Wrapping the hose with electrical tape before cutting is a highly recommended step to reduce fraying. This is a common problem when cutting braided fuel lines, and it can be tricky to manage once the braid starts to fray. By wrapping the hose with tape, you create a clean and smooth surface to work with, and you help keep the braid intact during the cutting process.

To do this effectively, start by wrapping the electrical tape tightly around the hose a few times. You can use a couple of inches of tape, ensuring that it is securely in place. This step also provides a good opportunity to mark the precise position of your cut with a pencil. The tape will help guide your cut and keep the stainless steel braid from flaring out.

The type of tape you use is important. It should be strong and durable. Some people recommend using fiberglass filament-reinforced tape, which is similar to the tape that comes on braided line ends when purchased. Others have suggested using high-temperature Polyimide or Kapton tape, which can withstand the heat generated during cutting without softening.

After wrapping the hose with electrical tape, you can proceed with the cutting process. Remember to use the appropriate tools, such as a cut-off wheel, chop saw, or metal-cutting bandsaw, for the best results. A fine-tooth saw is also recommended, and it is important to cut the hose square without exerting too much pressure.

By wrapping the hose with electrical tape before cutting, you can effectively reduce fraying and make the process of putting ends on your braided fuel line much more manageable.

Insert the cut braided hose into the socket using a twisting and pushing motion

When inserting the cut braided hose into the socket, it is important to use a twisting and pushing motion. This is a crucial step in the process of installing braided hose fittings, which can be applied to stainless steel braided hose, Aeroquip Startlite hose, and nylon braided hose.

To begin, ensure that you have cut the braided hose to the required length, using a fine-tooth saw or a specialized tool like the Koul Tool or Summit AN braided stainless steel hose cutters. Before cutting, it is recommended to wrap the hose with masking tape or electrical tape to prevent the stainless steel braid from flaring out and to reduce fraying.

Now, for the insertion process:

• Twist and push the cut braided hose into the socket: Using a twisting and pushing motion, carefully insert the cut end of the braided hose into the socket. This motion will help guide the hose smoothly into the socket until it reaches the back of the threads inside the socket nut. Take your time with this step to ensure a proper fit.
• Mark the position of the hose: Once the hose is inserted, mark its position against the back of the socket nut with a piece of masking tape. This marker will help you check if the hose is being pushed out during assembly.
• Check for hose movement: After marking the position, carefully tighten the hose end into the socket using the correct size spanner. Ensure there is plenty of oil on the threads as you tighten the union. The masking tape will help you monitor any significant movement of the hose during this process.
• Align the nuts: Tighten the connection until there is a gap of approximately 1 mm between the socket nut and the hose end nut. For a professional finish, align the flats of the nuts.
• Final checks: Once the connection is tightened, check again for any signs that the hose has been pushed out. Any noticeable movement or gaps should be addressed to ensure a secure and leak-free connection.

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can successfully insert the cut braided hose into the socket using a twisting and pushing motion, creating a firm and reliable connection for your braided fuel line.

Tighten the fitting into the hose end using an AN wrench or similar tool

When you are ready to tighten the fitting into the braided fuel line, you will need an AN wrench or a similar tool. This process requires care and attention, so take your time.

First, ensure the hose is level around its diameter to ensure an even mating surface with the inner lip of the female AN fitting. Next, apply an upward pushing motion on the hose as you tighten the fitting. This will help prevent the hose from being pushed down and away from the inner lip of the fitting. It is important to tighten the fitting securely, but do not over-tighten as this can cause damage.

One source recommends leaving a gap of approximately 1mm between the socket nut and the hose end nut. You can then align the flats of the nuts for a professional finish. Check for any signs that the hose has been pushed out, and investigate any significant movement.

Another method is to use a Koul Tool, which is made from durable plastic composite. You simply put the AN hose end into the tool, close it, and set it in a vice. Tighten until it is secure, being careful not to over-clamp as the plastic can crack.

It is also recommended to use tape to wrap the hose and ensure the straight edge of the tape is against the AN fitting. This acts as a visual indicator to see if the hose gets pushed down and away from the inner lip of the fitting. Spraying WD40 or silicone spray can also help the male end slip into the hose more easily.

Clean the assembled hose with pressurised air and brake cleaner to remove debris

When assembling braided fuel lines, it is important to ensure that the hose is clean and free of debris. This can be achieved by using pressurised air and brake cleaner.

Firstly, use an aerosol-injected cleaner to direct a focused blast of cleaner into the hose. This will help to penetrate deep into hard-to-reach places and ensure that all debris is removed. Ensure that the cleaner is forced deep into the hose to prevent any build-up that could cause blockages.

Next, blow out the hose with pressurised air. This will remove any remaining debris and ensure that the hose is completely clear. It is important to use a combination of both methods, as brake cleaner alone may not remove all the debris, and pressurised air could potentially push debris further into the hose if used without the cleaner.

After cleaning, it is recommended to tape up the ends of the hoses until you are ready to assemble your fuel system. This will prevent any new debris from entering the hose and ensure that your fuel lines are clean and clear when you are ready to use them.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and prepare your braided fuel lines for assembly, ensuring that your fuel system is free of debris and potential blockages.

Frequently asked questions