Forrest
05-13-2003, 03:11 PM
Don't use aluminum AN fittings & stainless braided fuel lines in a salt water environment. Here is a Russell Endura 6-AN fitting that was connected from the water separator to the fuel pump in my X-18. The "Endura" line of aluminum fittings are sold as "corrosion resistant", and are more expensive than most red or blue anodized AN fittings. This fitting was exposed to salt water splash for a couple of outings after the shaft-seal on my crank-driven raw-water pump developed a leak that I didn't notice. The fitting on the other end of the line still looks like new, and the both looked like new at the end of the season last year.
http://www.donzi.net/photos/coileF_AN1.JPG
Water gets between the stainless-steel braid and the aluminum fitting and does its dirty work. Also, to make matters worse, the anodizing on the AN fitting gets badly scratched where the stainless braid touches the fitting. With no coating protection, dissimilar metal contact, plenty of heat, and a highly conductive salt-water electrolyte, these fittings will corrode to nothing in no time at all. When the do they do the become extremely dangerous - especially on the pressure side of the fuel pump. Don't think that because you have fancy looking fuel lines all is safe. If you have these fittings, inspect them often or think about getting rid them. Also note aluminum AN fittings and stainless braided fuel lines are not USCG approved, and for good reason too. Aeroquip has a line of USCG approved fuel lines and fittings that are worth looking into. Unfortunatly, the USCG stuff doesn't have the pretty braided exterior and the colorful red or blue fittings, but what's more important?
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Forrest
Four more days, but who's counting!
http://www.donzi.net/photos/coileF_AN1.JPG
Water gets between the stainless-steel braid and the aluminum fitting and does its dirty work. Also, to make matters worse, the anodizing on the AN fitting gets badly scratched where the stainless braid touches the fitting. With no coating protection, dissimilar metal contact, plenty of heat, and a highly conductive salt-water electrolyte, these fittings will corrode to nothing in no time at all. When the do they do the become extremely dangerous - especially on the pressure side of the fuel pump. Don't think that because you have fancy looking fuel lines all is safe. If you have these fittings, inspect them often or think about getting rid them. Also note aluminum AN fittings and stainless braided fuel lines are not USCG approved, and for good reason too. Aeroquip has a line of USCG approved fuel lines and fittings that are worth looking into. Unfortunatly, the USCG stuff doesn't have the pretty braided exterior and the colorful red or blue fittings, but what's more important?
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Forrest
Four more days, but who's counting!