AN fittings need to be drilled?

[BryanS]

Hi everyone

Replacing carb on my 454 83 k5

I bought some braided line and am re-plumbing my fuel supply along with a new carb.

I have holly electric pump going to a nice big fuel filter mounted on the inner fender going to a pressure regulator then to a Russel duel feed. I got shiny braided line because pretty stuff makes the truck go faster.

I have a bunch of connections including several 3/8 NPT to 8AN male/male connectors I got from China by way of Amazon. And I think the ChiComs are trying to sabotage our engines by intentionally sending fittings that are internally restricted.

The 3/8 npt side has a much smaller internal diameter. I was thinking of drilling it out to open the passage. Aside from ruining the pretty red finish of the INSIDE of the fitting, is there a reason not to do this?

Take a look at the pictures

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I would recommend not doing it.

1- You're playing with fuel. Other stuff can leak, but fuel is NOT the thing to play with leaks.

2- These are compression type fittings, if you thin out the already janky Chinese fittings, it is likely to crack and leak. They are meant to smash the hose between the surfaces for the seal.

I hate to break your heart and wallet. But do not cheap out on fuel lines and fittings. Order the good stuff or leave it alone.

If you want to put fancy go fast stuff on then you'll have to buy once cry once. You won't be as happy saving those dollars once your truck is burnt down.

 

[BryanS]

I would recommend not doing it.

1- You're playing with fuel. Other stuff can leak, but fuel is NOT the thing to play with leaks.

2- These are compression type fittings, if you thin out the already janky Chinese fittings, it is likely to crack and leak. They are meant to smash the hose between the surfaces for the seal.

I hate to break your heart and wallet. But do not cheap out on fuel lines and fittings. Order the good stuff or leave it alone.

If you want to put fancy go fast stuff on then you'll have to buy once cry once. You won't be as happy saving those dollars once your truck is burnt down.

Thank you I don’t disagree and am not looking to meet firemen

The fittings I’m talking about are the NPT to male end adapters. It’s not the part that seals against the hose. Those I have from summit.

These are basically solid bits of aluminum. That look like the ID of the NPT side are much smaller than the AN side.

I guess I’m wondering if they are supposed to be like this or they did not finish machining them when they make them.

The npt side is screwed inside the fuel filter and the flared AN side is what the AN fitting screw onto

I suppose it could be like this for a reason but it looks like it will restrict the flow. I don’t have any experience with these and don’t know what’s normal

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Thank you I don’t disagree and am not looking to meet firemen

The fittings I’m talking about are the NPT to male end adapters. It’s not the part that seals against the hose. Those I have from summit.

These are basically solid bits of aluminum. That look like the ID of the NPT side are much smaller than the AN side.

I guess I’m wondering if they are supposed to be like this or they did not finish machining them when they make them.

The npt side is screwed inside the fuel filter and the flared AN side is what the AN fitting screw onto

I suppose it could be like this for a reason but it looks like it will restrict the flow. I don’t have any experience with these and don’t know what’s normal

I understand now. Haven't dabbled with that stuff yet.

You probably wouldn't notice either way. I guess see what a quality piece looks like compared to the same type of fitting. Should be able to drill it out in all reality.

 

[Ricko1966]

Do you need to drill it out? Is the smallest point more narrow that a factory steel line inside diameter.

 

[BryanS]

Do you need to drill it out? Is the smallest point more narrow that a factory steel line inside diameter.

It’s smaller than the braided line ID. It is also smaller than the 3/8 regular brass NPT nipple I compared it to. Probally 1/4”

Don’t know if I “need” to ie will it flow enough as is. It’s a 454 but not a crazy race engine with 950 dominator

 

[Ricko1966]

It’s smaller than the braided line ID. It is also smaller than the 3/8 regular brass NPT nipple I compared it to. Probally 1/4”

Don’t know if I “need” to ie will it flow enough as is. It’s a 454 but not a crazy race engine with 950 dominator

Yea. Is it smaller than the inside if the factory steel line running from the tank to the front. Stick a drill bit in each to check size.

 

[BryanS]

Yea. Is it smaller than the inside if the factory steel line running from the tank to the front. Stick a drill bit in each to check size.

I’ll do that. my only real problem is going to be figuring out how to sleep at night knowing the inside of the fitting will be all scratched up

 

[Tonimus]

For future reference, the Evil Energy stuff on Amazon is actually pretty nice quality stuff. I was very surprised.

 

[BryanS]

For future reference, the Evil Energy stuff on Amazon is actually pretty nice quality stuff. I was very surprised.

I have stuff from them. I like them. Actually looking at an oil cooler too. The reason I got the ones I did was I wanted RED ones and evil only had black. Everyone knows it will not flow right if the colors don’t match.

 

[pduffyd]

Hi Bryans
If you want AN fitting go to Aircraft Spruce. Real Aviation fittings that dont break the bank, I found them cheaper that most well known automotive shops.
But the fittings tend to be blue.

AN Fittings | Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Spruce is a worldwide distributor of certified and homebuilt aircraft supplies.

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[BryanS]

Hi Bryans
If you want AN fitting go to Aircraft Spruce. Real Aviation fittings that dont break the bank, I found them cheaper that most well known automotive shops.
But the fittings tend to be blue.

AN Fittings | Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Spruce is a worldwide distributor of certified and homebuilt aircraft supplies.

www.aircraftspruce.com

Thanks puffy I’ll look at them.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

all the jets in your carb will not flow near that volume.