Van's Air Force
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Oil cooler line fittings
- Thread starter Av8torTom
- Start date
az_gila
Well Known Member
Yes, no sealant on the flared fitting side.
If a flared fitting leaks, this is the only real way of fixing it.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/del37fittings.php
If a flared fitting leaks, this is the only real way of fixing it.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/del37fittings.php
Steel fittings
were recommended by several oil cooler companies. I noted that your photo shows an aluminum fitting, which is reputed to often seize in the cooler.
My experience is that that advice is good. I have never gotten an aluminum fitting to come out of an oil cooler easily, and sometimes a cooler goes to overhaul with the fittings still there.
Good luck with the installation.
were recommended by several oil cooler companies. I noted that your photo shows an aluminum fitting, which is reputed to often seize in the cooler.
My experience is that that advice is good. I have never gotten an aluminum fitting to come out of an oil cooler easily, and sometimes a cooler goes to overhaul with the fittings still there.
Good luck with the installation.
Av8torTom
Well Known Member
Thanks for the advice - on the engine side too or just the oil cooler side?
Steel fittings
I highly recommend using steel fitting on almost everything in the engine compartment. Generally because they are more robust. The extra weight is negligible and my comfort level is higher than with aluminum fittings. In other areas of the aircraft aluminum is fine, but the engine compartment is tough duty for fittings.
I highly recommend using steel fitting on almost everything in the engine compartment. Generally because they are more robust. The extra weight is negligible and my comfort level is higher than with aluminum fittings. In other areas of the aircraft aluminum is fine, but the engine compartment is tough duty for fittings.
Agreed----although MANY planes have aluminum fittings, we do prefer steel. Vans, as the original kit builder supplies aluminum fittings, and has done so for many years. I havent heard of a RV having an issue with breaking a fitting--not to say that other makes havent.
Tom
Tom
