Message
The blue stuff is made by several
manufactures. Parker under the Trade name "PUSH-LOK", part #836. This is
the stuff I use extensively at work. Goodyear also makes it under the name
"Insta-Grip". We had one batch of this at work, and while I've not had any
problems with any of it, it also didn't "feel" as hi quality so they've gone
back to ordering the Parker stuff.
I just bought about $250 worth of the Aeroquip brand
"FC332" hose. It's pretty nice looking hose! I also saw the
"Insta-Grip", and agree that it looked inferior.
This hose should not be used with
metal hose clamps as when tightened the clamp can cut into the fibre that
tightens onto the fitting with pressure. I don't know anything about the heat
shrink clamps, but they may be a good solution to satisfy the
inspector.
I asked about the heat shrink clamps, and was told in
no uncertain terms NOT to use ANY type clamp. As other have mentioned, the
hose works on the Chinese handcuff principal. Putting a clamp,
particularly toward the end of the fitting actually prevents the hose from
working as designed. The operating pressure on the FC332 hose is 250 psi,
with the burst pressure listed at 1000 psi. The shop said they blew one as
a test, and it blew at 1200 psi. The hose itself blew in the middle,
and the fitting remained sealed.
As for the inspector, I'll have some documentation
handy that shows the intended usage of the hose. No inspector is
going to insist that you go against Aeroquip's own recommendation for
usage of their product. Let's face it Aeroquip knows their
product better than the inspector does :-)
BTW, when was the last time you flew your plane
Todd? Even without a flying plane, I think I'm holding my own
with you in flight hours :-)
Cheers,
Rusty (warp speed activity on the single rotor
Kolb)