lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> After a certain amount of trial and error, I got my 3/8 inch diameter hard lines firesleeved nicely. These are the lines running to and from the gascolator, but the technique would work for any hard line. Here's what I learned. 1) Firesleeve ends can be prepped with a small amount of red RTV, rather than buying a $60 quart of firesleeve end dip compound. I placed the freshly gooped ends over a small scrap of release-taped hard line so that it would stay round while curing, but this may not be necessary. Allow to cure overnight. 2) Aeroquip size 8 firesleeve will fit over a -6 B-nut. If your line is already flared, this is the way to go. It will be bulky and not look too pretty due to the excess material (it looks baggy), but it will work. (I think it would be less baggy over a flex line due to the more similar diameters between an end fitting and the hose, rather than between the B-nut and a hard line.) 3) Stratoflex size 6 firesleeve will fit over the 3/8 inch line, but not over the B-nut. If you haven't flared both ends, this is the way to go. Flare one end with a sleeve and B-nut as usual, then slide the prepped firesleeve on, then the B-nut and sleeve at the unflared end. The Stratoflex firesleeve is squishable enough to push it back far enough to flare the other end. 4) The Stratoflex firesleeve is more squishable, thus easier to work with, than the Aeroquip. However, I'm comparing -8 Aeroquip to -6 Stratoflex, so the size may be a bigger factor than the brand name. 5) Now for the firesleeve clamps. I haven't done this yet, but I'm headed to the airport tomorrow with my firesleeved tubes and my Aeroquip clamps, and hope the mechanic at the field will let me use his special pliers. Since I'm handing him a big wad of money to annual my Cessna 150 next week, I think he will. - Rob Wolf LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.