John, whether an old wive's tale or not, at least the early manuals for the LNC2 strongly recommended steel fittings on hoses that go from a fixed point (e.g., firewall) to the engine as the constant flexing and vibration could cause them to fail sooner or later. I also remember reading this in a book about engine installation (though for the life of me, can't remember the title). Likewise on engines with mechanical fuel pumps, the fittings should be steel in and out of the pump (or at least the IN fitting, that connects to the fuel line from the firewall). True or not, it got my attention so I went with all steel or stainless steel fittings anywhere the hose had to flex due to engine movement and have had no problem issues in this area. I know it's hard to prove a negative but why take a chance? As I understand it, a high percentage of accidents in experimental aircraft are fuel system related.

In my opinion, the best custom made hoses are supplied by Sacramento Sky Ranch in CA. For my LNC2, I purchased fuel and oil hoses with stainless braided over teflon with swaged-on SS fittings with an integral fire-sleeve. Mine came with a proof-test documentation and have performed flawlessly for 13 years. They may cost a bit more than Al fittings but, in my opinion, are worth every penny.

Dan Schaefer
LNC2     N235SP