
When it come to moving liquids around the engine
When it comes to moving liquids around the engine, be it coolant, fuel or hydraulics, performance and race cars require military grade technology in the form of AN (Army-Navy) hoses and fittings.
Developed during WW2, the technology is later used widely in aviation. AN hoses and fittings are preferred in performance cars because they form a metal to metal seal. This eliminates the use of hose clamps and push to lock solutions which can leak and are generally prone to failure with rising pressures. AN fittings are also easy and quick to change.
The two more popular types of AN fittings are reusable hose ends and push lock. They are reliable and easy to install using hand tools, hence their popularity among small teams and home builds. There is a third style crimp fitting, which despite its superior fitting is a lot more expensive as well as challenging to fit as installation to the hose requires an expensive hydraulic press and certain dies.
The decision between push lock and reusable fittings depends mainly on the type of hose used. If it is a braided hose, a reusable fitting is preferable as the cap is screwed over it creating a seal and preventing the braids from unraveling.
Push locks are used with coated hoses which do not have braids. They alone do the job of sealing, but an additional clamp can be used for added peace of mind.
The hoses themselves are made of different materials depending on the type of fluid that will be going through them. Temperature, pressure and abrasion resistance are also important factors. The inner lining of most hoses is made up of either Teflon or synthetic rubber. The braided mesh can be nylon or stainless steel depending on the manufacturer and the intended application of the hose.
All hoses can also be made with a smooth outer covering making them compatible with push locks. They are however, less resistant to abrasion if in close proximity to other components. In many cases a smooth outer covering can be applied over the mesh creating an even stronger design for use with push locks.
In certain OEM applications, fitting adapters may have to be used in order to correctly fit more specific parts like radiators, oil cooler and cylinder heads. Adapters are produced in every single angle imaginable from 30 to even 180 degrees.
Installation of those fittings require special aluminum tools which are designed specifically not to visually damage the surface of the fittings. You can find the types of fittings and tools we offer at Proto Performance by simply getting in touch.
We can also aid you with installation or simply advice you on the best way to clean cut the hose, which is a careful process.