For the FYI column thought I'd share a little info regarding using AN fittings & hose for your fuel system. In my case, that's specifically AN-6 from the tank outlet, through a pre-filter, pump, stainless hard supply and return lines, high pressure filter, fuel rail(s) - Suby engine and Dub Shop fuel pressure regulator. I'd like to show pics of the entire system but got caught out from supply chain shortages and can't get the last few fittings I need to finish - until Jan 2022!
My original plan was to use Aeroquip (AQP) push-lock hoses/fittings for all the low pressure pre-pump plumbing and regular AQP AN-6 SS braided hose and fittings for high pressure post-pump. Over time (been at this a few years....) I became more educated about what kinds of hose material can stand up to modern fuels and unfortunately the system I'd chosen would need frequent inspection and replacement. Sucks after dropping all that $$$ on hose and fittings, but I seriously dislike working on "wet" fuel systems - so searched for an alternative. That led me to Earl's Ultrapro line of hoses and fittings. This Teflon lined hose is basically permanent and it had the various fittings and angles I needed for my install. More $$$! When I looked closer though, I noticed another benefit with the Ultrapro - the fitting ID is notably larger that standard AN hardware.
Most probably know the - (dash) rating is in 16'ths, so AN-6 is nominally 6/16" or 3/8". Should be big enough to feed a mild V8 and certainly enough for my 4-cyl. That's the "nominal" description, although the actual hose ID is somewhat smaller, closer to 5/16". When I got the push-lock parts in hand, I noted the -6 hose is a true 3/8" ID, with matching 3/8 OD hose connection on the end fittings. This provided a notable increase in fitting ID vs. standard AN, which I figured would work even better for my gravity fed pump. When I decided to switch everything to ultra-pro, it too had a notable larger fitting ID where it enters the hose - win win! And I'm using it everywhere (except maybe for one short section off the tank) so fuel flow shouldn't be an issue.
Since I've acquired quite a collection of various AN-6 fittings (mostly Earl's and AQP) I though it might help out others to share what I've found regarding the ID of the various fittings - something not typically specified in the part description!
Up for your viewing pleasure are (L - R) (AN-6 inside diameter in inches):
1) Dub Shop AN-6 to AN-6 ORB adapter, (0.315)
2) AQP AN-6 to 3/8 NPT adapter, (0.296)
3) Swagelock SS 3/8 tube to AN-6 adapter, (0.280)
4) Earls AN-6 Ultrapro hose fitting, (0.276)
5) AQP AN-6 Push Lock hose fitting, (0.275)
6) JEGS (#110849) AN-6 to 3/8 Hose adapter elbow, (0.235)
7) AQP AN-6 hose fitting, (0.230)
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DSC00967.JPG
That's quite a difference between the first 5 and last two (at less than 1/4"!). Food for thought when planning your fuel delivery system.
Jeff