The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Old brass fittings

Replacing the fuel pump on a 235. Think I finally found the right one.

Went to 2 parts stores today and neither had the correct size brass adapter to get from the flared line back down to the pump inlet/ outlet.

Any harm in using the old ones? They appear in good shape but I don't know how brass ages, particularly when exposed to fuel for a half century. Live 20 miles from town so I prefer not to visit a third and fourth parts stores.

As long as they don't leak - you should be good. I found the ones I needed at our local Ace Hardware. Just inspect the old ones for small cracks and damaged threads. If they look OK, reuse them and apply some thread sealant for gasoline fittings.

Sealant on pipe threads is OK, but don't use any on the inverted flare fittings. The threads in the pump are usually pipe thread.

the fitting is easily cross threaded.

inspect it good and run the flair nut on it before you thread the pipe thread in as a test.

If the old one checks out you should be good to go.

Im surprised the FLAPS didnt have it
you can check this number
...pic...
But without knowing your set up it could be the wrong number.

I always use a flare nut wrench in the inverted nut and back up the brass fitting with another wrench when tightening.

That looks right. Thanks! I was also shocked that two different parts stores didn't have it.

Dumb question ---- What's special about a flare but wrench?

A flare nut wrench is almost like a boxed end wrench. It has as small part cut out where you can put the wrench on over the pipe and then slide it up on the fitting. This way you want round off the fitting.
I call them line wrenches.

http://www.google.com/webhp?nord=1#nord=1&q=line+wrench

These are also called brake line wrenches. I learned the hard way to use only these on brake lines. Time, frustration and money are the price otherwise.

I wouldn't over tighten the pipe threads. A good firm resistance should do it. You can check for leaks and if necessary snug it up some.

I have 3 cans of various old fittings. I thum through them till I find the right one. I seldom find one leaking unless my own flareing is not good. The parts store probably has it but the guys don't know what to look for.

I use oil or grease on flare fittings, you want the flare nut to spin on the line, not the line to turn in the fitting. New flares are sometimes hard to get to seal, so the lubricant helps give that little extra turn. Teflon tape out on the threads only also helps lubricate if you don't want oil or grease on them.

When inspecting the fittings, look close at the taper inside the fitting where the line will seal to. If it's out of shape or crushed, you may never get it to seal. New factory made flare tubing has some crush room still in the end of the pipe, this conforms to the fitting. If the line has been overtightened, the crush to fit has been used up, so the fitting flare becomes even more important.

My local ACE carries these in the yellow plastic parts bins with all the other odd ball springs, bearings, and what not. Most NAPA should have them as well.
Joe