High-performance vehicles and race car enthusiasts know that their automobiles will not function without an AN fitting within their engines. Basically, AN fittings and hoses are commonly used for oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids, and coolant. AN, a short abbreviation that means Army-Navy, got its name from its origin since the military designed it during World War II. These fittings are also utilized in aviation.
Aside from its ergonomic design, mechanics use AN fittings to seal the hoses securely. It is considered a better alternative compared to conventional hose clamps. These fittings can also forge a dependable connection that produces a stable seal. AN fittings are also used to build bulkhead pass-throughs that do not leak, similar to those seen on the exterior of the fuel cells.
To further understand what AN fittings are, here are several facts about this type of fittings that you need to know:
Types of AN Fitting
You can find three basic kinds of AN fittings used for high-performance automobiles and race cars that are available in most automobile supply shops. These include:
- Crimp type AN fitting – these are more commonly used on facilities that build plenty of hoses since it needs a hydraulic press that has particular dies to help screw the collar on the ends of the hose properly.
- Recyclable hose ends AN fitting – it uses a signature two-part working system to keep the hose secured. This type is slightly heavier and can provide better security in hose clamping compared to push locks.
- Push-lock AN fitting – is the most uncomplicated to assemble among all the three types of AN fitting since it comes as a sole unit. They are often paired with some coated hoses since they cannot stop the existing braid from untangling.
These types of fittings may come in swivel or non-swivel options, depending on how you want it to install in your vehicle.
Different AN Fitting Sizes
AN fittings come in various sizes, so it is confusing to choose one if you do not know what you are looking for. But when buying AN fittings from the shop, the basic rule of thumb is to measure the hose’s outer diameter and then add a 1/16-inch in size.
The most widely used sizes of AN fittings on the race cars include:
- -3 AN fittings usually attached on a brake line
- -4 AN attached on a fuel hose
- -6 AN attached on a coolant or fuel hose
- -8 AN commonly used for oil and coolant
- -10, -12 AN fittings usually utilized on a vent or coolant hose
AN Fitting Assembly Tips
Among the three types of AN fittings, the Recyclable Hose Ends and Push Lock fittings can be used by home mechanics or starting race car teams because of easy assembly.
For starting car mechanics, here are several quick assembly tips that you need to know:
- Invest in a vice with aluminium jaws
- Always make sure to make good clean cuts
- Use masking tape to keep the braids entwined together every time you cut
- Rinse and scrub the ends of the hose thoroughly when using cut off wheels
- Press down the hose firmly when tightening to stop it from going out
Knowing all about the basics of AN fittings will come in handy for race car enthusiasts or those who love using high-performance cars. If you want to ensure that your car will always be at its optimum performance, learning about all the components inside the vehicle will do wonders.
