Looking For Help with AN Fittings

[Jason in DLH]

So the user JustFishing gave me the idea to use AN fittings for a transmission cooling line repair.

I need some help determining the correct fittings:

This first photo is an example of the existing connection that I’ll be repairing.



What has been suggested is to cut the aluminum pipe (it’s 3/8”) and slide an AN fitting onto the aluminum and then use a 37 degree flare tool to flare the aluminum (shown below). I would then go ahead and do this on the other end of the line. I understand this process.



The next step would then be to get my new -6 AN braided nylon tubing seen here:



I would then go ahead and add a fitting such as this to this hose:



The problem I’m having is figuring out how to connect the two fittings together as they both appear to be female threaded.

If anyone can point me in the right direction for the fittings that I would need for the type of tubing (3/8”) and type of hose (-6 AN) to make these connections it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[04chase]

you could do a male to male nipple or just get a hose end male fitting.

The only troubl eyou may get is the fitting will end up being long and rigid. If there is a tight bend , it may be tough to make.

That said i have done a few of these with hydraulic hose and crimped lines with brazed on fittings to the steel lines.

 

[randeez]

look up -6 union , coupler etc something like that should bring it up



you can do the same on the other side at the radiator back to the stock line or replace the radiator fittings with -6 adapters also

 

[Jason in DLH]

Oh hey...I do remember seeing an article saying you need three hands. That should get it done. Thanks guys!

 

[Dantheman1540]

AN stuff is great just make sure to take your time when assembling the lines, and when connecting the aluminum fittings together, it's easy to cross-thread them.

 

[Just Fishing]

I have been buying my fittings from Summit racing.
but amazon works as well.
Important part is the ease of return shipping should you order the wrong parts.
Summit usually gets my parts to me next day or the day after, assuming it comes from the Nevada warehouse..


3/8in pipe should be -6an
I have not looked to see the material of the cooler lines, but it's important.
If aluminum, you can use the cheaper aluminum fittings.

But they also make stainless.
And iirc it was a 37 degree flare.

If you want to keep the aluminum fittings pretty, they make a special aluminum wrench.
Otherwise just be careful when tightening.

And if aluminum line, it's easy to overtighten.

You can also use standard hose with those AN fittings, but AN fittings offer many pretty options.

For the braided stuff, the trick is to use masking tape to hold the braiding together, then cut.
For the stainless stuff, a cut off wheel works well.

Lots of Youtube videos on how, comes down to trial and error.

Remember also, for the hard lines, if you over tighten, then you need to cut off the section and flare again or it will probably leak (aluminum).

 

[Just Fishing]

Also when learning, i was changing the way my funky fuel system ran due to the mods of my car.
98% of my experience is with the hard lines.

Order more fittings than you will need, if you f up you won't need to wait on replacements.
Slight learning curve implied.

 

[Just Fishing]

Also for hard lines, i have been using stuff like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Team-Performance-Diameter-Aluminum-Coiled/dp/B07KWXY3QT

Same stuff ordered from Amazon and summit racing for the most part.

Super easy to work with.
I have it run for transmission, fuel, and power steering cooling lines for several years in the old vette.


Edit: sorry i skimmed over this and tossed out my experience.
Sounds like you have this figured out.

If you look hard enough, i bet you can find the hose to female fitting that won't require the coupler.

 

[Just Fishing]

Went to summit racing, searched "-6an"

some cool fittings, adapters, etc.
https://www.summitracing.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=-6an

First one that looks right,
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-639213

 

[exp500]

There are also pre made 45 and 90 sweep elbows, some with male ends, not to mention the 45/90 standards'
Unless you have done alot of flaring before, or have a trainer, you ARE going to have problems flaring aluminum. Clean square cuts, well burnished edges, nearly polished are required. Some clamps shred aluminum too. No nicks allowed. Practice on old line before you make new one too short. Double flares test patience. Inspect flares closely for cracks.