Q: What are the most common types of hose failure and their causes?
A: The number one cause of hose failure is abrasion. Other common causes include improper assembly or installation and poor routing practices. Hoses will also provide longer service if properly supported or secured and protected from external damage. Be careful not to twist the hose upon installation.

Q: What pressure can your hoses handle?
A: Please refer to the performance catalog for the specific operating pressures for each specific hose.

Q: What is the "safety factor"?
A: Eaton utilizes a 4:1 or 5:1 safety factor for all performance hoses. (See catalog for details.) This means that the tested burst psi is four or five times higher than the rated operating pressure of a specific hose.

Q: Which style hose is best for specific applications?
A: The following criteria should all be considered when selecting the most appropriate hose for your specific application: cost, weight, operating psi, temperature, field serviceability (crimp or reusable), abrasion and cosmetic requirements.

Q: What happens when I exceed the minimum bend radius?
A: Exceeding the recommended minimum bend can jeopardize the integrity of the hose. This may result in the inner tube kinking, or making the hose more susceptible to collapsing under vacuum applications.

Q: Are your hoses sanctioned by the racing organizations?
A: All of our hoses are sanctioned by the primary racing organizations (NHRA, NASCAR, WoO, etc.). However, for specific applications (fuel, etc.), it is recommended that you consult the specific rulebook for verification.

Q: How do you recommend cutting the FBV (SOCKETLESS^TM) and FBU (StartLite^®) hoses?
A: You can use a razor knife, pruning shears, etc. The important thing is to obtain a straight, clean cut.

Q: How do you recommend cutting the FBA (AQP^® Racing), FBC (Teflon*), and FBG (power steering) hoses?
A: A hack saw, die grinder, or cut-off wheel can be used. Wrap the area to be cut with straping tape to minimize wire braid flair.

Q: Do you recommend lubrication when assembling reusable fittings? What kind?
A: Yes. Lubricate the inside of the hose and the nipple threads liberally using S.A.E. 30 lubricating oil or Aeroquip FBM3553 hose assembly lube.

Q: Can I interchange your components with competitor's components?
A: We do not recommend or authorize this practice. Aeroquip components are engineered and manufactured with tight tolerances to not only to fit together, but to perform together.

Q: Should I use a clamp with the FBV (SOCKETLESS^TM) hose and fittings?
A: No. In fact, the use of a clamp has been known to cause premature hose failure at the point of the fitting. This hose and fitting are designed and manufactured to work to the indicated specifications without a socket or clamp.

Q: Is it better to use a fitting or an adapter for bends?
A: Ideally, for the best flow, you are better off if you can use the component that offers a sweeping bend. In the case of forged fittings, this would usually mean using the more gentle curve of a fitting.

Q: What are the disadvantages of the cutter style fitting?
A: Disadvantages include the possibility of loose or flapping debris from cutting the inner tube in the process of assembly. In addition, this portion of the inner tube remains in the fitting when disassembled. This requires tedious picking at the socket to remove this material prior to reusing the fitting.

Q: Can I reuse the entire hose when using reusable fittings?
A: The portion of the hose that was previously connected to the fitting must be cut off due to the impact of assembly and then disassembly of the fitting. The remainder of the hose, and obviously the fitting, can then be re-used.

Q: Should I use a thread sealant?
A: Only tapered pipe threads require a thread sealant or Teflon* tape. The seal takes place by a wedging action of the mating threads, and a pipe sealant is required to produce a leak-free joint. It also helps lubricate the thread surfaces to help prevent galling. Sealing material is not recommended on any other type of threaded connection.

Q: What are the consequences should I exceed the hose recommended operation parameters?
A1: Pressure... Reduces the life expectancy of the hose with the possibility of catastrophic hose failure.
A2: Bend Radius... Reduces the life expectancy of the hose.
A3: Vacuum... Possibility of hose collapse causing lack of fluid flow.

Q: How many times can I reuse my fittings and adapters?
A: Inspect sealing surfaces and threaded connections for signs of damage. If they appear to be in good condition, they may be reused. Tapered pipe thread connections are distorted each time they are reinstalled. Often after 3 or 4 tightening sequences the threads are stretched or distorted beyond practical reuse.

* Teflon is a DuPont trademark.