Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bob McGee on April 21, 2019, 11:46:05 am

Title: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: Bob McGee on April 21, 2019, 11:46:05 am
Has anyone used these on their air system? I am planning to use them on the step cover and drop down step connections instead of compression fittings. Parker says their fittings meet DOT and SAE specs.

Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 21, 2019, 11:59:35 am
I used them when rebuilding my 6-pack manifolds.  Very easy to insert and remove (if necessary) the air line tubing.  I suggest getting the proper tool for cutting a clean square no-burr end on tubing.  I use push connect fittings (air system and plumbing) whenever possible.

Parker Hannifin PTC-001 Plastic Tube Cutter: Industrial Tube Fittings:... (https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Hannifin-Tube-Cutter/dp/B077PTQRRW)
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: John44 on April 21, 2019, 12:09:19 pm
Have a cigar cutter,will try that.
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: Bob McGee on April 21, 2019, 12:29:29 pm
I ordered this one. I tried a small copper tubing cutter and it worked, but it compressed the nylon tubing while cutting and was a bit awkward.
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: MisterEd on April 21, 2019, 12:52:56 pm
Having used hundreds of compression and push-in tube fittings, I can say both styles are reliable. I've only seen one failure and that was a metal/plastic 90 degree swivel elbow used for the air supply on a Horton clutch fan on a fire apparatus. The failure was the 90 degree plastic portion separating from the brass pipe thread portion, probably a result of heat and vibration; or maybe a ham fisted mechanic. This was a push-in type and the fitting did not release the tube. I replaced the broken fitting with an all metal one.

As mentioned above, getting a clean square cut on the tubing is important with push-in fittings due to the seal being made by an o-ring, just behind the "gripper".

Also, best to use all DOT approved fittings (and tube) on any lines supplied by the system that supports the brakes and air suspension.
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: John44 on April 21, 2019, 01:26:02 pm
Chuck,I know the tubing size is 3/8 but are your straight fittings 1/8 npt?
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on April 21, 2019, 02:34:16 pm
My '03 is full of push-to-connect air fittings and fuel line fittings.
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: craneman on April 21, 2019, 02:37:07 pm
I have used these cutters for plastic tubing push connectors for years with no problems.

Craftsman 9-37304 Handi Cut Set, 2-Piece - Craftsman Tools - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-9-37304-Handi-Cut-2-Piece/dp/B007KHDUN0/ref=asc_df_B007KHDUN0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242132388719&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6785711428424144035&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031146&hvtargid=pla-569179367262&psc=1)
Title: Re: Push-to-connect Air Fittings
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 21, 2019, 03:12:11 pm
Chuck,I know the tubing size is 3/8 but are your straight fittings 1/8 npt?
If you asking about the air line fittings I used on my front 6-pack, there are six 3/8" tube x 1/8" NPT and one 3/8" tube x 1/4" NPT.  Link below to complete parts list for my (front) 6-pack rebuild.  The rear manifold uses the same air fittings but only a single 85 psi pressure switch.

Working On My Six Pack (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27491.msg225369#msg225369)