This video will show you the proper method for assembling Earls PTFE speed flex hose
and speed seal fittings.
We offer hose and hose fittings for the following vehicle systems:
Brake systems in -3 and -4an
Power steering systems in -4 and -6an
Oil Systems -3 -4 -6 -8 and-10an
and Fuel Systems in -4 -6 -8 and-10 (note that only the -6, -8, and -10 are carbon lined)
Begin by identifying whether you are using coated or non-coated hose.
The assembly method differs slightly between the 2 variations so be sure to follow the
instructions accordingly.
All speed flex hose -8 and smaller is constructed with a mil spec .040” wall and should only
be used with Earls speed-seal fittings which are designed for use with this thicker wall
hose.
Most of our competitors use a less than ideal .030 wall in their hose.
Using their fittings on earl’s speed seal hose will result in failure.
For best results use only earls fitting with earls hose!
Earl’s utilizes a .030” wall in our -10 hose only, extensive testing has proven that
this an optimal thickness for use in -10 hose.
The competitions thinner .030” wall hose is not recommended for long term use on power
steering applications due to the lower burst rating.
Earl’s carries conductive fuel hose, our speed flex PTFE hose is available in -6,-
8, and -10 sizes.
It is important to note that PTFE hose has a carbon layer applied to the inside diameter
of the hose.
This layer allows static charges generated by fuel passing through the hose to be transfer
to the fittings and then be safely ‘grounded’ into the vehicle.
This is the only hose that should be used with fuels.
If you don’t have carbon lined PTFE hose with SS braid you do not have a fuel safe
hose.
Non-carbon hose should be used for hydraulic or pneumatic applications only.
Earls offers a wide variety of hose ends based on proven Mil Spec designs used in spacecraft,
aircraft and professional motorsports worldwide.
Bent tube and forged fittings are available in a variety of sizes from -3 through -10 in
either nickel plated steel, 304 stainless steel, or a combonation of Red/Blue or Black aluminum
construction with all critical items made from 2024 T8 alloy.
Let’s begin with the
approved methods for cutting speed flex hose.
For best results we recommend the use of a circular style cutting wheel such as earls
hose cutting machine p# D100erl.
A band-saw or cutoff wheel will also do the job.
Move swiftly through the cut to prevent overheating of the hose.
(use ultra pro video clip) Never use a hack saw or hose shears to cut speed flex hose.
First I’ll show you the correct method of assembling earls coated hose.
Earls offers speed-seal coated hose in your choice of clear -3, black -3thru-6 or smoke
jacket -3 (for a carbon fiber appearance).
Start by skiving or removing the protective coating from the
outer part of the hose.
This is best accomplished using a sharp utility knife.
Begin by removing a portion of the hose coating equal to the length of the socket portion
of the fitting you are installing.
Do this by rolling the hose 360 degrees while applying downward pressure with the knife.
Then slice the coating starting from the spot of 360 degree cut to the end of the hose.
Now simply peel the coating away from the hose and discard.
Next it is necc to blossom or fray the outer braid from the hose.
Do this by bumping the end of the cut hose against a step on your vise or with the help
of a small flat blade screwdriver.
(be careful not to damage the hose liner when using the screwdriver method) Now position
and secure the socket in your vise (be careful not to overtighten and crush the socket) Slowly
roll the hose while applying pressure toward the socket.
It may be helpful to use a flat blade screwdriver or pliars to help coax the braid into the
socket.
Once the braid is completely within the socket slowly rotate the hose clockwise until the
socket is fully installed onto the hose.
If you are assembling uncoated speed flex hose the first step will be to install the
socket onto the hose and then blossom or flare the outer braid of the hose.
Follow the remaining steps for the assembly of both coated and non-coated hose.
Now position the olive onto the liner portion of the hose being sure not to trap any braid
strands between the olive and liner.
Completely install the olive on to the hose liner by pressing against a flat surface.
Be sure that the liner has bottomed against the back of the olive before proceeding.
To help prevent tearing the hose liner we recommend using earls reaming tool.
This tool will camphor and clean up the approach for installing your hose onto the fitting
nipple.
Secure your fitting in a vise by lining up both hexes when installing a straight fitting.
For bent tube fittings you should only secure in a vise using the brazed journal portions
of the fitting.
Forged fittings can be secured using the flats of the fitting.
Apply a drop of earl’s assembly oil to the threads and push the hose onto the nipple
of your fitting until fully seated.
Rotate the socket clockwise with your fingers to engage the threads and prevent cross threading.
Tighten the socket assembly, and torque until hand tight using the appropriate size
wrench.
If it is necc to index your speed seal fittings, always rotate in a counter clockwise direction
on the center nut only.
Rotating the wrong direction can break the socket to center nut seal and cause failure.
Secure bent tube fittings using the braised journal portion of the fitting and forge fittings by the flats when indexing
Be sure to clean out and pressure test all hose assemblies using the earls pressure test
kit p# D016ERL before final installation.
Your hose assembly is now complete!
For more information and videos on any of our products visit the website at holley.com