My review of Earls, and Aeroquip Braided fuel lines, and AN fittings

[DonsBolt]

This summer when I when I installed a fuel pressure regulator, I decided to get some braided stainless fuel lines and AF fittings. I figured since I have a Holley 670 truck avenger I would go with Earls hose and fittings, since it is part of Holley.

Well first thing I noticed were the fillings didn't screw into the regulator very far. Also the banjo fitting screwed to far into my carb, and blocked off the transfer tube. I had to cut down the threads to get fuel to flow to the rear bowl. Also as soon as I shut the engine off the fuel pressure dropped right away.

Even after that the truck just didn't seem to run the way it should. So the other day I went to my local speed shop and bought some Aeroquip Hose, and AN fittings.

First thing I noticed with the Aeroquip stuff, is the Banjo filling is the right length, and doesn't block the transfar tube. Also the way the hose ends attach is a lot more secure, and clamps arount the end of the hose a lot better.

So after installing the Aeroquip hose and ends, I fired the truck up, wow it drives. and idles much better. Also when you shut the truck off the fuel pressure stays stable, at least for a minute or so.

So if you decide to go wit any braided fuel lines or AN fittings, go with Aeroquip, and stay away from Earls

 

[76 bronco J]

,,,,, I wouldn't say totally stay away from earls because fitting issues like these happen across the board every once in a while with all the brands including aeroquip.... I personally try to avoid banjo fittings on the carb 'cause they don't like to be taken apart as frequently as I tend to mess with things....below are some pics on my latest mod which at first I thought a banjo fitting was going to be necessary ,but got away with a good ole earls 60 degree fitting (part # 806106ERL)for the drop base air cleaner.... more info & pics later once the drivers side duct is connected to the core support ,but the mustang dual snorkel air cleaner setup is off of a 1982 mustang which had a 15 1/2" diameter housing & 1" drop versus the 1983-85 version which is about 18 inches with a 2" or so drop.... the air filter element isn't the 460 size like the 83-85 version ,but the part #FA-97R cross references to vehicles with up to 400 cubic inches so it should be sufficient

 

[trailpsycho]

I really like my Earls black double SS HP Hydroboost hose and fittings. I thought the Russell SS hose and fittings were PITA to install when I did my fuel lines...I almost ripped it all out and went with the nylon lines.

 

[SteveL]

I had the local earls shop build me some PS hoses with the nice blue hose so it matched everything under there. The pressure line leaked to no end. I ended up with napa hoses built to length that have worked great for 6+ years now. Then for some reason I had em build braided brake lines when I needed em. Sure enough they also leaked. I bought the lines from BC and they work great.

 

[DonsBolt]

,,,,, I wouldn't say totally stay away from earls because fitting issues like these happen across the board every once in a while with all the brands including aeroquip....

Well I should say if you have a choice between the two pick Aeroquip. Also Earls makes a few different hose end, so I can only say that my problems were with there Swivel–Seal hose ends.

 

[76 bronco J]

I had the local earls shop build me some PS hoses with the nice blue hose so it matched everything under there. The pressure line leaked to no end. I ended up with napa hoses built to length that have worked great for 6+ years now. Then for some reason I had em build braided brake lines when I needed em. Sure enough they also leaked. I bought the lines from BC and they work great.

,,,, so basically what I get from your statement is your local "earls" shop has a bunch of retards.... for the most part doing plumbing with AN/JIC lines & fittings is very very easy except when you get into the power steering & brake lines ,some are a little tricky , have more specific hose/fitting requirements & don't like swapping between brands ,but still they are far from being difficult to produce.... people shouldn't even for a second be afraid to make up there own lines 'cause as this post suggests lots of so called professionals just plain suck & you can do a better job yourself .... for the power steering high pressure hose I went with the more durable russell branded powerflex teflon inner hose with a stainless outer braid & there specific steel fittings even though I too thought about the pretty blue hose at first..............

 

[malcolmzilla]

I re-did all my old rubber brake flex lines with Earls stuff, as the local shop had it in stock... What a difference in feel!

My only beef about the Earls brake lines is that they don't have the clear vinyl cover over the stainless. Prolly nice for the hotrod crowd, but the coated ones would work better for me.

 

[minimatt]

I have had various problems over the years with both Earl's and Aeroquip, especially with the swivel fittings. I now use XRP stuff exclusively. It costs a little more, but you can see and feel the quality difference just holding the stuff in your hand. I'm not affiliated with XRP in any way, just sharing my experience. www.xrp.com