suggested airline fittings when using aluminum hard line

[G-NUT]

Finished installation and for the 1st time, I powered up my Viair compressors and Accuair system. I have each compressor connected to a water trap. From each water trap is the Accuair supplied air line to an SMC bulkhead fitting in the floor. From each bulkhead fitting I have plumbed aluminum hard line to each SMC 90 degree swivel ptc fitting at the EndoVT.

As soon as the comps started filling the tank the bulkhead fitting and 90 degree fittings at the tank immediately began leaking, badly. I didn't get to check anything else out because the tank couldn't fill because of the leak.

The 90 degree fittings and the bulkhead fittings are leaking from the ptc side not at the swivel or threads.

I've installed quite a few air systems since 2002 and years ago I worked in industrial maintenance working on pneumatic equipment, so I am familiar with what I'm doing. BUT I've never used aluminum hard line. So I'm not sure if I did something wrong. When forming my hard line, with a bender, I inserted the aluminum hard line in and out of the connectors several times while trying to get my measurements correct. So I don't know if that is a no-no or not. Don't know if it's a 1-time use only deal or what. Don't know if that did something to the teeth.

Any thoughts?

[PGSigns]

Never used the aluminum line with air. I would be concerned with corrosion. Also have never used it with push lock connectors. I usually use them with the dot plastic and just plug em in once. I have used aluminum many time for racecar fuel line and always flared it.
Jimmy

[G-NUT]

Thanks for the response. I've always used the DOT soft line for my air ride. Using the aluminum line is a first for me.

[tinydb84]

I read somewhere that if you are trying to use softer line (like aluminum or nicopp) you need to use a tubing cutter to score the line where the teeth bite into it. I havent done it but the recommendation was to use regular line to get a mark and measure it to score the hardline.

I know there are special fittings for stainless hardline. Dont know if the can be used on aluminum though.

[G-NUT]

Thanks for the response. I'll give it a shot. Can't be any worse.

[kwmech]

I just use the DOT plastic line which is the same as the SEMI-TRUCK air brake line and the related fittings, way easier.

[Overdriven]

I’m curious how you made out with this? Normally, if the fitting is undamaged you can push and release the tubing, reinstall without any issues. If there were any burrs on the tubing though the oring could have been damaged. If you have any plastic line the correct size you can use it to check if the fittings are still good.