Compression fittings

**lowryder99** · 03-20-2006, 02:51 PM

Okay, got some compression fittings because leaks drive me INSANE.

How tight do you typically tighten these things down? I would assume not that much because you would pinch the airline?

Any tips with these things would be great!

**Mavmavv** · 03-20-2006, 03:32 PM

I run mine quite tight. You really dont have to go too tight though.

**lowryder99** · 03-20-2006, 04:03 PM

Are compression's typically better at sealing than PTC's?

Because I went to a really high end semi shop to buy these and the guy was like PTC's are good and shouldn't leak yadda yadda, but I just had bad luck with mine so I am tainted with them now.

The PTC's were actually a buck more a fitting than these compression's, so that was actually a plus. I will still use the ptc's on my manifold block's just because the run is dead straight and I don't think they will ever see twisting from that area.

**Mavmavv** · 03-20-2006, 04:27 PM

Yeah, its pretty much preference, I like the piece of mind knowing I tightened the compression down, but some fittings, such as 90 degree elbows are super nice to have PTCs on.

**DjLunchbox** · 03-20-2006, 04:43 PM

you don't need to overdo the compressions . i hand tighten mine, then run a wrench around 1 1/2 times or so. you can reuse them once or twice without leaks, but after that i'd get a new crush sleeve and insert for each fitting. WAYcheaper than buying all new ptc's

i've reused my ptc's as well, but i don't reccomend it. they leak even when trimming the line back nice and straight.

**Izzy** · 03-20-2006, 07:25 PM

PTC's are nice and do work well as long as they are DOT approved and have a straight cut.

I prefer them to compressions just for ease but there's nothing wrong wither either as long as it's a good DOT approved fitting. Alkon, Swagelok, Parker, SMC, Weatherhead are all good brands.

**SlammedDime** · 03-20-2006, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by DjLunchbox

you don't need to overdo the compressions . i hand tighten mine, then run a wrench around 1 1/2 times or so.

+1

**LOWGREEN1** · 03-20-2006, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Izzy

PTC's are nice and do work well as long as they are DOT approved and have a straight cut.

I prefer them to compressions just for ease but there's nothing wrong wither either as long as it's a good DOT approved fitting. Alkon, Swagelok, Parker, SMC, Weatherhead are all good brands.

I agree. I have PTC on all my fittings. And have 0 leaks. I can leave my truck up for 3 days (longest I have let it set) and no leak down whatsoever. Just make sure you push them in to the max.

**Low88** · 03-20-2006, 10:19 PM

I run a combination of both, haha...

Compressions at the bags and valves... And i have a PTC union about a foot after the front bags. I do this because it makes it easier to drop a bag and change fittings or anything else.

I always try to take the whole fitting off, so i dont have to reuse them.

And before you get yourself in any sticky situations, I would get your hands on a few cheapo home depot PTC unions. If my buddy had one a few years ago, we would have avoided getting soaked in a Virginia rainstorm and limping his truck from virginia to maryland on 3 corners on the way back from ECN a few years ago. I always have a few in the truck.

**lowryder99** · 03-20-2006, 10:40 PM

Well three hours later and three compression fittings and I have no leaks (so far)

It was so frusterating to get it all back together just to hear a very quiet pshhh

Probably would have been good for most people but not me....

Trucks been at 145 PSI up front dead on for an hour now....yay...

Bagging a truck the RIGHT way is hard haha, I could totally see how guy's just half ass this stuff....not for me, if it's getting done I am using the best parts and making sure it's all safe and done properly.

Im tired now haha