Copper....
I've been revamping my engine compartment which required removing and
installing the 5-way valve. On reinstalling, two lines just continued to not
seal. I've torqued on them in the past and they've sealed (reluctantly) The
maximum recommended torque is 6-8 ft.lb. This time... not. My neighbor tells
me brass fittings can only seal a number of times and the brass seat becomes
compressed to where a (compression) seat is no longer achieveable. As I
installed four new lines into these two ports and torqued way too much, I began
to consider this. I suspect my 5-way has been reconnected far past its design
life. I called SS to check on a bone yard replacement, not available at the
moment. I needed to make a new oil pressure line so I went to Royal Brass in
San Jose and took care of that. I asked if they had a 4 or 5 way valve and
explained my problem. They brought out small dished copper washers... I
immediately saw they fit the valve and compress better than brass. wow! This
could bring extra life to my well used part. I realize there are pluses and
minuses to this. I've tried to find a new or used 5-way splitter without
success. The copper washer compresses more than brass. And installation -
allignment is tricky. If it is not located properly it could block the
passage. I'd like to have a new unobtanium 5-way, perfect lines and perfect
seals. This may be an alternative to an older systems with non replaceable
parts. Taking it to a conventional shop isn't going to provide many options.
What have other owners done with this problem where a good seal is difficult to
impossible to achieve? Neighbor suggested the splitter could be remachined to
renew its seats, and would require a special tool and set up. Royal Brass says
that copper washers are routinely used to fix old hydraulic brakes systems
where new replacement parts are NLA. Comments?
Curtis Fisher
B9470844
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