Correct Oil line flare

[panhead_kicker]

This has been discussed in older threads, but I found no definitive answer. Has any one determined what the proper degree flare for stock oil line connections is? It looks like I need to shorten the neck up on my vent line, as the straight coming off the flare is a bit too long and pushes the elbow into the rear D-ring on my 64. I'd like to be able to trim the current flare off, about a half inch back, and re-flare.

[Larry]

A flare tool doesn't like to clamp to a bend, which is what will happen if you shorten the tube. Why not simply reform?

[Robert Luland]

It's not a 37 degree flare. If I remember right it's 29 or 28 degrees. If you use a plumbing flare tool, it will not work. Bob L

[58bob]

It IS a 37deg flare, its drived from the military (US) and is described as 37deg AN (Aeronautical/Navy)
As said previous, plumbers flare no good, 45 deg. and the tools are not made to the same tolerances hence the cost of a Ridgid 37 Flare tool.
Ive been through this same exercise, lines dont fit, I have the Ridgid tool and its a well made piece of equipment.
The flare is (was) used on aircraft oil/fuel lines, a lot of hotrodders and car builders use it as well.........thats where i got mine from, second-hand.
Summit Racing make one as well.

[old.wrench]

I came up with about the same angle that Robert L. did. The flaring tool I use has an included angle of 30 degrees and the flares match up perfectly to the fittings.

Regard,
Geo.

[58bob]

Panhead_kicker,

As an aside, by looking at your tube, I dont think you have enough straight to fit into the tool before flaring, might pay to check that before you cut, cheers.

[panhead_kicker]

A flare tool doesn't like to clamp to a bend, which is what will happen if you shorten the tube. Why not simply reform?

Larry,
This is as tight a bend as my tube bender will go. Got any tricks to reform the bend?

[58bob]

You can put a small bend between the flare and the elbow, not up or down but sideways if you know what i mean, bend the elbow away from the D ring in the horizontal plane. Tricky but can be done.

[Huck]

Hey Old Wrench

Would you share who made that tool? I have 45 & 37, they no savy oil lines. Its on my list to make a 30 degree but if one can be bought....

[old.wrench]

Huck, I looked for a flare tool that would accurately flare 3/8" steel lines to match the Harley fittings, but I couldn't find one for sale. For the one I use, I machined a new flare head out of 5160 steel to match that 30 degree angle and then heat treated it. It wasn't hard to make and it works a lot better than trying to crank a flare nut down on a flared tube that doesn't really fit and hoping you can get a leak-free joint. Maybe I could take a picture of the tool and try to post it.

Geo.

[58flh]

OLDWRENCH! is correct. IT can be made easily in your shop ,assuming you have the equipment!---I made mine from an already made one from a kit.----RICHIE

[Huck]

Nice, I also never located a correct tool.

I imagine the cone wouldn't be hard to make, but, how did you cut the block to 30 ?? Thanks for the input!

Pic's are great, what would the playboy mag be today less pic's

[Larry]

A cheap brake line bender and a bolt can get the bend closer.

[panhead_kicker]

Thanks to all for the info. If anyone locates the correct flare tool for purchase, please post here.

[Northman]

Larry, Excellent tip and picture too!
Northman