Push-Lok Trust & Faith?

[Spudland_Dave]

Call me a skeptic...but how much does everyone trust Push-Lok? By that I mean in a "Long term" always pressurized situation? Be it a trans cooler line, fuel line, compressor line? I see almost all MFG's are pushing Push-Lock style for virtually any application be it Fuel or what have you. But I just got this dying "it cant be" feeling about it.

I've got a handful of whips and other Air lines I've made with Parker PushLok stuff, Some with Parker hose, some Goodyear hose all if it has held up beautifully...no leaks...but its just air and whips on an impact so failure isn't a "Big Deal"

I'd like to buy a spool of hose make up some hoses for myself, some of which would be always under pressure, but little devil on one shoulder says I should put a clamp on it...then the angel on the other shoulder says that looks like a$$...get some real ends crimped on...

What say the pros?

 

[ADSR]

I didn't trust them alone when i did my fuel system. I put a worm clamp on them as well.

 

[billyjp2]

I work for a Goodyear hose distributor. We sell A TON of the stuff. In the 3 years I've been there not one issue or complaint. My boss runs goodyear instagrip for ****** lines on his chevy plow truck as well. I've seen the stuff used and abused by customers in many different industries. Just push the ends in and forget about it, don't waste your hose clamps.

 

[devoncoolman]

They say it works. Idk. Ive never seen anything bad happen.

 

[Ruger_556]

I like Parker Push-Lok, I use it on everything I can. Hose barb and a clamp will split, leak, or explode if you look at them funny...

 

[AA/FC]

Push lock fittings work excellent when used with the correct hose. If the hose is not specifically designed to work with push lock fittings then it will fail eventually.

Remember those "chinese fingers" toys that we played with as kids? Put your fingers in, and you cant pull them back out. Well thats how push lock hose and fittings work. In fact, the more pressure in the hose, the tighter the fittings hold. So I've heen told anyway....

 

[txdude87]

I use them on my car. They are great. Don't leak and smell like gas unlike braided hose.

By the way I know someone that had this setup on a 1000+hp street rod. He threw the braided in the trash and never looked back.

 

[Siegel1719]

I work in production maintenance. We have push lock fittings that run under 120 plus psi 24 hours a day 6 days a week without a single issue.

 

[cooljoe57]

The push lok type hose has been around for a very long time and is made by almost every hose manufacture. As stated above make sure you are using push-lok hose and fittings and you won't have any problems.
On a side note do not use clamps with the push-lok hose and fittings. The barbs have a slightly oversized teeth in them, this is what makes it work with out clamps, and when you tighten a worm gear clamp on them it causes the teeth to cut too deep into the hose and will cause the hose to fail prematurely.


PS I have been running a hydraulic hose shop for the past 10 years, so this is all from my experiences.

 

[iajonesy]

We used them all the time at work,with 100psi air and also fluids and they worked great. The thing that causes failure is having a rough end where you cut the hose and taking them on and off frequently.Other than that they are fine.

Mike

 

[stage20]

been using it for race car related fluids for 10+ years. zero issues. it grips like no other.
goodyear will tell you its not safe to use a hose clamp with the hose, it can damage it.

use the right fittings and hose and you have to cut the hose off the fitting. most of the time its near impossible to push it on without a vise or good lube. its not comming off.

 

[justme-]

when you use the manufacturer recommended fittings and hose (system) and do so as instructed by the manufacturer there are seldom problems - that goes for all hose/fitting systems. It's when the human factor creeps in (not seating the fitting completely, adding worm clamps, over tightening, etc) that the systems fail and we begin to question the quality and competency of the hose system or manufacturer.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

We use plenty of it for machinery with no troubles. One mfr does all water systems with it and another does all air and fuel systems with it, but they rarely use the right fittings - just clamp it on like any other hose and barb setup.
I believe there are variants for different uses. I took a piece off this week on an engine install - old blue hose used as a return line said "not for fuel systems" right on it had it had turned hard as a rock from 9 years of diesel fuel. It was surprising it never leaked.

 

[Kracin]

we use them at work for all kinds of stuff... i can see why people think they might fail, but they don't. they work great.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The push lok type hose has been around for a very long time and is made by almost every hose manufacture. As stated above make sure you are using push-lok hose and fittings and you won't have any problems. ....PS I have been running a hydraulic hose shop for the past 10 years, so this is all from my experiences.

Next question...And I'm mostly asking this to ask the question...Local Parker store is great to me, so I got no reason to shop around, but I have from time to time come across various other "Quality" brand fittings at good prices on eBay or what have you...is "Push-Lock" a standard? meaning can I use Eaton fittings on Parker hose or Parker fittings on Good Year Hose...yes provided they are all Genuine "Push-Lock" Style Barbs?

My boss runs goodyear instagrip for ****** lines on his chevy plow truck as well. I've seen the stuff used and abused by customers in many different industries. Just push the ends in and forget about it, don't waste your hose clamps.

Had I known! 2 years ago I re-plumbed the cooler lines on my Sierra as well, but used all Braided Stainless/Nylon Sheath hose with AN fittings cause I didn't have that faith in Push-Lock.

I'll probably need to put new fuel lines on the same sierra this summer...sounds like Push-Lock will be an OK replacement once I find some fuel compatible hose.

 

[reddevildemo]

I work at a major manufacturing plant. It is all we use both on equipment and facilities. Never an issue with them for air or fluids as long as pressure is always present. Liquids will leak if the pressure is lost.
I used them for my garage air run.

 

[BJ42LX]

I've got some push-lok on my truck's ****** from the PO.

How does one release them when the hose has to be removed for maintenance?

 

[rmmiller]

On a side note do not use clamps with the push-lok hose and fittings. The barbs have a slightly oversized teeth in them, this is what makes it work with out clamps, and when you tighten a worm gear clamp on them it causes the teeth to cut too deep into the hose and will cause the hose to fail prematurely.


PS I have been running a hydraulic hose shop for the past 10 years, so this is all from my experiences.

Exactly, they are not designed for clamps and if used, you WILL cut the tube and create a leak/failure. I too am a hose shop employee, both hydraulic and industrial!

Next question...And I'm mostly asking this to ask the question...Local Parker store is great to me, so I got no reason to shop around, but I have from time to time come across various other "Quality" brand fittings at good prices on eBay or what have you...is "Push-Lock" a standard? meaning can I use Eaton fittings on Parker hose or Parker fittings on Good Year Hose...yes provided they are all Genuine "Push-Lock" Style Barbs?




Had I known! 2 years ago I re-plumbed the cooler lines on my Sierra as well, but used all Braided Stainless/Nylon Sheath hose with AN fittings cause I didn't have that faith in Push-Lock.

I'll probably need to put new fuel lines on the same sierra this summer...sounds like Push-Lock will be an OK replacement once I find some fuel compatible hose.

You will find the majority of push lock hoses to be compatible with fuel and oils. I know Goodyear (now Contitech) and Gates is but I would have to verify the others.

I've got some push-lok on my truck's ****** from the PO.

How does one release them when the hose has to be removed for maintenance?

The only way to separate push lock hose from the fitting is to cut it off.

 

[AJH]

I work for a motorcoach fleet and have always had to cut them off if I need to remove them.

 

[BJ42LX]

The only way to separate push lock hose from the fitting is to cut it off.

Understood. Thanks.

Next question.

What is the plastic yellow piece for?

 

[Farmall450]

Seems the YT community like them.

 

[Rogue1987]

I've used a bunch of it in the past on fuel and compressed air with no problems.

 

[rmmiller]

Understood. Thanks.

Next question.

What is the plastic yellow piece for?

I have no idea, the only reason I can think of is to dress up the end of the hose but I'm sure they have their reason for it.

 

[Redwolf947]

I believe it to designate it as a push-loc fitting? I was told it had to be there on the push-loc fitting at work but i am not 100% on that. We use them at work all the time 120psi air and to plum coolant thru tools.

 

[bigredmf]

Parker does not warranty or recommend push lok hose and fittings for use with any fuel.

You may only use the hose for diesel but with HY series crimp fittings only.

As a side note when I ran a hose shop we were pressure testing push lok assemblies with nitrogen to 300 psi. One of our visually challenged workers was complaining he could not get enough pressure out of a regulator. When I looked at the regulator it was cranked up to 1000 psi and the end was not leaking. The hose was stiff like 6000 psi hydraulic hose.

Enjoy

Red



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[billyjp2]

Next question...And I'm mostly asking this to ask the question...Local Parker store is great to me, so I got no reason to shop around, but I have from time to time come across various other "Quality" brand fittings at good prices on eBay or what have you...is "Push-Lock" a standard? meaning can I use Eaton fittings on Parker hose or Parker fittings on Good Year Hose...yes provided they are all Genuine "Push-Lock" Style Barbs?

We mix different brands of push-on fittings with different brands of push-on hose with no ill effects.

We use both Weatherhead and Dixon brand fittings in Weatherhead and Parker hose. We have also had good luck with the black weatherhead insta-grip holding up to gasoline and diesel. I'm not sure if weatherhead advertises it as being able to withstand fuel, but I've been giving it to counter customers in our shop with good results. Mostly for small engine use.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Parker does not warranty or recommend push lok hose and fittings for use with any fuel.

When I was contemplating doing up some whips and a new air hose I was looking quickly at the catalog and didn't see anything approved for fuel...no worries tho cause Earls, Aeroquip and a bunch of others do offer some fuel approved versions..mixing and matching fitting/hose appears to be a non-issue so I don't see the big deal. I'll look to get some Parker 801 Series for use as air hoses around the shop..and get whatever push-lock fuel line I can find when the time comes.

We mix different brands of push-on fittings with different brands of push-on hose with no ill effects.

Excellent to know.. When/If I do my fuel system, I'll probably go with all steel parker fittings...when I did the trans lines on my truck a couple years ago, the thing I hated most was how soft Aluminum fittings are. Being raised a Farmer/Industrial Equipment guy meant I put "Mill Torque" on everything...that's where you tighten till you cant tighten anymore, then go another 1/2 turn them flashy blue & red fittings just scream "Fisher Price" to me...

 

[cooljoe57]

Next question...And I'm mostly asking this to ask the question...Local Parker store is great to me, so I got no reason to shop around, but I have from time to time come across various other "Quality" brand fittings at good prices on eBay or what have you...is "Push-Lock" a standard? meaning can I use Eaton fittings on Parker hose or Parker fittings on Good Year Hose...yes provided they are all Genuine "Push-Lock" Style Barbs?


Yep as long as there push-lok fittings. The hose are manufactured to the same spec by all the major manufacturers.

 

[rednotch]

not a fan of it on performance set ups, rather run telfon lined braided and crimped. Every car I've worked on with push lock it stunk of fuel and most of the house brands now suggest not using it for fuel where in the past they didn't, the line would dry out and crack over time. It is cheaper via mail order but if you find a decent shop they can make PTFE lines for not much more then a kit from summit or jegs.

 

[cooljoe57]

not a fan of it on performance set ups, rather run telfon lined braided and crimped. Every car I've worked on with push lock it stunk of fuel and most of the house brands now suggest not using it for fuel where in the past they didn't, the line would dry out and crack over time. It is cheaper via mail order but if you find a decent shop they can make PTFE lines for not much more then a kit from summit or jegs.

Yep completely agree Teflon is a far superior hose, but just not as convenient as push-lok. Although they do offer a reusable style fitting for the Teflon braided hose.

 

[bsosborne1]

Call me a skeptic...but how much does everyone trust Push-Lok? By that I mean in a "Long term" always pressurized situation? Be it a trans cooler line, fuel line, compressor line? I see almost all MFG's are pushing Push-Lock style for virtually any application be it Fuel or what have you. But I just got this dying "it cant be" feeling about it.

I've got a handful of whips and other Air lines I've made with Parker PushLok stuff, Some with Parker hose, some Goodyear hose all if it has held up beautifully...no leaks...but its just air and whips on an impact so failure isn't a "Big Deal"

I'd like to buy a spool of hose make up some hoses for myself, some of which would be always under pressure, but little devil on one shoulder says I should put a clamp on it...then the angel on the other shoulder says that looks like a$$...get some real ends crimped on...

What say the pros?

Had four fitting fail simultaneously. All I did was touch one hose and they all started leaking at the fitting to hose connection. I tried to re heat all the line in boiling water to reseat. Actually made it MUCH worse. Had the fittings on for four years and never had an issue until 4 failed all at once. Kind of makes me wary. I thought a premium product should last a little longer then 4 years

 

[Zewnten]

Had four fitting fail simultaneously. All I did was touch one hose and they all started leaking at the fitting to hose connection. I tried to re heat all the line in boiling water to reseat. Actually made it MUCH worse. Had the fittings on for four years and never had an issue until 4 failed all at once. Kind of makes me wary. I thought a premium product should last a little longer then 4 years

What is the application?

 

[240sxguy]

I once pulled an engine out of one of my cars with a whip of that hose dangling, it got hooked on a steering rack and by the time I had figured it out I had pulled the hose banjo string tight, and the fitting didn't fall off. Some manufacturers recommend using clamps, others don't.

I've run the stuff in 5 different cars starting over 20 years ago without any trouble. If we're being honest I use it because it's easier, and I hate putting together braided lines. It's also a bit cheaper than braided (That WAS the case, no idea now!)

 

[vanapplebomb]

I use them almost exclusively in industrial applications. They come in many different pressure ratings, housing materials, o-ring materials, and recommended type of tubing for it to grip properly with. Select the right one and they are super reliable.

 

[bwringer]

"Push lock" is a pretty generic term for a huge variety of fittings. Some of you appear to be talking about specific types, some are talking more generically.

If you don't trust them, then you probably better not drive on public roads... they're everywhere.

 

[Rockable]

I sold Parker Push-Lok for 38 years. It is a dead solid, reliable system so long as you use Parker hose and Parker fittings. Also, you don't want to put it on a system that has pressure spikes, like a piloted hydraulic valve drain line. Other than that, I use it on cars anywhere it's appropriate and don't use clamps.

 

[PoorUB]

We used push lock hose for air lines where I worked, 175 PSI. You had to have your Wheatties in the morning to attach a quick disconnct.
Never had a line fly off.
I have push lock hose in my shop for air hoses, actuality oil hose. I bought the hose over 35 years ago and other than getting some times it wears out from fatigue near the end of the hose.

I have seen it used on heavy equipemnt for oil, and air lines. I trust it completely.