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Hi Tom,
With regard to the flare vs. compression, it's my
opinion that the compression is not as sure as the flare. I think this is
the reason that the flare fittings are used for propane and other fuel oil
applications. I found that loosening and retightening a compression
fitting damages the connection and over time the connection must be
replaced. I found that flare fittings are sure and can be loosened and
retightened many times and for a perfect seal. My oil furnace can't
tolerate leaks in the supply or return lines to the tank. Even trace
amounts of leakage in the vibration environment will shut my furnace down.
I've learned that preparation of the tube before the flare is critical to a
perfect seal. I cannot use a tubing cutter without removing all the burr,
and filing the bitter end so it's square. Next is making the flare large
enough to fill the nut without touching the threads. This is the only
problem I've experienced with a flare connection. A previous restorer
failed to create an adequate flare. Eventually, vibration, etc. wore the
connection to the point where the flare nut could no longer establish a sure
connection.
Also, I'm leaning in favor of Rector Seal over
teflon for sealing threaded connections. So far, I've had great luck with
this for brass/plastic connections - like my toilet connections. Teflon
seldom seemed to prevent a leak!
Personally, I'm uncomfortable with compression
fittings in a travel trailer. I've used them when I didn't have a choice
for faucet connections, but recently I've found means around their
use.
Regards, '74 Argosy in Lake Charles, LA - Joy
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