Brake line threads...what's FIF?

[Gunn]

I recently purchased a brand new Titan Model 10 brake surge actuator (this one). I also purchased a Titan reverse lockout solenoid (this one). Well...the two won't join together. The female threaded output of the actuator doesn't quite match the male threaded input of the solenoid.

What I've come to discover is that I -think- I need a 3/16" FIF (male) to 1/8" NPT (female) adapter. The actuator has a 3/16" FIF female output on it. I can't find much information on what FIF stands for...anyone know?

I'm hoping I can find this adapter local at an auto parts store, but I don't have much confidence at the moment. I can't seem to find one on the internet. It could be because I don't know what FIF is and a Google search isn't of much help! :huh:

Thanks,

Tom

 

[mwph]

Female Inverted Flare.

http://www.brennaninc.com/documents/CatalogPart1.pdf

 

[Gunn]

Female Inverted Flare.

Great, thanks! So I think I figured out that the output of the actuator is 3/16" FIF. The input of the solenoid looks like it is 1/8" NPT male threaded.

So it looks like I need to find a 3/16" male inverted thread to 1/8" NPT female thread adapter. Like this one? http://www.valleyhydraulic.com/stor...re-Male-Conn-3-16-Tube-X-1-8-Npt-115p1521.htm I wonder if they are common locally?! I know shipping will kill me on an $0.84 part.

 

[mwph]

I wouldn't make a special trip to Lowe's, hoping they had one. If you have an industrial type plumbing store or a shop that makes hydraulic hoses, I might try that. As much as I dislike it... Internet ordering & shipping cost may save you time in the long run.

 

[Gunn]

Yea, I hear you. I was out this evening and swung by both AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. Nada.

I think I may be on the wrong track. I just can't find what I'm looking for. Does anyone else have a surge actuator with a solenoid immediately following it, that may be able to offer some help on fitting and adapters between them to make them connect up?

My attached photo shows my issue. The output of the actuator is 3/16" female inverted flare (FIF). Next, in the way I have the solenoid oriented, is an 1/8" NPT male. The other end of the solenoid is 3/16" FIF. Finally, there is the brakeline itself, 3/16" male inverted flare.

My issue is connecting the actuator to the solenoid. From the way I have it, I need a 3/16" male inverted flare to a 1/8" NPT female. I CANNOT find this adapter anywhere!

If I flip the solenoid, then I need two adapters, one of which I can't find anywhere...a 3/16" male inverted flare coupling (same on both ends).

Stuck! There's got to be something I'm missing here...

btw, the previous actuator I had on this trailer had a different output on it...

Thanks!

 

[floriduramax1]

I have the same set up and my solenoid is threaded directly into the master cylinder. Remove that brass fitting and see if the solenoid will thread in it.

 

[Dick270da]

I went to my local hardware store and got brass fittings that allowed me to uncouple the solenoid without having to twist the hose. (Normally with pipe fittings you screw in the solenoid, then the hose, then the splitter. To undo the solenoid you either have to disconnect each piece starting with the end or twist the hose up as you unscrew the solenoid).

 

[Gunn]

Thanks guys. I've been trying to come up with a series of adapters to get to what I want like the photo above (thanks for taking that for me!). But it's difficult trying to find the right combination of adapters to get me from one end to the other! Still haven't had success.

I'm reluctant to simply remove the adapter coming right out of the master cylinder only because the orifice size of that adapter seems to be important... I picked that up from the adapter seems to be specific for disc or drum brakes. But I may just try it anyway and see what results.

 

[floriduramax1]

That is how mine came. I didn't do it myself. Stops good (as good as surge brakes can get). I will be converting to elec/hyd very soon.

 

[Gunn]

I think I got it figured out... What I think I need to do is get some 3/16" brake line and cut a short piece, placing a standard fitting on each end, which are standard male 3/16" inverted flare. One end will go directly into the actuator. The other end will then go into a coupler with a 3/16" female inverted flare on one side, and a 1/8" NPT female on the other side. The will then thread directly onto the 1/8" NPT male threads on the solenoid.

The adapter/coupler fitting is pretty standard online. Now to just hope one of my local stores has it!

Tom

 

[OldSkool]

The fitting coming from the master cylinder should be a 3/16 NPT that the FIF is screwed into. Remove it. install a 3/16 NPT nipple then a 3/16NPT to 1/8 NPT reducer (Hardware store stuff). Install the solenoid into the 1/8 NPT side of the reducer and you should be good to go.

 

[Gunn]

I have the same set up and my solenoid is threaded directly into the master cylinder. Remove that brass fitting and see if the solenoid will thread in it.

So got home and checked it out again. Removed the fitting installed by the factory in the master cylinder. It's just a regular 1/8" NPT to 3/16" FIF adapter. And so being 1/8" NPT, the solenoid screwed right in!

I overthought this one....but thanks to you guys, the last pieces of my trailer "renovation" will be complete!

Tom