In the high performance world, component changes are often necessary – in racing environments this is even more true. Carburetors, or other fuel system components may need to be serviced, or swapped out to compensate for track conditions. Failed parts from fuel system components, to power adders, even complete engines or transmissions, may need replacing.

If you’re dealing with components that have fluid supplied to them such as fuel, oil, or coolant this can be a messy task. This often requires you to take the necessary precautions during your work. Further, if you’re having to disconnect and reconnect aluminum fittings, doing so can always run the risk of damaging or stripping threads, or rounding off the hex with the wrong wrench. Doing so necessitates further parts replacements, and costs you more down time. Now, thanks to Jiffy-Tite there is an easier solution to removing plumbing off your vehicle.

We will be converting the fuel tank return, fuel log feed, and coolant overflow lines to Jiffy-Tite's quick disconnect fittings.

Faster, Cleaner Solutions

Socket and Plug

The socket and plug fittings work together, utilizing brass valves and stainless steel ball bearings. These quick disconnect fittings are handy for components or connections that require frequent service. They can be ordered with or without valves to prevent spills when disconnected.

Jiffy-Tite fittings can make servicing components that are often removed a bit easier. Their quick connect fittings are compatible with virtually all fluids and oils.

Another advantage  is Jiffy-Tite’s internal valving option, which prevents leaks when a fluid line is disconnected. This is similar to the principle of the quick change fittings used on air tools. The combination of valving and quick disconnect allows owners to disconnect components without creating fluid spills, or risking stripping or crossing threads, or rounding the hex off of an expensive fitting.

All Jiffy-Tite fittings are constructed from aircraft grade aluminum; the quick disconnects utilize stainless steel ball bearings, and valved fittings use brass valves. Fittings can be ordered compatible for use with Alcohol as well by specifying the “Burna N” seals. They even have fittings with seals compatible for use with nitromethane.

When connected, a valved fitting will allow fluid to flow bidirectional through both the socket end and the plug end. When you disconnect a fitting, fluid flow is stopped at both ends, thus preventing leakage. The design of the valving system also offers minimal flow restriction, so performance of the system that is utilizing the Jiffy-Tite fittings will not be affected. The stainless ball bearings add durability and also allow the socket end to easily be reattached to the plug.

The Quick Connect design is ideal for lines that service components needing frequent maintenance, tuning or removal.

Fittings are available in a wide variety of sizes and can take the place of any –AN, or NPT pipe thread size, in virtually any location. Sockets can be ordered in anodized black, or gold. Additionally, all fittings are approved for use in NHRA, IHRA, and SCCA, with a maximum operating pressure of 200 psi, making them ideal for nearly any fluid system on a car; with the exception of brake fluid (where pressures exceed 200 psi). The maximum operating temperature is 350° Fahrenheit, which again far exceeds what most applications would ever see from a temperature standpoint.

If you require the need of a quick disconnect fitting without the need for a valved system, for instance a component or system that needs to be quickly drained, non valved connections are also available. All Jiffy-Tite fittings are compatible with most stainless braided line, or push-to-lock type lines, except lines that utilize Teflon. And we’d remiss without mentioning that all Jiffy-Tite products are made in the USA.

Installation

We recently got our hands on some Jiffy-Tite fittings and upgraded a few areas on our project Biting The Bullit ’65 Mustang. We installed these in the fuel and coolant system to make servicing those systems faster, and easier, while reducing mess in the shop, and at the track.  Upgrading the fuel system to this type of connection should also improve safety in the pits, by minimizing the amount of raw fuel that escapes should we need to service the carb, filter, or pump. Jiffy-Tite fittings install just like any typical aluminum fitting that most of us are already familiar with. The biggest difference we noticed is that they are a bit bulkier than a standard aluminum fitting. This means that it is necessary to check for adequate clearance before installing them on your application.

Jiffy-Tite fittings can replace virtually any -AN or NPT connection fitting, with a minimal flow restriction.

Fuel System

We installed a plug end on the supply side of our fuel tank sump (Part# 52812), and a gold anodized socket end on the fuel supply line (Part# 51612E). With the quick disconnect system in place we will now be able to disconnect our supply line from the fuel tank without having to drain the tank. This also comes in handy at the track should we need to replace or service our fuel pump or filter. A filled fuel tank will not be able to gravity feed raw fuel out of the lines as we try to make a change to a component in the system. This avoids a potentially dangerous fuel spill and saves us money on lost fuel.

Under the hood we installed a quick connect plug on the fuel rail return for our carburetor (Part# 52108) and a gold anodized socket on the return line (Part# 51410). This makes pulling the carburetor off or disconnecting it from the fuel system faster and, again, less messy. We can service the carburetor on or off the car now with minimal mess, and not have to worry so much about stuffing rags around the intake to catch the spilling fuel as we disconnect the line. This also takes some worry out of removing and reinstalling the return line. The quick connect fitting ensures that we have a good connection every time, so with it installed we won’t have to double or triple check for fuel leaks. We also won’t be sitting at a stop light, or the starting line, wondering if we got that connection tight enough while we were in the pits or garage.

Cooling System

We upgraded our coolant overflow tank to Jiffy-Tite connections as well. We replaced the connection from the radiator to the overflow tank with a non-valved disconnect. We used two non valved sockets (Part# 21604AE) with 90 degree fittings. We also used two non valved plugs (Part# 22802A). This will allow us to quickly disconnect, and drain the overflow tank if needed.

Jiffy-Tite's fitting utilized in the cooling system on our '65 Mustang project car.

Whether you’re a racer that needs to perform quick maintenance at the track or simply an enthusiast that would prefer to do away with wrenches and leaky fittings spilling fluids on your garage floor, these quick connect fittings from Jiffy-Tite really are a mechanics best friend. The valved fittings that they’ve developed make quick, easy, and clean work of attaching or removing the hoses and performing maintenance, and best of all, their designed with durability and longevity in mind. You simply can’t ask for much more than that in a product.