Question about a fuel line trick I saw at a truck stop in Flagstaff

I was helping a driver with a leak on his Freightliner Cascadia at the Petro in Flagstaff, and this old timer came over, watched for a minute, then said 'heat the flare nut with a lighter for ten seconds, not a torch'. It actually worked to break the seal without stripping the threads. Has anyone else heard of using a simple lighter for stubborn diesel fittings?

3 comments

3 Comments

simonl115d agoTop Commenter

Yeah, that lighter trick is a lifesaver. I mean, I've used it on old power steering lines too and it's way better than cranking on it cold.

amy1545d ago

Old power steering lines, huh. What kind of car was that on?

the_patricia4d ago

Wait, you guys are using a lighter on power steering lines? That's a hard pass from me. Those lines are always coated in fluid and grime, it's a straight up fire hazard. I've seen people try it and almost light their whole engine bay up. The heat trick works, but you gotta use a heat gun on low or even just a hair dryer. Way safer and you get the same result without the scary flames.