Loc-line connection issue

[bluemonster7]

Hello all...

So I had a single loc line for my return into tank and the flow was far too strong in 65.

So I bought a 3/4" dual return nozzle with the flange heads for each line.

So with some force I took off the single line leaving only the fitting that screws into the bulkhead and one of the original loc line pieces. Both pieces left is what sits secure into the overflow cutout.

Anyhow, I attached the dual return and as expected with force it popped on perfectly. Only problem is it is pretty loose and with little pressure you could take it right off. Everything is runnnig and water returning through both lines but not forceful flow. I think some is leaking out of the two loc line pieces that aren't super snug thus causing lower pressure and flow. My initial though was maybe I got 3/4" and I really needed 1/2"? If that were the case would it still snap on pretty hard and then stay attached but loosely or are they two totally different sizes that would work at all?

Attached is a pic if that help. Advice is greatly appreciated.

Hope everyone is safe and well
/Users/monkeymaster/Desktop/IMG_1491.jpeg

 

[LQT]

Can’t speak to the loose fitting Y fitting, but I’m thinking, just as you suspect, pressure from your split nozzles would be greater had you gone with a reducing Y fitting to go from 3/4” to dual 1/2” returns.

https://www.amazon.com/Loc-Line-4in-inch-Reducing-Fitting/dp/B001EHHXLC

Splitting a single 3/4” line to dual 3/4” lines with large 3” flare nozzles on each end would massively reduce flow, as you seem to be experiencing.

 

[bluemonster7]

Yeah the pressure loss I understand but Im just thinking since at the point where I connected to another is loose fitting that maybe some pressure is lost slipping through the lack of tight fit.

Also curious is the two different sizes fitting but not tight even possible or does 3/4" fit and stay on 1/2" but loosely or does the 3/4 just all right off the 1/2" piece

 

[bluemonster7]

yes I was thinking that too about the reducing fitting but the split return is 3/4 and Im thinking maybe the piece that comes out of bulkhead may be 1/2 so I would need the coupler piece but the other way around 1/2" coupled to 3/4 split

 

[LQT]

So are you saying that currently, you have a 1/2” “origin” line line split into two 3/4” lines with flare nozzles at the end? That would be a serious reduction in flow pressure coming out of the larger splits. Also, 1/2” locline won’t mate with 3/4” loc line. If that’s what you have, that would also explain the pressure loss due to a loose leaky fit. If the threaded locline part is 1/2” you should use a 1/2” Y adapter to form dual 1/2” returns into the tank. That would help immensely with the pressure loss.

https://www.amazon.com/Lockwood-Products-Loc-Line-inch-Socket/dp/B001EHLS86

 

[bluemonster7]

Wouldn't I need to go 1/2" to a 3/4" Y since 3/4 is what I just got? And if you put a 3/4 onto a 1/2 does it actually snap on and then stays on very loosely?

It snapped on and was pretty hard to connect as this loc lines do and its on there as shown in the pic but can easily fall out.

IM not sure the fitting and one loc line ball is 1/2. Just thinking maybe it is because the 3/4 split I just bought is so loose.

All that being said if it is 1/2" coming out of that return pipe I think I would probably be better just eating the cost and getting a 1/2 split return setup to keep the pressure up.

 

[LQT]

Agreed, I think you’d be better off eating it and converting to dual 1/2” returns using the 1/2” Y adapter that I linked to above. Besides, I don’t think they make a Y adapter that goes from a single 1/2” locline connection to dual 3/4” locline connections.

 

[mann1139]

I have some generic tubing that isn't loc-line, and I found it was not compatible.

I would verify all of your tubing is the same brand first.