Winter 5-Way Tubing Quick Connector Reviews

I'm putting all new instruments in my LAK and am thinking about using Winters 5-way tubing quick connector. Wondering what the thoughts are on this connector. If you have this device, are you experiencing any leaks or other problems associated with it? Pro's Cons?

Thanks for your advice.
Don
F2

On Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 10:01:04 AM UTC-5, Don Grillo wrote:
I'm putting all new instruments in my LAK and am thinking about using Winters 5-way tubing quick connector. Wondering what the thoughts are on this connector. If you have this device, are you experiencing any leaks or other problems associated with it? Pro's Cons?

Thanks for your advice.
Don
F2

The convenience is not worth the leaks that result from my experience. I have seen undisturbed connector mysteriously leak. I can only surmise it is temperature related. If you plan on removing your panel make sure you sue soft tubing that will reseal well and leave some length for minor trimming to present a new sealing point now and then.
FWIW
UH

On Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 10:01:04 AM UTC-5, Don Grillo wrote:
I'm putting all new instruments in my LAK and am thinking about using Winters 5-way tubing quick connector. Wondering what the thoughts are on this connector. If you have this device, are you experiencing any leaks or other problems associated with it? Pro's Cons?

Thanks for your advice.
Don
F2

I've used them in glider since 1995 without a problem. Be careful that the set screw doesn't strip the plastic thread (the retaining screw). I remove my SZD-55 upper panel for each winter and occasional instrument changes without a problem. Very convenient. Agree with UH that you will have to trim once in a while for a good seal, and if you have a leak, it's the first place I'd look. I liked the 4-way Polish tubing connector (which screws together for a better seal) more but I needed 5-way (the other input of the electronic stall warning). Assuming a removable panel, I'd get the Winter again.

Whatcha go'n to put in the panel?

On Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 7:01:04 AM UTC-8, Don Grillo wrote:
I'm putting all new instruments in my LAK and am thinking about using Winters 5-way tubing quick connector. Wondering what the thoughts are on this connector. If you have this device, are you experiencing any leaks or other problems associated with it? Pro's Cons?

Thanks for your advice.
Don
F2

I have seen many leak over the years. Once they do, it is usually in flight and detection and trouble shooting is hard. Just get 4 or more straight connectors, the chrome plated brass ones with bulbs, not barbs, and trim a little off each each tube when you reconnect.

I've used it in my Ventus 2b for 15 years and have not had a problem.

Thanks for the replies. I will take everything posted into consideration.

New Instr. (Lxnav 9050 with 57mm V8, 57mm Sage Vario, 57mm Winter AIS and ALT, powerflarm, remote stick, Air Avionics combo radio/transponder when it comes available)


On Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 9:01:04 AM UTC-6, Don Grillo wrote:
I'm putting all new instruments in my LAK and am thinking about using Winters 5-way tubing quick connector. Wondering what the thoughts are on this connector. If you have this device, are you experiencing any leaks or other problems associated with it? Pro's Cons?

Thanks for your advice.
Don
F2

On Monday, January 18, 2016 at 10:33:44 AM UTC-5, Don Grillo wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I will take everything posted into consideration.

New Instr. (Lxnav 9050 with 57mm V8, 57mm Sage Vario, 57mm Winter AIS and ALT, powerflarm, remote stick, Air Avionics combo radio/transponder when it comes available)


Remember to tee the TE line as far aft as you can, or the mechanical (Sage) and electronic varios can 'cross-talk' - assuming you plan to use TE on the 9050. Check the "mechanical vario" link at http://www.borgeltinstruments.com/ .

I used the 4-way connectors in the past, the ones that are threaded. Probably Winter but not sure. Convenient but leaks can occur. When reconnecting, push the two halves together, then tighten the threaded knob. Then push the halves together again and retighten. Repeat. If you don't do this a few times to compress the little sealing rings, you can get a leak. Worst is a cross leak that feeds pitot or TE into another line.

Best is to run a leak check after you reconnect. But that defeats the whole point of the convenience. So I haven't used them in a long time, since we had a Libelle where you had to remove the panel to work on it.

Chip Bearden