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Has anyone encountered problems using storz fittings on hard suction for drafting? Especially during cold weather.

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Oh heavens yes. Storz are very problematic in drafting. In fact we avoid Storz couplings during drafting.
Stortz fitting work under pressure, not suction. Either set one side of your pumper with the Stortz and one with thread (we have the pump panel side set for draft) or, have your rubber hammer ready to switch out the intake fitting when you go to draft.
Actually, Stortz fittings will work just fine in drafting, given that you have the correct gasket.

We had to learn the hard way that gasket used in a drafting application is a bit thicker than the normal gasket in the adapter.

Our flexible hard suction have standard threads to which we added a thread to Stortz adapter. Leaked air like a sieve. Then we found out that we needed to switch to a drafting gasket. Not a single problem since then. All our hard suction have the Stortz adapters mounted and all our intake relief valve have Stortz.
I have drafted with a TFT stortz suction adaptor, and it functioned perfectly. However, that was in the summer months. I could see the gasket becoming less plyable in the cold, but would the cold effect it enough to lose suction? Maybe a softer gasket would help. Or, contact your sales rep and ask them for their advice.
Thanks for the comment. We eventually found this out as well. We also found out duct tape around the connection will work in a pinch.

David O. Couvelha said:
Actually, Stortz fittings will work just fine in drafting, given that you have the correct gasket.

We had to learn the hard way that gasket used in a drafting application is a bit thicker than the normal gasket in the adapter.

Our flexible hard suction have standard threads to which we added a thread to Stortz adapter. Leaked air like a sieve. Then we found out that we needed to switch to a drafting gasket. Not a single problem since then. All our hard suction have the Stortz adapters mounted and all our intake relief valve have Stortz.
We have completely removed all of our stortz fittings from our drafting operations. We tried it, it sucked air like wild. Luckily it was in a training situation. We now use stortz only for the pressure side of the pump, unless we are laying in from a hydrant. I know it can be done with the right gaskets, and right conditions. We found it easier to continue to spin on the hard suction than stortz it. That is just my department. If it works for you, don't change a good thing.
As long as you have a drafting gasket in the storz connection you should be ok. It has a ridge running along the outside portion of the gasket. It should work like a champ just by adding that.
you need the right gasket... they should be grey with a little rib around them. and make sure your storz couplings are compatable...not all are the same. also a good idea to keep some duct table handy too, just for good luck.

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