All-American Hose

4 and 5 Storz
Coupling Service Manual

1. Storz Coupling Components

Ramp
a. Storz Head The Storz head is the swivel
connection on the Storz coupling. Its primary Lug
features are the lugs and ramps which allow
couplings to connect together, and the locks which
Lock
prevent couplings from coming apart inadvertently.

b. Tailpiece (shank) The tailpiece is the round,

tubular part that fits inside the head, and slides inside
the hose. It also contains the groove into which the
gasket is installed.

c. Clamp Segments The clamp segments fit over the

hose and tailpiece and secure the hose to the
coupling tailpiece. There are 3 identical segments in
each coupling.
 d. Clamp Bolts The clamp bolts connect the 3 clamp
segments together. There are 3 bolts in each clamp
assembly.

e. Pressure Gasket The pressure gasket fits in the

gasket groove in the tailpiece and forms the seal
between mating couplings. The pressure gasket is
black and has a flat mating surface.

Pressure gasket installed in tailpiece

2. Coupling Identification Guide

All-American Hose (AAH) coupling design has evolved over the years, resulting in the
current design. This design has proven to be very user-friendly and robust. AAH
recommends that older couplings be replaced with the current design rather than being
rebuilt.
The following information is focused on the current Storz couplings. For information on
older styles, please contact the factory.
The current generation (beginning in 2010), has a machined, anodized aluminum
tailpiece, and a unique clamp design, as illustrated below.

5-inch: 3-3/8
4-inch: 3-1/8

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3. Tools Required

a. Mounting Plate (FMB40 = 4-inch; FMB50 = 5-inch)

b. 1/2 drive ratchet/socket wrench
c. 5/16 Allen socket (1/2 drive)
d. Torque wrench 1/2 drive (foot pounds)
e. Knife
f. Screwdriver or Awl
g. Grease (standard bearing grease or anti-seize)
h. Soapy water

4. Coupling Removal

a. Secure the coupling in the appropriate size mounting plate. Mounting plates are
available through your AAH dealer. Or, the coupling can be connected to a solid
Storz connection on a truck to hold it while being serviced. (Note: A vise may be
used to hold the coupling by the lugs, but care must be taken not to damage the
lugs.)
b. Remove the coupling by cutting the hose off close to the coupling tailpiece. The
hose may be cut using a sharp utility knife.

Mounting Plate

c. If the coupling, or any part of the coupling, is to be re-used, the hose will need to be
cut off of the tailpiece.
i. In order to do this, remove the bolts in the clamp segments and remove the
segments.
ii. If possible pull the hose end off the tailpiece. Generally, the hose will be tightly
adhered to the tailpiece. If so, carefully cut the hose end longitudinally and peel
the hose off of the tailpiece. Be careful not to heavily scratch the tailpiece, as
this could cause a leak.

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 iii. To remove the Storz head, the snap-ring will need to be removed. Use a
screwdriver or an awl to pop the ring out of its groove, and then slide it off of the
tailpiece.
iv. Slide the head off of the tailpiece.
v. Clean any parts that are to be re-used with soapy water and a scrub brush.

5. Coupling Assembly Instructions

a. Ensure the gasket is installed in the tailpiece. If not, install the gasket by rocking it
into the gasket groove. Soapy water may be used as lubrication.

b. Slide the tailpiece into the Storz head from the lug end. If re-using components,
ensure they are clean and free of corrosion.
c. Secure the assembly in a mounting plate.
d. Slide the snap-ring over the tailpiece until it snaps into the snap-ring groove located
just above the shoulder in the Storz head.

Snap-ring Snap-ring groove

e. Remove the assembly from the mounting plate and check for free operation of the
head. The head should swivel easily on the tailpiece.

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6. Coupling Installation

a. Trim the hose to obtain a clean, square end.

Bad Good

b. Secure the coupling in a mounting plate or to a Storz connection on a truck.

(Note: A vise may be used to hold the coupling by the lugs, but care must be taken
not to damage the lugs.)
c. Slide the hose over the tailpiece until it stops against the ledge inside the Storz
head.

Ledge inside
the Storz head

d. Place the clamp segments around the hose. The square corner goes towards the
Storz head and the rounded corner goes towards the hose.

e. Lightly grease the bolt threads and under the head of the bolt.

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f. Install the bolts finger-tight. (Note: For ease of assembly it may be possible to
pre-connect the three clamp segments with two bolts, wrap the segments around the
hose, and then install the third bolt.)
g. Tighten each bolt in sequence a few turns at a time maintaining an even gap
between segments. Avoid pinching of the hose between the segments. A light
solution of soapy water can be used as a lubricant between the hose and segments.
h. Final torque is 25-30 ft-lbs for RUBBER hose. Final torque is 35-40 ft-lbs for
DOUBLE-JACKET hose.
i. Hose naturally takes a set resulting in a lower apparent torque on the bolts over
time. AAH recommends re-torqueing the bolts after service testing.

7. Service Testing

WARNING: In accordance with NFPA 1962, par. 7.2.11, all hose is to be service
tested after couplings are serviced and/or replaced. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury to personnel or damage to equipment.
WARNING: NFPA 1962, par. 6.2.12 requires that the bolts on Storz type couplings
be re-torqued at least annually to the manufacturers specified settings, and that
any components that show signs of wear be replaced.
Consult NFPA 1962 for instructions on how to perform service testing. Service
testing of hose can be dangerous if done improperly. If Fire Department
personnel are not trained in how to perform service testing AAH recommends
hiring a hose testing service to perform annual and repair service tests.
A copy of NFPA 1962 can be purchased from NFPA at the following:
http://www.nfpa.org/.

8. Maintenance Instructions

Storz couplings are simple, reliable devices that will operate safely and satisfactorily for
many years with basic care and maintenance. NFPA 1962, section 6.2 contains
excellent information regarding coupling care and maintenance. Following is additional
information based on NFPA 1962 and direct experience.
a. Lubrication - Lubricating Storz couplings is not recommended because of the
possibility of picking up dirt and other contamination that can interfere with proper
operation. A Storz coupling in good condition will connect properly without
lubrication of any kind. Lubricating the gasket faces has minimal benefit since the
gaskets do not slide against each other when couplings are connected.
b. Cleaning - The couplings can be cleaned by simply spraying with water. The areas
of concern are the lugs, ramps, locks, and the swivel. Ensure the lugs and ramps
are free of dirt and debris. Check that the lock operates freely. Ensure that the
swivel moves freely.

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c. Gasket replacement - The Storz gaskets are very durable and rarely need
replaced. Should replacement be necessary, the old gasket can be pried out with a
small screwdriver or awl, taking care not to damage the groove in the tailpiece. The
new gasket is installed by rocking it into the groove. Soapy water can be used as
lubrication.
d. Lock - The lock is a critical safety feature which prevents accidental separation of
the couplings. It must operate freely and must securely lock the mating couplings
together. Replace any parts which are damaged. A lock repair kit, part number
STZLK, is available from your dealer.
e. Swivels - The Storz head is designed to swivel easily on the tailpiece. Any coupling
that does not swivel must be cleaned or repaired. Possible causes of not swiveling
are: contamination; corrosion; broken or displaced snap-ring; damaged tailpiece or
Storz head.
f. Bolt torque - Bolted connections naturally lose bolt load over time. NFPA 1962
recommends that bolts be re-torqued prior to every service test.

WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER: There are no express warranties that extend beyond
the description on the face hereof. SELLER DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Since
Seller cannot control the manner or use of its products after their sale, Seller will not be
responsible for any consequential or indirect damages. Rather, Seller will, at its option,
either replace the products sold or refund the purchase price. No warranties will apply if
the products are in any way altered, modified, or damaged after delivery by the Seller.

217 Titusville Road

Union City, Pennsylvania 16438-8696 USA
PH: 814-438-7616 FAX: 814-438-8163

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Quality Management System

021513