The actual difference between JIC and AN is aviation certification. In fact, AN doesn't technically exist as a atandard anymore. You have JIC and aviation-certified JIC, although indistry still hangs on to the AN nomenclature.
We do tons with JIC in fluid power applications. I have deliberately tried to break JIC fittings by over-tightening and with even a long wrench of the correct size, I've never been able to. Now that's plated steel, no S/S or aluminum. But the short of it is, they'll take more tightening force than you'd imagine. And often you need it to get them to seal. In an engine oil application, I can't imagine the pressure being that high, which is why I suspect damage to a fitting. I would also look to see if the nut is bottoming before the flare makes contact- between-brand mismatch isn't unheard of. Also, I seem to remember some problems we had a few years ago with some imported machinery and British (BSBP) threads fitting but not sealing. Faint recollection and a long-shot but I never rule anything out.