Has anyone used copper instead of stainless/steel/aluminum for fuel plumbing? I know copper pipe on the roll is a hardware store item, but I'm not sure if you can get steel/aluminum there as well. Summit offers steel/aluminum line on the roll but I was curious how copper would hold up. Would save me from having to pay shipping as well.

I've seen some websites that mention you can make fuel line out of copper, and I've seen fuel coolers (a small version of a transmission cooler) that have copper pipe, so I'm not that far off base, but wondering if anyone here has done it.

Not totally sure, BUT

The reason I think copper tubing isn't used by the factory is that copper will work harden and become brittle due to engine vibration.

Maybe if you are careful how you mount it to minimize the vibration the tubing sees it'll be OK, but I don't know.

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'68 Dodge Dart 4dr Sedan

I used copper tubing for a couple years on my polara, but someone warned me it would be bad. I never had a problem, but it is a weaker tubing. Depending on where you have it, it could get pinched easy. Vibration could be a problem as previously posted I guess. Gas itself would be ok I assume since diesel travels through it ok for 30+ years for boilers.

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Slant Six... out of the ordinary - just like me!

Napa had 25ft of 5/16" steel tube for $36. Summit has it for $18 + 8 shipping, but meh I didn't feel like mail ordering it so I just bought it from napa. Got 3 feet of 5/16" R9 fuel injection hose from monument for $3/ft (napa had it for $6.65/ft!)

DING DING DING!!!

Fuel coolers generally use a thicker gauge of tubing, and it is well braced by the cooling fins, so this isnt a problem. Copper is also softer than steel, so it is more susceptible to abrasion damage (rubbing against other objects).

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I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.

Are you sure copper is softer then steel when comparing the same thickness? I've worked with some copper water pipe before in my house when we redid the shower, and that stuff sure isn't too soft

In Australia, copper line is used in LPG/propane installations on motor vehicles with no problems, so I cant see why there would be a problem useing it for gasoline.

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94 Falcon 4.0 auto
70 Valiant 265 Hemi auto
70 Valiant 318, 904, Coupe
69 Valiant 225 auto x 3 (1 sedan, 2 coupes)
64 Falcon 250 2V auto
yes, I have too many projects.

Yes, I am sure. Copper water pipe is thicker than the malleable copper tubing, and can't be bent by any practical means. Mild steel tubing is more abrasion resistant, and doesnt fracture as readily due to work hardening.

Fingers, if the copper pipe you were talking about was being used on the high pressure side, I'd be concerned. Our regulations state that liquid LPG tubing/hosing must be rated for ~400PSI, and type 3 black hose is the only acceptable hose to use on the high pressure side. The low pressure vapor hose could be copper I suppose, but not over here. It is quite common on older installations to see copper tubing used for the coolant lines to the vaporizer, as leaking antifreeze isn't a fire hazard. My guess is the tubing youre speaking of is either coolant (or heater, depending on your POV) plumbing or it's copper coated steel. Steel lines here are usually cadmium plated.

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I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.

You could be right on the copper coated steel, probably for corrosion protection.

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94 Falcon 4.0 auto
70 Valiant 265 Hemi auto
70 Valiant 318, 904, Coupe
69 Valiant 225 auto x 3 (1 sedan, 2 coupes)
64 Falcon 250 2V auto
yes, I have too many projects.

Also, copper reacts poorly with some constituents of gasoline, which can make bizarre driveability problems. But that is secondary to the correct points others have made regarding the ductility of copper -- it is NOT NOT NOT a safe or suitable material for gasoline lines!