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copper fuel tubing
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8445		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Pierre [ Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  copper fuel tubing
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.
Author:  Patrick Devlin [ Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:53 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  Slanted73 [ Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  I've used it but...
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.
Author:  Pierre [ Tue Feb 17, 2004 4:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
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!)
Author:  steponmebbbboom [ Tue Feb 17, 2004 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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.
DING DING DING!!! :lol:

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).
Author:  Pierre [ Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
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 ;)
Author:  Fingers [ Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:57 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  steponmebbbboom [ Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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 ;)
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.
Author:  Fingers [ Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:36 am ]
Post subject: 
You could be right on the copper coated steel, probably for corrosion protection.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
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!
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