Is there any issue with using copper for under car hard fuel lines?
12 replies to this topic
#1
rexy
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 07:00 PM
#2
_robslxhatch_
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 07:10 PM
I know a guy who did it to an EH, don't think he had any problems although it is very conductive , if that is anything to be worried about I don't know...
#3
originalglenn
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 07:24 PM
doesnt copper work harden?
a bit of flexing and it will eventually break
a bit of flexing and it will eventually break
#4
Posted 14 April 2012 - 09:20 PM
^ I have heard that quoted before as a reason not to use it for fuel
#5
_Bomber Watson_
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 09:27 PM
With how cheap seamless alloy tubing is from the states, along with tube nuts and flairs etc, why the frOck would you bother??
Cheers.
Cheers.
#6
_oldjohnno_
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 09:39 PM
The only real downside is, as already mentioned, it can crack if its allowed to vibrate. But realistically if its well supported in rubber lined clips and flexible rubber hoses are used to make the connections it'll last a long long time.
Aluminium has similar fatigue issues and has to be well mounted too. Either is fine for normal use but for really heavy duty use you can't beat steel.
Aluminium has similar fatigue issues and has to be well mounted too. Either is fine for normal use but for really heavy duty use you can't beat steel.
#7
Ice
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Posted 14 April 2012 - 11:10 PM
Would copper affect the fuel
#8
_ht467_
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Posted 15 April 2012 - 07:16 AM
Hey Rexy, i had a copper fuel line in the HT way back when i was first building it and had to replace it due to the hardening issue. Not sure if i did it baecause of what i was told or i had to so it would pass the RWC. I think the general consensus though is it should not be used. Hope all's going well.
#9
_oldjohnno_
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Posted 15 April 2012 - 07:24 AM
...I think the general consensus though is it should not be used...
True. But if it's mounted properly it'll outlast the car.
#10
V-SLR5000-P
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Posted 15 April 2012 - 08:36 AM
I'm with oldjonno, Copper has been used for fuel and oil as long as there has been cars, as with this marvellous old Bugatti straight eight. But it does need to be properly mounted and protected from vibration. As a fixed hard line with a length of flexible line between both the fuel tank and carburettor l don't see a problem.
#11
Peter UC
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Posted 15 April 2012 - 07:40 PM
Copper tubing is used for most LPG installs, so I'm sure it's fine for petrol
#12
_TorYoda_
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Posted 17 April 2012 - 10:17 PM
For some reason the tech guys at the drags will not accept copper tubing for fuel lines. I have heard many of the above reasons quoted for this but not seen anything official in writing.
#13
73TORANA!
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Posted 27 April 2012 - 08:44 AM
Hi all , because copper and steel are dis'similar metals they cause electrolysis and are prone to corrosion , not useually a problem in your car but with the impurities in the fuels today you may get green corrosion build up inside the lines and if it comes loose it will attatch itself to the brass bits in your carbie's if you got them .
Just a thought wern't the inside of tanks and fuel lines lead plated or treated to help prevent rusting , not sure .
Just a thought wern't the inside of tanks and fuel lines lead plated or treated to help prevent rusting , not sure .
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