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RE: copper brake pipes

To: british-cars@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: copper brake pipes
From: "Roger Garnett" <rwg1@postoffice3.mail.cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 1995 14:54:17 -0500
> >The advantage of copper pipes:
> >The manufacturers claim that they are rust free. 
> >Why should they be illegal? 

Because in general, copper is more prone to cracking, as it work hardens
when it is bent or compressed- thus copper sealing washers and gaskets
need to be re-anealed when reusing them. It's also more ductile, so can't
stand up to as high a pressure rating as steel. (Brake line pressures are
in the 1000-2000+ psi range). So, here anyhow, there are no approved
copper brake lines (DOT, Department of Transportation) in the U.S.

A while back, someone roumered that the "copper" lines sold in England
were actaully copper clad steel- could someone who has access to them
either verify or dispell this please? They would be made out of a 
different alloy than plumbing copper.
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