It's true that vibration will work-harden copper lines. That was certainly a
problem with the T cars that had separate oil filter connected to the pump and
engine with copper lines. One needed to anneal the copper from time to time
in order to avoid it cracking.
But for fuel lines, work hardening is not much of a problem. Tank to chassis
to pump(s) in the engine space, the line is secured to something solid and is
not exposed to much vibration.
Were my fuel lines to need replacement, I would use copper tube.
Brake lines are, of course, a different matter. Cupro nickel is one
material that some prefer to steel. A friend, a mechanical engineer, used it
in his Austin Healey 3000 resto, only to have the Connecticut inspectors fail
the car because the line looked like copper. He was able to get material specs
from the tube manufacturer and the state relented.
Bob
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Charlie Baldwin <mgcharlie@comcast.net>
To: Undisclosed-recipients:;
Cc: mg-t@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Mg-t] Gas line replacement
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:10:01 -0400
Generally what I've heard is that you should always use steel for fuel
and brake lines because the vibrations involved with a car will work
harden copper making it brittle and prone to breaking.
There is a guy in the Austin-Healey world named Doug Reid who goes by
the name of Mr. Finespanner who makes up new brake and fuel lines for
Healeys. He's worked as a mechanic in many British car shops all over
the USA, even had his own business. Perhaps he could make them for
you. http://www.vintage-sportscar-touring.ca/technical/brakelines.html
I don't know what section of the country he is in right now though
Maryland is a place that he frequents.
Charlie
Larry Shoer wrote:
> Greg,
>
> I suggest you replace the entire line. You can get soft copper tubing
> of the right diameter from a local plumbing supply house. Specifically,
> it is 5/16" refrigeration tube and is usually sold in 50 foot lengths,
> but you may be able to buy it by the foot.
>
> Assuming the correct fittings are on your car, you can reuse those
> fittings and solder them on the new copper tubing. Some advantages of
> making your own fuel line are that you can fine-tune the length to
> exactly match what you need and you will have plenty of extra tubing
> (for less money than Moss, too) in case you make a mistake.
>
> Larry
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