RE: Copper Fuel Lines

["Frederick K. Sharpless" <FKS@elsfirm.com>]

To respond to Mr. Lutkin's post:

In an earlier life I worked in auto service in New England, the land of
rust.  The subject of copper tubing for fuel and other lines came up
frequently.

Based on (possibly out of date) engineering advice and actual
experience, you do not want to use copper for anything more critical,
than, say, windshield washer tubing.  We considered it a serious enough
safety issue that we removed it from brake and fuel systems on sight.
Most of the copper  tubing sold is super-annealed and therefore easy to
bend and work with (therefore appealing for service).  It is also too
weak for any high-pressure application (brakes, power steering, etc.)
All copper tubings work-harden upon repeated flexing, which flexing need
not be visible (vibration or slight movement may be enough).  When it
work hardens, it breaks, generally without any sort of warning.  Fuel
all over the place, especially in a car with a pusher pump.  I have seen
two cars burn as a result of replacement copper fuel line breaks, and
many develop leaks.  Use steel, and if corrosion is a serious concern,
stainless is an option (difficult to bend; see a fabricator, but lasts
forever).  Aeroquip braid (also pricey) also works nicely where a
flexible connection is required.  Most likely, though, replacement of
your steel line with plain steel tubing will be good for another 23
years.

Rick Sharpless
91 164S
former (like to have it back) 69 Berlina 1750
2 Suburban 2500's
1 93 Taurus
1 1964 Oliver 550 tractor