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Date:         Mon, 2 May 2005 18:31:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Replacing metal coolant hoses with copper?
Comments: To: rrecardo@WEBTV.NET
In-Reply-To:  <3904-4276422F-2281@storefull-3174.bay.webtv.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

The oil cooler in Fun Bus uses 5/8" copper refrigeration tubing for most of the run front to back. It hasn't failed in over 200k. Hydraulic brake lines are a no-no. The Bluebird has air brakes which only use ~90 psi. My motor home Freightliner Chassis uses the plastic tubing and the major benefit there is cost and ease of installation. What a rats nest.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Robert Cardo Sent: Monday, May 02, 2005 11:07 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Replacing metal coolant hoses with copper?

Tim,

Every vehicle you see on the road ( including your's) has steel brake, fuel, and if applicable coolant lines.

The reason being is the steel won't fracture as the copper lines do.

Other than a 1948 McCormick Deering farm tractor I have never seen any vehicle use copper for fuel.

It's dangerous. Brake lines will swell as the pressure is applied.

Very unsafe.

I just had a conversation with a friend who just did a frame off resto on a 51 Ford PU for his dad.

His dad wanted copper lines to the carb's, because all cars on the road used this.

He had a fit--I said he was out of his mind, and sure enough the fuel lines were leaking at the flares at the carbs.

Steel lines replaced them quickly.

Propane is a different animal, and copper is acceptable for some crazy reason, as is the water lines to the sink. ( plastic flex line is better, and used in all heavy duty air, and fuel lines in all class 6,7 8 trucks and busses )

If you don't believe me Tim, pick up the phone and get in touch with any GM, Ford, VW, or any vehicle mfg. or even a FLAPS ( NAPA would be good ) and ask them why is a poor idea for brake and fuel lines, let alone water coolant pipes with pressure on it.

I wouldn't use it anywhere where vibration is an issue.


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