Date:         Mon, 2 May 2005 15:35:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Randy Bergum <organslave@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Randy Bergum <organslave@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Replacing metal coolant hoses with copper?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

My 1967 Mini Cooper S has copper brake lines - single circuit too!
Oh, wait........ I thought this was the British complaint line.

Never mind.

Seems that Stainless would be good, but it is brittle to a degree and may
not like being formed at corners and ends.

"Titanium.................. uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uhhhhhhhhhh........."
--  Homer Simpson, 2005

Randy Bergum


> [Original Message]
> From: Robert Cardo <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Date: 5/2/2005 8:10:07 AM
> 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.