Copper fuel line?

**roadkill636** · 08-01-2020, 08:49 AM

Anyone ever tried using COPPER line for fuel lines?
I'm doing a Vst delete and thinking out of the box and modified a filter to accept 3/8"npt and 1/2" copper tubing.

If I suport the tubing well will copper be ok to use?
This pic is just a test to see if the pump and all routed. So far it pumps great

**nitro_rat** · 08-01-2020, 09:52 AM

I wouldn't. Copper doesn't like vibration at all. Nothing like fuel spraying around everywhere...

**XstreamVking** · 08-01-2020, 09:54 AM

Copper is a boat no,no. Even on steering systems it is sketchy.

**2quick4u** · 08-01-2020, 09:55 AM

It won't hold up to the bouncing the lines will come loose in the compression fittings. Flares might do ok. Otherwise the new standard on semis is a nylonish tubing and compression fittings

**David - WI** · 08-01-2020, 10:12 AM

Jeg's has stainless fuel line kits. https://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/JEGS-Sta...51509/10002/-1

**CVX20SPRINT** · 08-01-2020, 10:28 AM

My CVX20 Carlson had copper line from the tank in the front(probably it's whole life)and never had an issue.

**rock** · 08-01-2020, 10:39 AM

As hard as it is to believe they are using copper for brake lines now. I guess it all depends on the alloys used.

Rock

**David - WI** · 08-01-2020, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by rock

As hard as it is to believe they are using copper for brake lines now. I guess it all depends on the alloys used.

Rock

Copper-Nickel alloy: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-t...nes-1818499200

**Whaaaaat** · 08-01-2020, 12:18 PM

Thought I read or was told once about copper reacting with ethanol or other fuel additives. Anybody else ever heard this?

**FUJIMO** · 08-01-2020, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Whaaaaat

Thought I read or was told once about copper reacting with ethanol or other fuel additives. Anybody else ever heard this?

...nope...not me...

**FUJIMO** · 08-01-2020, 12:46 PM

...this electric fuel pump(walbro) came standard with all johnrude V-8 outboards, as well as some of the V-6's, for years & years. copper tubing & fittings. hey, but that was omc...

**nitro_rat** · 08-01-2020, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

...this electric fuel pump(walbro) came standard with all johnrude V-8 outboards, as well as some of the V-6's, for years & years. copper tubing & fittings. hey, but that was omc...

That's a loop on a single part that is rubber isolated. The weight of the tubing is self supporting and I would agree that it's suitable for that application. Notice the connections to external components are hose barb...

**Whaaaaat** · 08-01-2020, 03:42 PM

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ef049849h

Thought I was on to something.

Bet that's why there's always the weird green goo on brass fittings in the fuel circuit. If so copper would produce far more than brass.

**FUJIMO** · 08-01-2020, 03:59 PM

...i would not use copper tubing & fittings for fuel on a boat. i was just showing that omc used it at one time.

**XstreamVking** · 08-01-2020, 05:04 PM

I have seen lots of copper used on old diesel boats. It was always green and slimy. Never replaced any with new copper. Have used stainless tube for the straight runs and hose for bends.