Sylvie Willis
Copper tubing is a controversial choice for diesel fuel lines. While some people have used copper tubing for fuel lines in the past and claim to have never had any issues, others argue that copper should never be used for fuel lines. Some claim that copper tubing can get brittle, corrode, and cause leaks, while others argue that it is easier to cut, bend, and shape for a neat fit. Copper tubing is also said to accelerate the oxidation process of biodiesel, which is why stainless steel or aluminum is often recommended instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Copper fuel lines are not considered safe and are even illegal in some places. |
| Durability | Copper is prone to corrosion and can become brittle over time. |
| Maintenance | Copper lines are high-maintenance and prone to leaks. |
| Compatibility | Copper is not compatible with biodiesel as it accelerates its oxidation process. |
| Workability | Copper is easier to cut, bend, and shape than steel. |
| Historical Use | Copper was commonly used in fuel lines for vintage cars from the 1950s and 1960s. |
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What You'll Learn
Copper tubing is easier to cut, bend, and shape for a custom fit
Copper tubing is softer than steel, making it easier to cut, bend, and shape for a custom fit. This is especially useful for those who don't have the tools to work with harder metals. For example, some users have mentioned that they don't have the tools to make the double flares on steel ends. Copper tubing can be custom-flared and bent to create a nice, tight fuel line.
However, it's important to note that copper's softness can also be a disadvantage. Copper tubing can become brittle over time due to "work hardening" caused by vibration. This can lead to cracking and breakage. Steel, while harder to work with, is stronger and less likely to break. Additionally, copper tubing will require P-clips or similar attachments every 12" or so to ensure there aren't any long unsupported sections that can vibrate and cause work hardening.
Some users have reported success with copper fuel lines, especially in older vehicles. Vintage cars used copper as a matter of course, and some modern cars still use copper tubing in combination with steel and flexible fuel lines. However, others have cautioned against using copper, citing potential safety hazards. Copper is also known to accelerate the oxidation process of biodiesel, so stainless steel or aluminum is recommended in those cases.
Overall, while copper tubing is easier to cut, bend, and shape for a custom fit, there are durability and safety concerns to consider. It is essential to follow safety regulations and use the appropriate materials for fuel lines to prevent potential hazards.
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Copper corrodes and keeps corroding
Copper is a noble metal that exists naturally in its elemental form. It is highly resistant to corrosion in most environments, especially underground. This is due to the presence of a naturally protective film, or patina, that forms on the metal's surface. This patina is usually made up of reddish-brown cuprous oxide (Cu2O). As long as this protective layer is intact, copper is almost impervious to corrosion.
However, copper is not entirely immune to corrosion. If the protective film is destroyed and cannot be repaired, copper will corrode. This can happen due to exposure to certain environmental factors, such as water, oxygen, and certain types of acids. For example, copper corrodes at insignificant rates in areas with unpolluted air, non-oxidizing acids, and water. On the other hand, the presence of road salt, ammonia, sulfur, and oxidizing acids can accelerate corrosion. Additionally, coupling copper with other metals, such as aluminum or steel, can lead to severe galvanic corrosion.
In the context of diesel fuel lines, copper is not a recommended choice. This is because copper accelerates the oxidation process of biodiesel. Copper tubing has been known to be used as a replacement for steel fuel lines, but this is ill-advised due to the risk of corrosion. Copper corrodes and continues to corrode, just like steel, which is why plastic or aluminum are often preferred materials for fuel lines.
While copper may not be suitable for diesel fuel lines due to its susceptibility to corrosion, it is important to note that copper corrosion typically occurs at a slow pace and can take several years for the visible signs of tarnish to appear. Additionally, copper oxidation creates a decorative patina coat that prevents further exposure to oxygen and slows down the corrosion process.
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Copper accelerates the oxidation process of biodiesel
Copper is not a suitable material for diesel fuel lines. Copper corrodes and continues to corrode, the same as steel, which is why plastic or aluminium are preferred.
The pro-oxidant effect of copper makes it the least suitable metal alloy for materials involved with the production and storage of biodiesel. The stainless steel sample was the alloy that least accelerated the degradation of biodiesel, followed by carbon steel.
The metal contaminants in biodiesel can be derived from various sources, such as the copper heat exchangers used in its production, or the storage or transport containers. The longer the storage period, the higher the rate constant (k). The biodiesel samples containing only copper ions presented variation with a decrease in the activation energy in the assays performed after 64 and 136 hours.
The presence of rosemary extract in biodiesel samples was found to increase the induction period, as the phenolic compounds present in the extract act as antioxidants.
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Copper can become brittle over time due to vibration
Copper tubing is not recommended for diesel fuel lines. Copper corrodes and continues to corrode, and it also accelerates the oxidation process of biodiesel. Copper is embrittled by hydrogen, oxygen, bismuth, antimony, and mercury. Copper can also become brittle due to the inclusion of sulfur molecules through temperature cycling. Sulfur is present in diesel.
Copper wire or tubing is quite soft in its initial state, allowing for a variety of uses where the tubing needs to be bent into a desired shape. Upon bending, the copper hardens due to work hardening (also called strain hardening). Enough bending will make it impossible to return the copper to its original shape. However, this process can be reversed through annealing at a high enough temperature, which causes new, strain-free material to form.
Copper fuel lines are particularly susceptible to embrittlement due to their continuous exposure to high temperatures, high g-forces, and vibration. The vibration causes work hardening, which makes the copper harder and stronger, thus making it more difficult to bend further.
Therefore, while copper can be used for diesel fuel lines, it is not ideal due to its tendency to corrode and become brittle over time, especially when exposed to high temperatures, g-forces, and vibration.
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Copper tubing can cause some real fire issues
Copper tubing has been known to accelerate the oxidation process of biodiesel, leading to corrosion. Corrosion can cause fuel leaks, which can be dangerous if there is an ignition source present. Additionally, copper is a soft metal that can become brittle over time due to vibration, which can lead to cracks and breaks in the fuel line. This was evident in one instance where a user lost the clutch on their Elan due to work hardening and vibration-induced fracturing of a few inches of copper pipe.
Copper tubing is also high maintenance and prone to leaks, especially if not properly secured and supported. It requires regular clipping to the chassis at short intervals to prevent unsupported sections from vibrating and potentially breaking. This makes copper less suitable for fuel lines, as any leaks can increase the risk of fire.
While some users have reported using copper tubing for fuel lines without issues, it is important to prioritize safety and follow road safety regulations. Steel, aluminum, nylon, and rubber are recommended alternatives that are less likely to cause fire issues. These materials offer better durability and resistance to corrosion and vibration, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring a safer fuel line solution.
To summarize, copper tubing can accelerate biodiesel oxidation, corrode, and become brittle over time due to vibration, leading to potential fuel leaks and fire hazards. It is essential to prioritize safety by opting for recommended alternatives like steel, aluminum, nylon, or rubber, which offer improved durability and reduced fire risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Copper tubing can technically be used for diesel fuel lines, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns. Copper tubing is more likely to corrode and keep corroding, which can lead to leaks and potential fire hazards.
Alternatives to copper fuel lines include steel, rubber, plastic, aluminium, or nylon.
Copper tubing is much easier to cut, bend, and shape for a neat fit compared to steel tubing. It is also more flexible than steel, which makes it less likely to kink.
Copper tubing can get brittle over time due to vibration, which can lead to cracking and potential leaks. It is also more high-maintenance than other materials and may not be legal in some places.
