Fuel line question

Rich'sToys · Apr 15, 2016

Are there any drawbacks to using copper tubing for fuel lines on old tractors rather than steel? I was at a fellow's place recently who had several old tractors. All of his fuel lines were copper. It seems like it would be easier to work with, and he had a loop formed into each one to allow for any movement. I assume he used compression fittings, although I didn't look that closely.
Also, how hard or easy is it to get 5/16" copper tubing?

Michigan Iron · Apr 15, 2016

McMastester sells it but there are probably cheaper sources (about $10/ 3ft). They do not list fuel use on copper, but they do for brass. I do not have any experience using copper.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-metal-tubing/=11zqbv2

rustyfarmall · Apr 15, 2016

Copper is susceptible to cracking from vibrations. A rubber fuel line would be better.

moresmoke · Apr 15, 2016

I've used quite a bit of copper line over the years as fuel line. Never had a problem. Most hardware stores carry an assortment of sizes. Technically you are not supposed to use compression fittings for fuel. Flare
would be the proper way, but I have never had compression fittings fail me.

M-MAN · Apr 15, 2016

It will work fine as long as there isn't severe vibration. Yes compression fittings are fine. Deere used them. My local Ace hardware keeps it on the shelf.

old · Apr 15, 2016

For the price I sure as heck would not use it when you can buy steel line for less then half what the copper costs plus the steel line will not crack like the copper line tends to do.

Steve@Advance · Apr 15, 2016

Copper is a better conductor of heat. If the line is near the exhaust, or the line needs to be run behind the
carb, it is more prone to cause vapor lock, or boiling the liquid fuel inside the line.

The pre made steel brake lines from the auto supply are my preference. They can be formed easily without
kinking.

Neoprene rubber is not my favorite choice. It is prone to rot and rodent damage. Seems the new stuff sure
doesn't last like it used to.

bigbob1939 · Apr 15, 2016

Speedway motors sells stainless. 20 ft roll for $40.

the tractor vet · Apr 15, 2016

Never ever use rubber for a fuel line on a tractor . One guy over here did this on his 560 diesel and then mounted a 319 New Idea super picker on it and went to picking one nice fall day with a good stiff breeze blowing and as to what happened i am not sure but a little fire started . His two and a half pound extinguisher really did not slow it down much and it made it's way to the fuel line and there was no stopping it and the burning fuel getting on the ground and dry corn stocks with the wind it got ugly fast . By the time the fire dept got there they called for more dept. to help and with the help of five other dept.'s and the good running creek they did get the fire out but not before that field was toast and one vary well done 560 and picker . Yes making a steel line can be a real pain but worth the time .

RandyB(MI) · Apr 15, 2016

I use it. Right from auto store with flare fittings. It is NOT pure copper but an alloy. I don't think anything one can bend a 90 degree bend in without a kink (by hand...not bender)..and even bend back if you were so inclined and no sign of cracks/stress, is going to "crack" from engine vibration. I don't see any issues.

Fuel line question

Rich'sToys

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Michigan Iron

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rustyfarmall

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moresmoke

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M-MAN

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old

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Steve@Advance

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bigbob1939

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the tractor vet

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RandyB(MI)

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