Fuel Line Size

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Can someone tell me what size fuel line I should run in a 48 Commodore 8 as the last guy installed 3/8 copper and I want to install the correct size steel line? Thanks

Comments

  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    DEFINTELY get rid of that copper - with copper fuel lines you driving a potential bomb!!!!!!!!



    I've used STEEL brake tubing available at your local NAPA (and probably other auto parts stores) in various lengths. Some have the facilities to cut to length with proper fittings.



    Hudsonly,

    Alex Burr

    Memphis, TN
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    The fuel line size is 5/16" o.d. tubing. Norm
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    As Herm notes the correct size is 5/16" but you might find that 3/8" is easier and cheaper to find. I used 3/8" stainless on my replacement and it stays looking great and you never have to worry about rusting out again.
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    According to Smokey Yunick the correct size is 2" diameter
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Well, I don't know really - they used copper on the early models. My 1928 Essex has a copper fuel line from the tank to the vacuum tank, and has never broken, leaked, or given any sort of problem what is the issue?

    Geoff.
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Geoff the reason not to use copper or aluminum is work hardening. If it is a short line with no vibration or movement it is probably OK but on long runs were there is movement over time the lines will crack and leak.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Okay, it's only 81 years old, so I'll keep an eye on it!
  • ESSX28-1
    ESSX28-1 Senior Contributor
    50C8DAN wrote:
    Geoff the reason not to use copper or aluminum is work hardening. If it is a short line with no vibration or movement it is probably OK but on long runs were there is movement over time the lines will crack and leak.



    Remember that the Essex runs a vacuum tank fixed to the fire wall or maybe an electric pump also fixed to the body,so there is likely to be minimal if any movement. On my Essex the copper line runs from the rear mounted tank to the vac tank on the firewall & I haven't had any cracking problems. It may be different for a line running to an engine mounted pump.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:
    Well, I don't know really - they used copper on the early models. My 1928 Essex has a copper fuel line from the tank to the vacuum tank, and has never broken, leaked, or given any sort of problem what is the issue?

    Geoff.



    Also running copper from gas tank in the rear to fuel pump in the front of more modern cars exposes copper to corrosion. Steel will rust, but at a far slower rate than copper will corrode.



    I point to, especially, northern tier states here in la la land that use salt in the winter time. Granted, not to many people run their cars under those conditions, but it won't take much. Salt and copper get along together about as well as, well, driving and texting.



    Hudsonly,

    Alex Burr

    HudsonTech

    Memphis, TN
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