The oil cooler in Fun Bus uses 5/8" copper refrigeration tubing for most
of the run front to back. It hasn't failed in over 200k. Hydraulic brake
lines are a no-no. The Bluebird has air brakes which only use ~90 psi.
My motor home Freightliner Chassis uses the plastic tubing and the major
benefit there is cost and ease of installation. What a rats nest.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Robert Cardo
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2005 11:07 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
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.