Experience with copper nickel tubing for fuel line??

[weim55]

I've read somewhere this stuff is much easier to work with than typical steel tubing and would like to give it a try. Does this stuff work well with inverted flare applications? Tight bends? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[Mbeef61]

I used it. 3/8 nicopp. Worked well. easy bends. Flares easier than steel. Won’t rust. A little more expensive but I thought it was worth it. I bought 25 feet and only really needed 10-15 for my in bed tank

[basketcase]

It polishes nice too. Looks good on multiple carb setups instead of rubber hose.

I do steel a lot but I cheat. I buy pre-made brake line straight sections a little longer than I need at the parts store. That way I already have a double flare on one end I'll be using and when I get the tubing bent like I want I only have to double flare one end per line.



Tom

[57taskforce]

This is all I’ll use. It bends easy, flares even easier, and it won’t rust.

[Mbeef61]

What flare tool are you using? I rented a couple kinds from autozone and oreillys and they both made crooked flares. I used them as you are supposed to but the part that crimps is always crooked as it gets tight. They are cheapo

[57taskforce]

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4503-Stin.../dp/B000L7QZ0Q
I have this one and it works great on steel and nicopp both. I’ve got a lisle one as well that works good too.
One key to a good flare is the prep on the tubing, if you follow the directions in this kit you will get good results.

[weim55]

I have a Mac tools inverted flare/bender kit that I’ve used for years with steel tubing and it works great. Sounded very appealing to have tubing (nickel copper ) That would be easier to work with. Where are you guys purchasing a nickel copper? I noticed Summit sells it, any local suppliers?

Thanks for the replies ,

Steve weim55 Colorado

[In The Ten Ring]

I plan to use copper-nickel (shouldn't it be called "cupric-nickel?") on my 2002 Accord this summer. Fuel and brake lines running under car are badly rusted.

I wish I had used copper nickel on my truck when I made new fuel and vent lines.

Some auto parts stores will loan out flaring tools, may be no reason to buy a set. I installed a bench vise just so I could use the flaring tool but that's not necessary either.

In case you don't know, take off your original line and lay it next to the replacement you plan to make. Try to mimic the bends and DON'T forget to put on your fittings BEFORE you bend. In my case I just used bubble flares for the truck.

*If you still have the in-cab tank, why not add a fuel cut off valve behind the seat? It's pretty easy to do and fairly easy to reach....might come in handy in case of an engine fire or for anti-theft protection.

[Mbeef61]

Originally Posted by weim55

I have a Mac tools inverted flare/bender kit that I’ve used for years with steel tubing and it works great. Sounded very appealing to have tubing (nickel copper ) That would be easier to work with. Where are you guys purchasing a nickel copper? I noticed Summit sells it, any local suppliers?

Thanks for the replies ,

Steve weim55 Colorado

I got it from summit. I had to get 25 feet. It worked well. How much did you need? I probably have at least 10 feet left.

[In The Ten Ring]

Mbeef61....that's great that you have offered your left over tubing to a fellow member. Good job!

My local Advance Auto carries the copper nickel tubing so I assume every shop would.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by weim55

I have a Mac tools inverted flare/bender kit that I’ve used for years with steel tubing and it works great. Sounded very appealing to have tubing (nickel copper ) That would be easier to work with. Where are you guys purchasing a nickel copper? I noticed Summit sells it, any local suppliers?

Thanks for the replies ,

Steve weim55 Colorado

My local car quest carries it on the shelf in 8ft sticks and 25ft rolls.

[tj1970cst]

I was a little skeptical, but bought a 6ft pre flared peice from advance to use when I put on my new intake and carb. Haven't done it yet.

[weim55]

Originally Posted by Mbeef61

I got it from summit. I had to get 25 feet. It worked well. How much did you need? I probably have at least 10 feet left.

Thanks for the offer! I have to do a complete system, pressure and return from the tank to the engine. Expect to use most of the 25 feet by the time I do the complete system. Thanks for the information everybody, I’ll report back the results.....

Steve weim55 Colorado

[p0508]

I used it for brake line as well, worked fantastic.

[firedemon]

Originally Posted by Mbeef61

What flare tool are you using? I rented a couple kinds from autozone and oreillys and they both made crooked flares. I used them as you are supposed to but the part that crimps is always crooked as it gets tight. They are cheapo

theyre cheap tools everyone beats on at those stores . its a real cheap tool to own even if you only use it only once in a while .

I bought the whole stainless line set from inline tool a couple pieces didn't survive shipping well and rather than wait for shipping again I tried to flare some stainless myself after the first one i flared failed to seal and I have been bending my own lines for years . I tried some of the nycop I will never use stainless again . even the larger tubes bend so easy and look so good when finished . although the tube might not rot the fittings will so if you flare your own get the stainless fittings makes it look better too

[LostMy65]

I just found out about this stuff and been reading up on it. My research was on how it holds up to ethanol.
I liked a post I found over at hotrodders. People use copper for making moonshine.

[LockDoc]

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I've been using the NiCopp for quite a while. Here is what I posted about it in 2015.

I used the newer NICOPP brake lines (nickel+Copper+Iron) on three of my projects. Really easy to bend and they will not rust. CNC 325 is 3/16" and CNC 425 is 1/4". I bought mine on e-Bay:

Here is the description:

NiCopp® is a nickel-copper alloy brake tubing that meets SAE Standard J1047 and ISO 4038, meeting all international and U.S. requirements for brake tubing. This alloy is approximately 9.2% nickel, 1.4% iron, 0.8% manganese, and 88.6% copper. Under the UNS system, this alloy is designated as UNS C70600. NiCopp® therefore has the strength and structural integrity of steel lines, but with the added benefit of being much more corrosion resistant. NiCopp® is also easier to bend and form than steel tubing. Nickel-copper, commonly referred to as '90-10 copper', has been used on several European vehicle brake systems since the 1970's, including: Volvo, Audi, Porsche, and Aston Martin.

NiCopp® has been used on hydraulic/fluid transfer systems on vehicles where steel lines and tubing are commonly used. This includes brake, fuel and transmission systems. NiCopp® is considered the super-premium brand in brake lines and should be considered where the underbody of the vehicle is subjected to the harshest environments, where the longest life-span for lines is required, and/or where direct OEM replacement is desired.

• NiCopp® Does Not Rust or Corrode
• DOT Approved for Hydraulic Brake Systems
• Bends 58% Easier than Steel Tubing
• Finished Lines Available for Domestic & Import
• Black Oxide Fittings 2X Corrosion Resistance

NiCopp® lines and tubing meet the following specifications:

SAEJ1047
ISO 4038
SAEJ1650
DIN 74234
BS2871

Best price I could find at the time was on eBay. You can actually coil it around a 1" wooden dowel by hand without kinking it. It also flares easy with a regular double flaring tool and there are coated flare nuts available. It comes in all sizes if you look on e-Bay. Some of the auto parts stores carry it but it is quite a bit more $.

There are some look-alikes out there but I can't vouch for them. All I have ever used is the actual NiCopp brand.

LockDoc

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I've been using the NiCopp for quite a while. Here is what I posted about it in 2015.



There are some look-alikes out there but I can't vouch for them. All I have ever used is the actual NiCopp brand.

LockDoc

Thanks for the detailed post!

[body bolt]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I just found out about this stuff and been reading up on it. My research was on how it holds up to ethanol.
I liked a post I found over at hotrodders. People use copper for making moonshine.