What about copper tubing ?
03-15-2004, 06:23 AM
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What about copper tubing ?
Hi guys,
I live in a remote area, so hardware is hard to come by and I have to use my imagination a lot with what's available at the local Coop Store. I just finished building a plane and since there was no brass tubing available around here, I used 1/8" copper fuel line. It works for now, but does anyone know of a reason why copper shouldn't be used for this purpose with 15% nitro fuel ? And what about corrosion of the inside of the tubes ? Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Ray
I live in a remote area, so hardware is hard to come by and I have to use my imagination a lot with what's available at the local Coop Store. I just finished building a plane and since there was no brass tubing available around here, I used 1/8" copper fuel line. It works for now, but does anyone know of a reason why copper shouldn't be used for this purpose with 15% nitro fuel ? And what about corrosion of the inside of the tubes ? Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Ray
03-19-2004, 10:23 PM
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RE: What about copper tubing ?
Copper is superior to brass. You avoid the corrosion problem, plus the copper is easier to bend into any shape needed. I usually run it from the tank all the way to the engine, using only 3/4" or so of fuel line to connect to the carb.
03-20-2004, 09:01 PM
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RE: What about copper tubing ?
I would think that copper will tarnish and oxidize a thin layer on its surface. It turns greenish when it tarnishes. If you have ever seen a badly oxidized copper, you will see that it could have a lot of build up. What this will do to an engine... I don't know. Maybe one of the chemists here could tell us what reaction it may have to alchohol fuel.
03-20-2004, 11:59 PM
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RE: What about copper tubing ?
Well I suppose I could go dig out my old college chemistry text books to confirm my observations, but I ain't gonna
The matter has been addressed in these forums by people with a background in chemistry. I think the problem is a reaction of the zinc in the brass reacting with nitromethane. One thread has photographs of brass clunks that have been eaten away.
jess
The matter has been addressed in these forums by people with a background in chemistry. I think the problem is a reaction of the zinc in the brass reacting with nitromethane. One thread has photographs of brass clunks that have been eaten away.
jess
03-21-2004, 12:09 AM
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RE: What about copper tubing ?
I was thinking about it... Most alchohol stills ( drinking kind), are made of copper. I would guess if it is good for that then our engines should not mind!
03-25-2004, 12:27 AM
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RE: What about copper tubing ?
You are correct about the copper in distilling- brass or zinc produces s rather deadly drink.
A further obvious comparison- look at some ols brass cartridge cases that have lain on the ground for some time. They soon turn black, then get brittle and finaly start to disentigrate.
jess
A further obvious comparison- look at some ols brass cartridge cases that have lain on the ground for some time. They soon turn black, then get brittle and finaly start to disentigrate.
jess
