aluminum fuel line
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
aluminum fuel line
I was looking at the Summit web site for new 3/8' aluminum fuel line based on another thread, and figured I would ask for any other opinions on its use.
Since, there aren't many options without pulling body does anyone have a problem with using the alum tube? Is it too soft to last? I assume it will look more stock than braided, and will not need a comp fitting to make a single run right?
Thanks
Since, there aren't many options without pulling body does anyone have a problem with using the alum tube? Is it too soft to last? I assume it will look more stock than braided, and will not need a comp fitting to make a single run right?
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Marietta ga
It will not look too stock, but it will work just fine. Be carefull using hose clamps, because you might bend the pipe. If it were me, I would just go ahead and run braided lines and AN fittings to the pump. Paint them black if you don't want them to be too flashy.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
I ran an aluminum return line for my EFI for about 3 years. I finally removed it and replaced with steel and the aluminum was very brittle. It cracked in several places when removed. Problem with aluminum is that it work hardens.
I went to a good parts store that carried 3/8" steel hardline. Regular parts stores had no clue.
I went to a good parts store that carried 3/8" steel hardline. Regular parts stores had no clue.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
Originally Posted by 999
Use SS or mild steel, unless you are going to check the line for cracks once a year.
George
George
Not, that I will spend a lot of time trying to get a strait run, I'll just splice it.
Thanks in advance
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Mild steel is much easier to bend than SS. I used 3/8" brake lines. They are easy to bend and are zinked for long life. Each line is 5 ft long and has brake fittings on each end. I used 3 lenghts and brass blocks to join the lines. Install was easy this way. You need to find a parts store that carries stuff for big rigs. Most parts stores don't have brake lines that big.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Work Hardening??? Work hardening involves millions of cylces moving through a distance. A fuel line supported occasionally on the frame neither moves through a distance, doesn't see alot of strain and as for millions of cylces?? I don't think so. I do run fatique tests as part of my lab for undergrads.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Norval: I'm no metallurgist, but I do know what I saw. When I installed the line it was soft and bendable. After 2 years when I removed it, it cracked and split when bent. Something happened in those 2 years. Work hardening? Fatigue? I dunno, but I felt like I dodged a bullet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 118
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Work Hardening??? Work hardening involves millions of cylces moving through a distance. A fuel line supported occasionally on the frame neither moves through a distance, doesn't see alot of strain and as for millions of cylces?? I don't think so. I do run fatique tests as part of my lab for undergrads.
Norval: I'm no metallurgist, but I do know what I saw. When I installed the line it was soft and bendable. After 2 years when I removed it, it cracked and split when bent. Something happened in those 2 years. Work hardening? Fatigue? I dunno, but I felt like I dodged a bullet.
Norval, I'm no metallurgest either, but isn't a fuel line subject to millions of cycles of >60psi when used in FI applications. I think of it as similar to the vacuum tank that fatiques with cracks due to numerous cycles of engine vacuum of < 20"Hg. Not much moving through distance going on, but lots of cycles make up for it. Ok now I am ready for Metallurgy 101
Bullshark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Johnston Iowa
If this is true I can't believe that places are even allowed to sell it as fuel line!! I looked in Jegs catalog and they call thier aluminum fuel line annealed aircraft quality fuel line. What exactly does "annealed" mean? I just converted my 69 big block from a Mechanical dead head regulator fuel system to a Mallory Comp 140 electric pump with a return style regulator and was going to plum it with 1/2 aluminum fuel line. Now I'm wondering what to do????
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by James
If this is true I can't believe that places are even allowed to sell it as fuel line!! I looked in Jegs catalog and they call thier aluminum fuel line annealed aircraft quality fuel line. What exactly does "annealed" mean? I just converted my 69 big block from a Mechanical dead head regulator fuel system to a Mallory Comp 140 electric pump with a return style regulator and was going to plum it with 1/2 aluminum fuel line. Now I'm wondering what to do????
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by 72-LT1
I guess I'm even more confused now. Norval was the SS line easy to bend over the wheel did you have to splice it together somewhere?
For the mustang I just bought the 25 foot coil of 1/2 inch aluminum from summit and again used compression fittings for joining the line.
I had the 1/2 inch stainless lines at work and could get them for free but thought they were too much work for the mustang.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
The stainless lines were NOT easy to bend and I had a special bender for them. I did use stainless compression fits for connecting the 3 pieces together to make the complete line.
For the mustang I just bought the 25 foot coil of 1/2 inch aluminum from summit and again used compression fittings for joining the line.
I had the 1/2 inch stainless lines at work and could get them for free but thought they were too much work for the mustang.
For the mustang I just bought the 25 foot coil of 1/2 inch aluminum from summit and again used compression fittings for joining the line.
I had the 1/2 inch stainless lines at work and could get them for free but thought they were too much work for the mustang.
