broken oil pressure line
Thread Starter
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
broken oil pressure line
I have a 1970 coupe with the 350 engine. I put in a new distributor and when I started the car, oil sprayed on the windshield. I found the plastic oil pressure line was broken close to the fitting below the distributor. I see that Ecklers and Corvette Central have replacement plastic line kits and Mid America has a copper line kit. I like the idea of the copper better but would like some input from the Forum. Will this be difficult to replace? Thanks, Rob
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I have a 1970 coupe with the 350 engine. I put in a new distributor and when I started the car, oil sprayed on the windshield. I found the plastic oil pressure line was broken close to the fitting below the distributor. I see that Ecklers and Corvette Central have replacement plastic line kits and Mid America has a copper line kit. I like the idea of the copper better but would like some input from the Forum. Will this be difficult to replace? Thanks, Rob
Replacing the line is easy once you get to the guage in the dash! That's the hard part.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Secondly, I recall quite clearly that copper is a dangerous way to go because the copper gets brittle and will rupture, usually at the worst time. Do a search over at the NCRS DB Archives and here and see if you can find the original post. The folks who were talking about this were quite adamant that copper was an accident looking for a place to happen. Again, don't trust my memory, do a search.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Frankly, I would use the plastic.
As for copper, in the Model T club we use it for gas and oil lines. The flared fittings break with vibration, but compression fittings seem to hold up well. Do put a couple loops between engine and firewall to absorb vibration.
As for copper, in the Model T club we use it for gas and oil lines. The flared fittings break with vibration, but compression fittings seem to hold up well. Do put a couple loops between engine and firewall to absorb vibration.
Thread Starter
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
Thanks guys. So far it is 50% copper and 50% plastic...I will go by the parts store tomorrow and see what they have in stock. While I would prefer copper, since GM went with plastic that might be best. How about an electric conversion, any one? Ron
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
If you really want to get exotic you can install a braided teflon sender line. Racers use them (I've got one on my vintage racer). The plastic lines get brittle from the underhood heat in a Vette and you don't have to bump them very hard to break them. I like the idea of copper with a loop in it to absorb vibration.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Nylon..had copper been better, GM's engineers would have specified the use of copper. I had a copper line break on my 57 Chevy.
For strenght, you can't beat the 1/8" steel line.
For strenght, you can't beat the 1/8" steel line.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,077
Likes: 0
From: westmoreland N.H.
just get a replacement ferule, and cap for the block fiting. then cut line back a little to get away from break. this will be easier than trying to get at the back of the presure gauge in the cluster. you can get them at any auto store. bring your old one so they can match it up...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
just get a replacement ferule, and cap for the block fiting. then cut line back a little to get away from break. this will be easier than trying to get at the back of the presure gauge in the cluster. you can get them at any auto store. bring your old one so they can match it up...
But after putting in a new dist. you probably tapped it with the dist gear, and only need to.do what is mentioned above! Very easy!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
I believe that there is enough evidence that over time copper gets brittle and more susceptible to failure. Even if you take a vote here and use the results, why would you take ANY chance that the copper line will fail and either cause an expensive repair or a big mess to clean up?
Don't take our word for it. Go digging and see what you can come up with. I doubt that you will find any copper lines on cars. Must be a reason for it.
Gary
Don't take our word for it. Go digging and see what you can come up with. I doubt that you will find any copper lines on cars. Must be a reason for it.
Gary
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,991
From: Connecticut, USA
I replaced the one in my 72 with another plastic kit from Paragon. I have the tubing here but the ferule is different then the type the auto stores have and it didn't fit tight enough and leaked. The one from Paragon or any good vendor works the best. I could have machined a brass ferule but it wasn't worth the time or trouble,get the kit.
Thread Starter
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
WOW, what a mess. I went to NAPA and they had a VDO copper oil line for $10. Now I am looking for the plastic fix at other stores tomorrow. I also will try to stretch the original line if possible. What a PITA! It seems electric would be the most reliable. Rob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 292
From: Ocala FL
FINALLY, we have the answer. Yes, both the copper and the nylon/plastic lines will eventually break and usually at the worse time. And there seems to be a 50/50 chance of it breaking at the gauge and thus flooding the interior with oil (real fun) or near the engine so it flows over the exhaust, making lots of smoke.The safest is the braided lines for racing, however, the copper and nylon both work if you keep an eye on them and replace them periodically.
The best is the copper-plated steel, and you can get that at several places, as it fits the easiest and is strong enough to last.
You should also check your local hydraulic hose supplier. Places like Aeroquip are many times higher than the local guy, and the stuff is the same in quality.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
DO NOT STRETTCH the old line!!! If you are short you will have to replace the line!!!