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Has anyone substituted an 1/8 inch copper tubing for the cheap plastic line oil line that goes from the engine to the indicator. The plastic line becomes very brittle over the years and does not take much to break it. I am guessing I may have to replace the fittings to make this work. Since this is my first corvette I thought I would pick the minds from the most knowledgeable people out there. Thanks
Do a Google Search and you should come up with a parts list of items that you will need. There are fitting needed at the engine and dash gauge, along with the braided stainless steel tubing. I thought about replacing the thin OEM plastic tubing, but wasn’t sure where to source the necessary items. Also I figured the CRAPPY CHEAP restoration carpet will wear out before the oil line breaks, just my personal opinion.
Plenty folk have substituted copper tubing for oil, gas, brake or hydraulic fluid lines on automobiles. Most have lived to tell the tale. Others, not so much.
Copper tubing work-hardens because of routine vibration. Once hardened, it becomes brittle and much more susceptible to breaking. Fact-Check that.
Suggest Do Not use copper tubing on motor vehicles, boats or aircraft.
Suggest replace your aging plastic oil line with a matching OE-type line assembly from a corvette supply house OR with an armored line assembly.
* if and when an oil line lets go at speed, ruined carpet will pale in comparison to what can and does result.
A word of caution also. I had copper on my 68. It developed a crack at the fitting on the oil gauge and filled the radio and floors with oil before I figured out it was leaking. A huge mess. No more copper for me.
Hello,
You can believe that Chevrolet used the 'plastic' line and fittings for a reason.
I had my 71 for more than 50 years and more than 45,000 miles.
There are a couple of tiny fittings that help keep the line open.
If the line is run carefully there are no sharp bends needed to make it to the oil pressure gauge connection.
Regards.......
Has anyone substituted an 1/8 inch copper tubing for the cheap plastic line oil line that goes from the engine to the indicator. The plastic line becomes very brittle over the years and does not take much to break it. I am guessing I may have to replace the fittings to make this work. Since this is my first corvette I thought I would pick the minds from the most knowledgeable people out there. Thanks
The OEM line is not a "cheap plastic line".
They seldom fail due to age.
They are difficult to replace due to the fitment required at the rear of the gauge.
The OEM line is not a "cheap plastic line".
They seldom fail due to age.
They are difficult to replace due to the fitmnot very lengthent required at the rear of the gauge.
On previous bumper car, its brittle, aged OE black plastic oil line did crack/break just above the OE brass block fitting. This occurred at-speed; and Very quickly did spew a LOT of hot oil over hot engine & rear of hood. Thankfully, failure was not in cabin. Most fortunate there was no fire. That OE black plastic was very brittle; at that stage it's hazardous. Seldom/Rare or not, it did happen and might've been much worse. Suggest do Not assume yours is OK. Although oil loss was sudden and relatively short duration; motor suffered oil starvation so significant that motor required complete overhaul. Fortunate I was capable to R&R motor myself and perform overhaul. Regardless, it cost lots of time & expense.
FWIW about 4 years ago I replaced my original plastic oil line due to the end that connects to the short copper line getting buggered up accidentally. the 50yr old line with close to 200k miles on it was still super flexible I literally tied it in a knot and it did not crack or break. Not saying what is made today will be as good nor am I saying all of the old line should be the same as mine - just saying mine was nowhere near cracking or leaking.
Pat
C3 oil line to indicator
