When I built my blower motor I used 3/8" aluminum tubing with Russell compression fittings from the fuel pump outlet to the carb. It doesn't leak and will never rust or dry rot, plus I like the way it looks. I have about 20' of this tubing left over and was planning on using it from the gas tank to just opposite the fuel pump, with the final connection being Gates rubber fuel line. I planned on running it on the inside of the frame rail with 3/8" insulated hose clamps along the way. One of my other friends told me not to use the aluminum tubing but rubber tubing all the way from the tank to the fuel pump. Are there issues I don't know about with the aluminum tubing?

Thanks,

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Ethanol and aluminum may not play well together.
Here is some fair reading on the matter:
http://www.nmma.org/assets/cabinets/Cabinet103/E20_Position_Paper.doc

Interesting article on Ethanol, but they seem to be talking about Ethanol levels in fuel that are greater than 10% potentially causing the most problems. I always use fuel additives to counteract the hydroscopic properties of Ethanol. Up here in this climate with the high humidity you have to. I guess it should be a consideration with aluminum fuel line too.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Aluminium can fatigue and fracture if there is any movement. Steel or stainless is always the best.

So what about all the other aluminum components in the fuel delivery system; intakes, carb adaptors, all those AN connectors, carb bodies etc.

When I did my pick-up I was going to install steel gas line from the rear to the engine but the local speed shop told me to use rubber fuel line. I think I read here somewhere that if you race there is a limit on the amount of rubber line you can use.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

Drag racing rules state a maximum of 12 inches of rubber hose, total.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

That would be for good reason. It could be easily cut if something sharp got flicked up. It would be dangerous and shoddy to run rubber for the length of the car. Well that's my opinion, and as others have said, it might be worth as much as you paid for it.

I've been running aluminum tubing for about 10k miles with no issues yet. It's all mounted rigidly, not much movement. The only rubber is between the chassis and engine.


Lawrenceville, GA

Galvanic action between the dissimilar metals (tubing and frame) was what my initial thought was, Ron. Your idea of using insulated clamps should prevent that though.

I think of aluminum tubing as being easy to bend, which is a plus. Ian's mention of fatigue factor with aluminum has merit. You might consider using two insulated clamps to the frame ~ 4 inches apart near any ends where there are neoprene hose connections. The intent would be to prevent any movement or flexing of the hose from 'working' the tubing.

Your car will not be used in the winter weather. In my area, if it did see use during snow and ice time, the chemicals used on the road would be a serious consideration for causing aggressive aluminum metal corrosion.

Regards,

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Regarding the ethanol, my understanding is that the EPA is 'efforting' to implement regulations that will raise the alcohol percentage from 10% to 15%.

I THINK there is some serious litigation going on over this because of claims that older vehicles absolutely will not handle the higher alcohol percentage. When I say 'older vehicles', the age of vehicles claimed to be negatively affected by upping the alcohol percentage was less than 10 years old.

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York