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Covering copper brake and fuel lines
Ocahan - 14/9/15 at 07:19 PM

Is it ok to cover copper brake and fuel lines with a good quality heat shrink tubing?
Just starting building my new Mnr vortx and hate the look of the raw copper.
Had considered braided stainless but decided now to run with the copper if I can cover it up??
Simon

big-vee-twin - 14/9/15 at 07:24 PM

It will be covered up by your car eventually

Ocahan - 14/9/15 at 07:27 PM

I should have said, is it ok for the IVA and MOT tests to cover the copper?

Ugg10 - 14/9/15 at 07:31 PM

I don't have iva to worry about but I have done this on my anglia. Used clear heatshrink and you can hardly notice it us there but hopefully keeps the pipe nice and shiny. Give it a good rub with wire wool or glasspaper before to start with a good shine. I found it easier to put on the heat shrink before bending, bend the pipe and then heat it after with a hot air gun.

Also worth paying the bit extra for kunifer (copper and nickel) pipe rather than 100% copper, it has a better fatigue life but is a little harder to bend.


[Edited on 14/9/15 by Ugg10]

[Edited on 14/9/15 by Ugg10]

coyoteboy - 14/9/15 at 08:08 PM

Why are you covering it?

blakep82 - 14/9/15 at 08:12 PM

Im putting mine inside that clear braided PVC hose, IF the line was ever to fracture, the PVC would contain it so it leaks out somewhere visible (and in my case away from my the exhaust) and protects it from grit, stones, rocks etc

adithorp - 14/9/15 at 08:21 PM

Covering it won't be an IVA or MOT issue; Lots of tin tops have sections covered.

I'd have more issue with the fairly large unsupported loop that's liable to vibrate quite a bit. Given that copper pipe work hardens, I'd worry about it fracturing near the union eventually.

coyoteboy, I think this might be a clue... "hate the look of the raw copper"

The Black Flash - 14/9/15 at 08:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by big-vee-twin
It will be covered up by your car eventually


^^^^ Yep. You'll barely see it when it's done. tbh I'd rather have it accessible for when you find you need to change it/fix it/replace it.

Ocahan - 14/9/15 at 08:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Covering it won't be an IVA or MOT issue; Lots of tin tops have sections covered.

I'd have more issue with the fairly large unsupported loop that's liable to vibrate quite a bit. Given that copper pipe work hardens, I'd worry about it fracturing near the union eventually.

coyoteboy, I think this might be a clue... "hate the look of the raw copper"

The pipes are only roughly formed into place at the min. Once I get them heat shrinked I'll tidy them in a little and make sure there well supported with clips every 6"
My Mnr I going to be r1 powered so excited about the build now 👍

Rosco86 - 14/9/15 at 08:51 PM

Thats what ive done

coyoteboy - 14/9/15 at 08:52 PM

quote:

coyoteboy, I think this might be a clue... "hate the look of the raw copper"


Oh dear god. I need more sleep.

Ocahan - 14/9/15 at 09:03 PM

Had a play with an off cut of fuel line tonight,if it's definitely not an IVA issue I think I'll cover them with heat shrink tubing :-)

big-vee-twin - 15/9/15 at 06:55 AM

How will you ever spot a crack or problem before its a total failure?

CosKev3 - 15/9/15 at 06:55 AM

You can buy the fuel pipe already covered

If your really bothered about the look of copper brake pipes get yourself a small artists brush and paint them once fitted
I did it on a 306 Rallye that I re-piped/de-ABS'ed and they did look good

CosKev3 - 15/9/15 at 06:58 AM

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Slimy38 - 15/9/15 at 07:14 AM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Covering it won't be an IVA or MOT issue; Lots of tin tops have sections covered.


quote:
Originally posted by big-vee-twin
How will you ever spot a crack or problem before its a total failure?


So how do tin tops deal with the fact that it's covered?

Thinking about it, I've only ever had brake pipes fail the MOT where the coating has chipped off exposing the pipe underneath. Is it reasonable to expect a pipe to last if the sleeve is protecting it (especially if it's kunifer rather than copper?)

Mr Whippy - 15/9/15 at 12:04 PM

I slap tons of underseal over my cars pipes, fitting and hoses and the MOT guy never moans about it

prawnabie - 15/9/15 at 12:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Covering it won't be an IVA or MOT issue; Lots of tin tops have sections covered.


quote:
Originally posted by big-vee-twin
How will you ever spot a crack or problem before its a total failure?


So how do tin tops deal with the fact that it's covered?

Thinking about it, I've only ever had brake pipes fail the MOT where the coating has chipped off exposing the pipe underneath. Is it reasonable to expect a pipe to last if the sleeve is protecting it (especially if it's kunifer rather than copper?)


Usually some king of steel on a tin top im guessing

Angel Acevedo - 15/9/15 at 01:03 PM

That may need some "Royal Treatment" to bend in place...

coyoteboy - 16/9/15 at 05:41 PM

quote:

How will you ever spot a crack or problem before its a total failure?


IF a brake pipe has crack that's visible to the human eye, it's failed and will leak. If it's corroded, you'll see it with clear covering but without clear covering it's no different to a tin-top, only tin-tops usually use steel pipes and so they're actually more likely to corrode under the coverings (I've replaced many).

They key is prevention. Support it correctly, coat it correctly and it won't fail, making it riskier but more observable is a bit backward.

CosKev3 - 16/9/15 at 06:02 PM

A lot of tin tops have brake pipes running above the fuel tanks,so no chance of checking those!

coyoteboy - 16/9/15 at 06:26 PM

Personally, if I were going to wrap it I'd be ensuring water couldn't get up the ends - seems like a potential water trap location that isn't needed to me.

Rosco86 - 16/9/15 at 07:32 PM

I've used heat shrink with glue that melts when you heat it so water can't get in, also my cars not going out in the rain!, haha

britishtrident - 16/9/15 at 07:49 PM

Copper pipe isn't the ideal choice for brake lines but corrosion won't be an issue.

FERRARIST - 18/9/15 at 02:19 PM

Correct me if i'm wrong but heat shrink-ing copper pipes prevents heat from coming IN, or going OUT.......And why some need to keep heat from going out of the pipes.......However AFAIK brake fluid boils into calipers first.......
Oh, yes - it's looking nice.....