fuel lines

[Kathy L]

just read with interest the thread on fuel line size. one comment was made about not soldering fuel lines. i'm in the process of making new pickup tubes and was wondering if anyone had any input on any drawbacks to using soft solder on the copper tube into the tank fitting. (lead free solder). thanks. John

 

[REBrueckner]

I read the thread, did not see any comment about soldering. In general, solder lasts for 100 years in home water lines and should be extremely durable in a marine fuel application. Perhaps some people prefer a compression or other type fitting rather than solder;that might be easier working around fuel, otherwise I doubt it mkes much difference. My Hatteras water lines are copper tubing with brass compression fittings. If your worry is longevity, proper support for copper lines to prevent any movement, use of vibration padding at appropriate points, and keeping the lines out of bilge water,are far more important.

 

[Kathy L]

REB, Genesis #21 (on the thread). Sounds like referring to a passage from the Bible.
What I was referring to was the effect of diesel fuel on soft solder.
Actually, with Tom Slane's suggestion, what I did today was silver solder the pickup tube to the fitting so I wouldn't have to worry about it. Thanks. John