Using Aluminum Hard Fuel Line

[jpratt]

Been looking at using aluminum hard lines to run from near tank to engine bay then switching over to flex line. Anybody have experience using aluminum hard fuel lines?

 

[CGASTON]

I am currently running hard lines. Nick Micale has an E85 car also that runs hard lines.

 

[Scott Atk]

Where are you guys sourcing the line? All the aluminum hard lines listed on Summit/Jegs, etc. state they are for low pressure.

 

[Pronto]

You might try Cunifer rather than aluminum.

 

[Hot Air]

Go with steel for hard lines. I would not recommend aluminum. It would have to be tied down really well, may not survive high pressure, and will surely work harden (and crack) due to flexing and vibration.
Conrad

 

[Scott Atk]

Any reason why this wouldn't work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/304-304L-SS...350?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a39b27f6
It's mainly for the home brewing/moonshining sector but I would think it should work great for E85. This is 304 stainless but they have 316 listed as well for slightly more $.
I need to get with Tickle or Popcorn Sutton and see what they think.

 

[Pronto]

SS would be hell to bend up. Flairing would be more difficult too. Convert-a-flair fittings might be better than trying to flair the line.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

I use the actual Aeroquip aluminum line for missles and rockets here at work and no reported line failures on that stuff. I use the summit brand stuff on my car, and I cant tell the difference between the 2. Anything that is labeled AN is supposed to meet the specs to be sold under that. weather its true or not...... your call.

it will hold high pressure well, but its not reccomended for "IMPULSE" pressure.... in other words, no sudden high psi spikes.

 

[czimpel]

Is there any worry about the aluminum cracking under the constant vibration of a car?

 

[John Larkin]

The reason for steel is schrapnel can fly up from the road and puncture a softer material. Steel is more resilient.

 

[turboc87gn]

We have it on my buddies racecar no probs, just use the rubber cushioned p clips to mount it and make sure you have flexible line at the engine...

 

[DR BOOST]

Any reason why this wouldn't work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/304-304L-SS...350?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a39b27f6
It's mainly for the home brewing/moonshining sector but I would think it should work great for E85. This is 304 stainless but they have 316 listed as well for slightly more $.
I need to get with Tickle or Popcorn Sutton and see what they think.

that is an awesome idea.....especially if you can tig fittings on the ends....maybe use a length of flexible line where it leaves the frame

 

[Scott Atk]

It comes bright annealed so I think it should bend and flare decent. Most generic 37* flaring tools say they are not for stainless steel, I'm trying to locate the correct tool locally now.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

I've done a "few" ss line apps on street rods..Flaring is a single flare, bending is done w/ a HD mechanical bender.
With the availability of the ferrule type fittings, I think the next go will be with them, eliminating the flaring. [We've also used silver soldering ss tube and fittings.]
I've not seen alum tubing with E85 in it. But, I've seen many injectors that have been run w/ alum fuel cells and rails, that have had methanol thru them. [10.5 outlaw cars]. NOT PRETTY! The trik is supposedly to have the insides of all the transfer parts hard anodized...

 

[Pronto]

That makes using teflon sound worth the extra money, easier to fab and no corrosion issues.

 

[Mark E.]

Used Aluminum line on my Vista. Easy to run and cheap, but I am not happpy with it. Going teflon like I did with my GN soon. Do teflon once and don't look back. My $.02

 

[TURBOPOWERED68]

i have been using an aluminum feed line for about 6 years and no problems.
1-Fuel sender
2-short rubber hose
3-aluminum line (from rear end to about the flywheel)
4-Flared fitting
5-Fuel filter
6-Steel braided
7-Fuel rail

Good luck

 

[dr_frankenstein]

just got a reply back from a manufactor of the stuff, both aeroquip and russell rate the line up to 250psi