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Any problems using copper pipe/soldered joints in coolant system..?
foes - 24/9/08 at 05:13 PM

as the title really, i've used a fair bit of copper pipe, tee's and reducers in my coolant system (mainly because it was free, ha ha) with soldered joints. I know other people have also but wondered if anyone had ever encountered any problems eg. the soldered joint cracking due to vibration etc etc....?

thanks


stuart_g - 24/9/08 at 05:30 PM

My pipes are done this way, no problems so far.


westf27 - 24/9/08 at 05:39 PM

had one part company from the hose at the weekend.The soldered joint was fine but you dont have that shoulder flange on the pipe that you get with a proper coolant connector.


adithorp - 24/9/08 at 05:50 PM

Mine are like that. 2000 miles so far and no problems. I put a stieght connector on the ends for the hoses to grip and not blow off. Others have soldered olives on instead.

I once made coolant pipes to run front to rear on an old Subaru pick up (Suzuki Carry size but rear engine) this way and they lasted 40,000 miles untill it was sold on.

adrian


jacko - 24/9/08 at 05:54 PM

Mine have been like that for 4+ years
and all ok i soldered a olive on the pipe ends were rubber pipes were fitted

jacko


omega 24 v6 - 24/9/08 at 05:55 PM

quote:

had one part company from the hose at the weekend.The soldered joint was fine but you dont have that shoulder flange on the pipe that you get with a proper coolant connector.



My solution for this was to strip some copper wire from twin and earth cable. Wrap it round the copper pie and solder it as well. Have'nt tried it in anger yet but run it up to temp 3 times.


adam1985 - 24/9/08 at 08:22 PM

little trick i use if need to connect a hose to copper is tighten a nut and olive on the pipe then take it of. make sure you can take the nut of too so dont solder the other end. then push the rubber hose over the pipe and olive and dubilee clip this way you have the ridge and the hose will never come off


02GF74 - 25/9/08 at 08:25 AM

I have short sections of copper pipe reducers to connect V8 manifold to series land rover radiator.

Been on for 3 years (seems like more) and no problems yet; no olives either. Rescued attachment hose3.JPG
Rescued attachment hose3.JPG