Author Topic: replacement for copper cooling lines  (Read 1359 times)

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Offline melinprov

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replacement for copper cooling lines
« on: July 18, 2020, 06:08:43 PM »
anyone ever replace their copper water lines with braided steel or copper? ( Volvo Penta engines ) I have seen it done once but could not find out if it was successful---seems to me they used copper in the original engines to act as a extra cooling element -so rubber seems out of the question? Steel and copper braid look great but can cost a pretty penny. You can see these lines in this picture

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: replacement for copper cooling lines
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2020, 06:31:50 PM »
Never had a Volvo apart, but I can't see the copper lines providing enough heat dissapation to be a concern.  How the lines are terminated might explain why they used copper, compression or flare?  Braided stainless would look nice, but honestly probably not worth the cost unless you are making the overall engine pretty as well.   I'd probably opt for function now and get that craft on the water.  Maybe repair the copper if damaged?    Now one thing to consider is that copper will shine up nicely, and stay that way with a clear coating.  Worked on many show car fuel systems that looked classy in bright copper.   Just some thoughts.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline melinprov

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Re: replacement for copper cooling lines
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2020, 09:40:48 PM »
WOW -after I painted the engine black-including the exhaust and took the tape and paper off I used to cover the copper, I was really pleased. The copper and black look great together. I will polish it out a little and clear coat it!

Offline melinprov

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Re: replacement for copper cooling lines
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2020, 09:51:53 PM »
kinda dirty but I like the look

Offline melinprov

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Re: replacement for copper cooling lines
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2020, 05:26:31 PM »
Done---I like it

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: replacement for copper cooling lines
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2020, 08:43:33 PM »
Nicely done and manufacture correct.  I like it.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude