Aluminum Fuel Line

[747driver]

What is the inner diameter of the 3/8 OD Aluminum fuel line? Aircraft Spruce offers different 3/8 tubing and would like to have the correct one before I open the fuel lines and possibly replace them. It goes on a PA-18-95.

[tamarack]

The 3/8" aluminum fuel lines I use are 5052-O alloy with a wall thickness of .035".

Vickie

[mike mcs repair]

Best to use the hard alum fuel lines as they are anodized to prevent corrosion.... You usually try to have all fuel system parts made from anodized items( it's a elctrosis? Coating)

Not just for pretty..... Has a very useful side...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing

[swoeric]

the anodize is fairly thin unless its type 3 which is also known as hardcoat. the non hard coat is very easy to scratch through, the hardcoat is on your pots and pans great wear surface and lubricity. the others are for paint adhesion because of the wicking action, where the wet paint is pulled into the pores of the anodize.

if you had any questions on where you might benefit give me a shout , aircraft anodize is what i do all day

[mike mcs repair]

......
if you had any questions on where you might benefit give me a shout , aircraft anodize is what i do all day

keep talking, we are all ears!

[tamarack]

I have seen the softer 2024-0 lines used, and they are supplied with the CubCrafters headerless fuel modification. But the soft lines seem to get more dents, are easier to damage from abrasion (my observations) and do not have the same pressure limits as the 5052-0.

Any other thoughts out there?

Vickie

[fatcub]

Kiped from the Alaskan Copper and Brass website. Sounds like the 5052 is a good way to go to me.

5052 - For many years, until the advent of 5083 and 5086, this alloy was the highest strength non-heat-treatable alloy commercially available. Although easily welded, it is not recommended for brazing and soldering applications. Excellent corrosion-resistance, particularly in marine applications, and adapts to most mechanical and finishing processes although the heavier anodic fi lms may take on a yellowish cast. Fair machining with proper set-up. Typical end uses include fuel tanks, truck-trailer side panels, small boat hulls, truck cabs, bumpers, storage tanks and pressure vessels.